HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-20 Planning Board Minutes
PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR
MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2012
MINUTES
Board Members Present: Miles Theeman, Chairman
Paul Bolin
Charles Boothby, Alternate Member
Doug Damon
John Kenney
John Miller
Andrew Sturgeon
Julie Williams
City Staff Present: David Gould
Peter Witham
Chairman Theeman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item No. 1: Amending the Land Development Code Chapter 165, Section
mending the Land Development Code Chapter 165, Section
165-13 Definitions – defining fitness center and adding it to
165-13 Definitions – defining fitness center and adding it to
recreational use; and, Chapter 165, Section 165-103 C. Industry
recreational use; and, Chapter 165, Section 165-103 C. Industry
and Service District – adding fitness center to the list of
and Service District – adding fitness center to the list of
Permitted Uses. City of Bangor, applicant. C.O. # 12-096.
Permitted Uses. City of Bangor, applicant. C.O. # 12-096.
Chairman Theeman opened the Public Hearing. Planning Officer David Gould
indicated the proposed amendment was intended to allow for fitness centers within Industry
and Service Districts where existing buildings may uniquely fit their reuse needs. Mr. Gould
noted that in many instances industrial parks are designed and built by the City for the
specific needs of industrial users who otherwise might not have a suitable location. The City
most often sells the lots to facilitate specific entities for industrial uses. The Economic
Development Office was contacted by a party interested in reuse of an industrial building that
was uniquely suited to their needs with large open spans and high ceilings. The proposed
zoning amendment was crafted to accommodate that need and avoid a vacant unused
2
building, but also to protect the industrial districts from widespread displacement by
nonindustrial uses.
There were no opponents or proponents speaking to this zoning amendment.
Chairman Theeman closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Sturgeon asked if the provision limiting reuse to existing buildings was tight
enough to prohibit someone from constructing a building with the intent to turn it into a
fitness center use. Mr. Gould indicated he thought that was unlikely, there are many other
zones that would accommodate the use, and the interest is in an existing structure which
has the right dimensional characteristics that make it ideal. Lots in industrial parks that are
owned by the City are most often sold based on a specific development proposal so that it is
unlikely that a nonindustrial use would be endorsed by the Economic Development Office.
Mr. Damon asked if other industrial neighbors were notified and if such a change
might be inconsistent with their use and understanding of what could take place in the
industrial park. Mr. Gould responded that text amendments are advertised, but specific
notices are not mailed, as the amendment would apply district-wide. Mr. Gould indicated the
amendment was developed at the request of the Economic Development Office and
supported by the Business and Economic Development Committee.
Mr. Gould noted that an alternative approach would be rezoning a parcel to
accommodate a broader use, but such approach has its drawbacks as well and is somewhat
costly to the applicant.
There being no further discussion, Chairman Theeman asked for a motion. Mr. Bolin
moved to recommend passage of Council Ordinance No. 012-96 to the City Council. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Kenney and it passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Item No. 2: Planning Board Approval of Minutes.
As there were no minutes for consideration, this item was continued to the Board’s
next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.