Great reporting by Robert Thompson, and he seems to be telling it straight forward and on point. If, as Ben says, the authorities were brought in and viewed this project as it was being built (apparently on a regular basis) and this 'encroachment was not noticed', then how can it be a valid issue now? I do hope that Ben, Ran, Rod and all involved with the multi year process have plenty of photo, maybe video documentation of all aspects of the construction, along with photos or video of the proper authorities site visits. Documentation, via photo and video probably has to be S.O.P. in this era, with all the obstructionists that use unethical tactics to insert themselves as they do. I'm all for honest, well reasoned, and necessary environmental protections. There is a big difference between a corporate greedy violation of the environment with egregious and negligent land abuse methods to maximize profits of depleting resources from the ground, and a gentle recreational, minimalistic sowing of a turf sward on previously hideous terrain, IMHO.
I remember seeing pre construction photos of this land at Cabot, and many on-going construction photos. No where did it appear they were abusing anything, and only did seem to be enhancing a previously unsightly-in places piece of ground.
Good luck to the developers and townsfolk.