Lot 189 is a plot of land that stretches around the southern side of French Island, in yellow in the above map. ... Read more

The Native American name for this part of the island is "Matewanikanok", Place for Tanning Hides. This use of the southern part of the island took advantage of the open area and access to the refreshing breezes of the river. ... Read more

The land was abandoned in 1930 and the city made no attempt to seize it then. After 30 years the State of Maine could have claimed it as an abandoned Transit Line. They, like the city, did not do the paperwork. ... Read more

Lawyers for the city eventually admitted they did not have a title to Lot 189. They incorrectly claimed the title to the land did not exist. City Council took their advice, unfortunately. In an unannounced meeting, the Council condemned it on August 19, 2019. They then used eminent domain laws to claim ownership of the land. ... Read more