Hancock board orders independent appraisal peer review, continues ITW hearing to Sept. 2

After extensive public comment and debate about the quality and scope of ITW's property valuation report, the Hancock Planning Board voted to commission an independent peer review. The motion, made by Jim Callahan and seconded by Joe Cummings, directed the board to obtain a certified appraiser to review the appraisal prepared for ITW and to complete that review within four weeks.

Chair Kevin Murphy restated the motion for the record: "to have a peer review of the real estate property report that's been prepared by RTW by certified appraiser to be conducted within the next 4 weeks." ITW counsel and the applicant said they would make their appraiser available to answer the board's questions at the continued hearing, and that they would cooperate with escrow arrangements for payment. The board also voted, with the applicant's assent, to continue the hearing to Sept. 2 to allow time for the peer review and for board members and the public to digest recently filed materials.

Why it matters: The peer review directly addresses a central factual dispute — whether the applicant's appraisal methodology and data support claims about property devaluation — and the outcome could affect the board's willingness to grant waivers or a conditional use permit.

What's next: The town will procure the peer reviewer (the board directed a member to act as point person and work with town staff on contracting); ITW will be billed and asked to deposit peer‑review funds into an escrow account. The hearing will resume on Sept. 2, at which time the peer reviewer and ITW's appraiser are expected to be available for questioning.