York Town News
Residents sound off on vision for YWK
By Jennifer L. Saunders
Oscar Plotkin of Berkshire Development LLC addresses a crowd of residents at York Harbor Inn on Aug. 8, discussing what those in attendance would like to see for the future of the York's Wild Kingdom property. A map shown during the meeting delineates the parcel in question.
Photos by Jennifer L. Saunders
And feedback of all kinds was exactly what Plotkin received on the idea of redesigning zoo and amusement park's 82 acres and, potentially, surrounding lands for a total of about 200 acres, into what one resident described as a Quincy Market-style attraction.
Plotkin said his company, Berkshire Development LLC, does not believe in waging wars with communities, but instead wants to work with local residents toward a goal of creating a mutually satisfactory plan for the site.
Plotkin reiterated his position that the zoo portion of the park will remain in a reconfigured, upgraded form. However, he said, that is not his plan for the amusement park itself.
"It is not going to be an amusement park," Plotkin told the crowd.
Some of those in attendance said they would like to see that component remain, including local resident Wayne Martin, who cited the park's part in the character of York Beach as a family-friendly destination. Others urged Plotkin to consider including such destinations as a small movie theatre, referencing the planned demolition of the York Beach Cinema this fall.
There were some heated moments during the meeting, too, as a handful of the approximately 60 residents and local property owners voiced opposition to any rezone of the property or granting of waivers that would lead to increased commercial development on Route 1. There was a back-and-forth between Plotkin and residents who spoke for conservation on the site and adherence to the existing Route 1 zoning for only 20,000-square-foot commercial buildings or smaller.
"I intend to develop it … with the spirit of York behind me," Plotkin said. "I don't want your questions, I want your answers."
Ultimately, the discourse ended with handshakes, as Plotkin and those in disagreement spoke of wanting to find common ground.
Several of the residents present said new commercial development is exactly what they would like to see - and disagreed with those who spoke out against such growth along that part of the Route 1 zone.
"I think it's really important to have convenience where you live," said local resident Sue Koeppel, whose comments were met with applause from many in the crowd. "… It's about time we had somebody here to do this for us."
Debbie Meyers agreed.
"You've got these Micky-D mansions but we can't have a store," she said to those opposing plans for a commercial development based on the town's zoning for the site.
Plotkin asked for a show of hands supporting the ideas of a project combining shopping options with other attractions such as entertainment venues and an aquarium. The majority of those present raised their hands.
Others questioned why Plotkin had not provided plans showing what such a development would look like, and he reiterated that the purpose of this forum, as was the case with his April 26 visit to York Beach, was to gauge public interest and support.
When asked how many variances he would seek to develop the potentially 200 acres of combined parcels, Plotkin said he does not know at this time because the plan has not been developed.
Plotkin said representatives of Berkshire will have plans in hand upon their next visit to town, adding he is willing to work with the town to address municipal needs as part of the project.
"Within the context of the whole, everything is possible," he said, adding it will ultimately be up to the voters decide if any zoning change is proposed for the parcel. "… We do responsible development, and that's what we want to do in York."
