York Town News
Planning Board says yes to barbecue, Rite Aid and new Brixham plan
By Jennifer L. Saunders
YORK - During a marathon meeting last Thursday, July 12, a mix of seasoned and new Planning Board members tackled a full agenda of high-profile projects, including a Rite Aid coming to Route 1 and a first-ever Zacharias Farm barbecue festival.
Planning Board Chairman Glen MacWilliams was joined by fellow board members Tom Manzi and Barrie Munro and their recently appointed counterparts Lew Stowe and David Woods for a meeting that stretched on into the night with everything from discussions of how the town should address temporary events like the barbecue festival to questions about a five-lot subdivision in Kittery that could only be accessed through a York neighborhood.
First on the agenda, the board voted to include oversight of temporary events, such as the Zach's Farm barbecue festival, as part of the Planning Board's subdivision regulations, paving the way for a discussion of the event, which is planned for early August.
After addressing such questions as plans for parking and on the site, the applicants received the board's unanimous support for what they hope will become an annual family festival, conditional upon approval by local police and fire officials.
Next on the agenda, the board took another look at proposed amendments to the York Village Business Center project at the intersection of Route1 and Route 91.
Rick Wesley, speaking on behalf of the business center project, confirmed that lighting issues affecting an abutter have been addressed.
Tim Keiter, an attorney representing the Rite Aid development portion of the project, discussed the Planning Board's concerns regarding signage at the site as it was approved by the Code Enforcement Office on June 1. The Planning Board had disagreed with the CEO interpretation of allowing 24-square-feet of signage per wall as opposed to per business structure.
However, based on an opinion from the town's legal counsel, the time has lapsed to appeal that decision.
"It's a sad story that we can't do anything about at this time," MacWilliams said, explaining the Planning Board is at odds with the CEO interpretation but, as the appeal period has expired, the applicant may use the signage as permitted by that office.
The board voted unanimously that construction on the Rite Aid project may now move forward, though the Planning Board may have future discussions about the site parcel itself.
Next on the list, the board discussed a change of use to the historic Brixham Grange on Route 91, which is proposed to become a convenience store with a deli-style, self-serve restaurant on the first floor, a catering business use in the basement and a small function room on the second floor.
The building housed the Brixham Montessori Friends School for several years, but previously was used as a store.
Art Guadano of AG Architects explained that the building's historic preservation deed required Historic District Commission approval for the proposal - which he said has been received - as well as the Planning Board's support.
Manzi suggested a full site review should be held, rather than a change of use, to consider impact on neighboring properties and increased traffic that may come with the new use. He also questioned whether additional landscaping on the site should be required. Munro noted the applicant is not increasing the parking spaces allotted at the grange. MacWilliams acknowledged that the regulations state that planting will be maintained, not added, to the property.
The board voted 3-2 to grant a conditional nod to the plan, pending state approval of septic requirements on the site. Munro, Woods and Stowe voted in favor of the motion, with MacWilliams and Manzi in opposition.
Later in the meeting, an application for a subdivision approved by the Kittery Planning Board, to be accessed only through York off Woodside Meadow Road, was met with strong concerns from abutters.
Ultimately, the board postponed any action on York's required approval of that project, requesting more information on the right-of-way to the subdivision and on how the Kittery Planning Board notified York abutters prior to its meeting on the request.
In other business, the board had its first look at Weare Office Park, a proposal for two new office buildings at 1450 Route 1 and Logging Road; approved the design of Cape Neddick Village Building 1 at 1132 Route 1, and agreed to postpone review of Highland Farm Phase 2 as discussions continue between the owner and conservation groups for a possible sale of portions of the property.
Earlier in the meeting, the board offered praise for Glenn Farrell, who has decided not to seek reappointment after about 15 years on the board, as the longest serving member of the Planning Board.
The board's next regular business meeting is scheduled for Aug. 9.
