Annexation plan for 168 acres draws sharp resident opposition and procedural dispute

A proposed annexation and planned-unit development tied to developer John Lawton prompted extended public comment and an on-the-floor procedural dispute at the Town of Saint John council meeting on Sept. 24. Residents raised concerns about density, potable water impacts on private wells, transparency and potential legal irregularities. Council members attempted a motion to deny Ordinance 18-70 but the town attorney said the matter was not properly on that night’s agenda.

Why it matters: The annexation would bring unincorporated land into Saint John and enable large-scale housing development. Residents and some council members said the plan — described in meeting materials as nearly 972 units — could strain water, roads, schools and emergency services and that the town and several advisory boards were not given adequate time or documentation to review the proposal.

Council discussion began when a council member made a motion to deny Ordinance 18-70, which the transcript records…