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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-02 Planning Board Minutes PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF OCTOBER 2, 2012 MINUTES Board Members Present: Miles Theeman, Chairman Paul Bolin Charles Boothby, Alternate Member Doug Damon John Kenney John Miller Andy Sturgeon City Staff Present: David Gould Peter Witham Chairman Theeman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In the absence of Board Member Williams, Alternate Member Boothby was asked to vote. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item No. 1: Preliminary Subdivision Plan approval of a 7-lot subdivision located at 125 Fern Street and 166 Pearl Street in a Contract Multi-family and Service District. Bangor Steam Laundry, LLC, applicant. Chairman Theeman opened the Public Hearing and asked for a presentation by the applicant. Mr. Robert Kelly indicated that he is seeking approval of a 7-lot subdivision located at 125 Fern Street and 166 Pearl Street. He briefly discussed a prior application in which they proposed to construct condominium units. Because of economic constraints it was not feasible for them to construct the proposed units. They are now before the Board seeking subdivision approval to construct single-family homes on the lots. He indicated that they are proposing to demolish the former New Franklin Laundry building on the site. They are also proposing to retain the existing three unit building as well. Chairman Theeman asked for comments from proponents. Christopher Olsen a Fern Street resident and H. Blaine Mainly a Palm Street resident both indicated that they were in favor of the project. They also indicated that they felt that single-family 2 homes were more appropriate for this neighborhood. Another concern has been the poor condition of the vacant former laundry building. There being no further comments, Chairman Theeman closed the Public Hearing and asked for Staff comments. Planning Officer Gould indicated that the proposal is for a 7-lot subdivision. Because it is over 5 lots, it is considered a major subdivision which requires both preliminary plan and final plan approvals. While the lots are on existing streets and no public improvements will need to be provided, they will need to meet applicable lot width and area requirements. In review of the plan it was discovered that there are two sewer easements which bisect the site and any lots will need to be configured so that any future houses will not be placed on top of those easements. Also the lot which presently has a 3-unit building on it requires a minimum of 7,500 sq. ft in area. There is a portion of land on the plan that has not been dedicated. Staff indicated that the applicant has the option of using it as a community garden or deeding it to an abutting property owner. However, it cannot remain on the plan as remaining land. Mr. Gould indicated that Staff finds that the preliminary plan application is in order to proceed to Final Plan. Mr. Sturgeon moved to approve the Preliminary Subdivision Plan for a 7-lot subdivision located at 125 Fern Street and 166 Pearl Street for Bangor Steam Laundry, LLC. Mr. Boothby seconded the motion which passed by a vote of 7 to 0. NEW BUSINESS Item No. 2: Site Development Plan approval for the placement of a portable classroom at the Downeast School located at 100 Moosehead Boulevard in a Government and Institutional Service District. Bangor School Department, applicant. Alan Kochis, representing the Bangor School Department, explained that the School Department has 20 to 30 additional students enrolled at the Downeast School thus the need for additional classroom space. They are requesting approval to place a portable classroom on the site. Mr. Damon asked if the portable classroom would be connected to or separate from the school building. Dr. Betsy Webb explained that the use is for Title 1 program grades 2 and 3. The portable building will be placed so that there will be a direct line from the building to the doorway to the school building which will offer a direct line to the bathrooms. She indicated that because of new homes built in the area they may need to expand the school. Planning Officer Gould explained that the Bangor School Department is requesting the placement of a portable classroom at the Downeast School to ease the 3 need for additional classroom space due to an increase in enrollment. He indicated that the plans are in order and Staff recommended approval. Mr. Damon moved that the Board approve the Site Development Plan to place a portable classroom at the Downeast School at 100 Moosehead Boulevard for Bangor School Department, applicant. Mr. Miller seconded the motion. The Board voted 7 in favor and 0 opposed. Item No. 3: Site Development Plan approval to create a flag lot at 51 Westland Street in an Urban Residence One District and a High Density Residential District. John York, applicant. Mr. John York indicated that he is requesting approval to create a flag lot to build a single-family home on the lot. He indicated that he is not planning to build a four-unit building. Planning Officer Gould explained what a flag lot is under the Land Development Code. Staff found the application consistent with the Land Development Code for flag lots and recommended that the Board grant approval. Mr. Bolin asked about the general notes on the plan and other lotting indicated on the plan. Mr. York explained that a portion of the lot was a part of the former Lois Street which was discontinued and a portion of that area became a part of this lot. Chairman Theeman noting that while this is not a public hearing, opened up the discussion to the audience. Mr. Jim Landry who lives across the street indicated that he would be more comfortable with this if the lot were rezoned as single-family. Chairman Theeman asked for a motion. Mr. Bolin moved to approve the site development plan to create a flag lot at 51 Westland Street for John York, applicant. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boothby, and it passed by a vote of 7 in favor and 0 opposed. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No. 4: Planning Board Approval of Minutes. Chairman Theeman indicated that the Minutes of the September 18, 2012 meeting were in order. Mr. Bolin moved to approve the Minutes of the September 18, 2012 meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Boothby, and it passed by a vote of 7 to 0. 4 As there were no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.