YORK - From ongoing work to address zoning in York Beach to a pending application for Walgreens to locate a new pharmacy on Route 1, the recent meetings have been busy ones for the York Planning Board.
At the regular business meeting on June 12, the board continued its ongoing preliminary review of a proposal by Bayberry LP/Walgreens Pharmacy to locate a Walgreens and additional commercial space at 401 Route 1. The parcel is located adjacent to Cottage Place and across Route 1 from Sanford Institution for Savings and Rite Aid.
Throughout the preliminary review process to date, residential abutters to the parcel have raised concerns about drainage implications for nearby neighborhoods if the land is developed. Review of the plan continues.
The Planning Board is also working on issues related to the revitalization of York Beach, as well as ongoing efforts to address the need for affordable housing in York. And, at another recent meeting, the board discussed energy concerns while reviewing field changes to an approved project with one of the plan's partners, Seth Spiller, who brought up the issue of including a wind turbine to create clean energy.
The town's current ordinances do not allow the height recommended for such structures, Planning Board Chairman Glen MacWilliams explained, encouraging Spiller to work with Town Planner Christine Grimando to create a possible ordinance for the November ballot on the issue of wind power turbines.
"The board knows we want to support alternative energy," MacWilliams said, adding, "getting up above 35 feet, that's a tough one."
Looking to other amendments that might be on the ballot in November, the board scheduled public hearings on June 26. The meeting occurred after press time, but the Planning Board was expected to take public comment on issues ranging from the expansion of nonconforming structures to shoreland zoning amendments and discuss each proposed ordinance change. Ultimately, the board will vote whether to forward those ordinances to the Board of Selectmen for future public hearings and possible inclusion on the November ballot.
Also on the Planning Board's agenda was a time to set priorities for the York Beach Zoning Subcommittee.
The board was also scheduled to discuss the Workforce Affordable Housing Overlay District proposed ordinance amendment at that meeting, which has been brought forward by Board of Selectmen Chairman Mike Estes and Selectman Ted Little. That proposal is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Selectmen on July 21.
Information on the zoning ordinances proposed for the ballot is available at www.yorkmaine.org
