A look at York’s Nov. 4 General Referendum

Well, it is that time of year again. Time, that is, to vote on the articles presented on our annual General Referendum. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to follow all of the discussion on these issues, I will provide you with a brief description of the articles that you are being asked to vote on.

ARTICLE ONE. This article will amend the zoning ordinance in order to allow for the development and construction of Workforce Affordable Housing in York. The article seeks approval of a Workforce Affordable Housing Overlay District that will permit increased density to build, for sale or rent, housing working people of moderate incomes. Only the York Housing Authority or a nonprofit housing corporation, as defined by Maine state statutes, would be eligible to offer the dwelling units.

ARTICLE TWO. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to alter the provisions for nonconforming structure expansions. The goal of the amendment is to allow vertical and horizontal expansion of nonconforming structures and, at the same time, ensure that the expansion is consistent with existing neighborhood patterns of development, particularly adjacent properties.

ARTICLE THREE. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to require a stormwater management plan for any non-residential development in 12 zoning districts in the town and to require that the design period for the plan be changed from a 50-year storm to a 100-year storm.

ARTICLE FOUR. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to create a new village zoning district vicinity of Short Sands Beach. The new district would be called the York Beach Village Center Zone and would be located in an area that is currently zoned BUS-3 and BUS-6. The stated goal of the amendment is, in part, to help support coordinated improvements to businesses, residences and public places through a predictable and timely process.

ARTICLE FIVE. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to significantly change the administrative provisions and design standards of the Shoreland Overlay District. The amendment is being proposed in order to remain in compliance with state law.

ARTICLE SIX. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to designate additional areas near Mount Agamenticus and the water supply reservoirs as Resource Protection. The amendment is being proposed in order to provide additional protections to wetlands and adjacent uplands in the vicinity of Mount Agamenticus and the water supply watershed areas.

ARTICLE SEVEN. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to address state- required standards for protection of inland waterfowl and wading bird habitat.

ARTICLE EIGHT. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to address state-required standards for coastal bluffs by strictly regulating any activity on the face of a coastal bluff along tidal waters.

ARTICLE NINE. This article will amend the Residential Growth Ordinance by extending the ordinance for one year. The ordinance is currently set to terminate on Nov. 15, 2008, if not extended.

ARTICLE TEN. This article is the result of a citizens' petition and was not recommended by any town of York staff member, board or commission. The Board of Selectmen is obligated to put this article on the referendum however, the Board of Selectmen and town staff are opposed to this article due to possible adverse impacts on emergency service mutual aid agreements in the future. This article will amend the zoning ordinance to prevent the planning board from issuing final approval or the code enforcement officer from issuing a building permit for any proposed access from within the town of York for any proposed development in an adjoining municipality with sole access through York until the municipal officers approve a municipal services agreement and the agreement is approved by the voters.

ARTICLE ELEVEN. This article will amend the Comprehensive Plan to allow for an additional classification of the public sewer service area. The amendment adds an area entitled Southern Route 1 Service Area, which would allow for extension of the sewer service area for development defined as workforce or affordable housing. The amendment also allows for a boundary line adjustment in the northwest section of the priority service area.

If you have any questions about any of the proposed articles, or any other questions or comments, please feel free to call me at 363-1000 or email me at ryandow@yorkmaine.org.