HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-03-18 Planning Board Minutes
PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR
MEETING OF MARCH 18, 2014
MINUTES
Board Members Present: Paul Bolin, Vice Chairman
Charles Boothby
John Kenney
Wayne Mallar
Dora McCarthy, Alternate Member
John Miller
Julie Williams
City Staff Present: David Gould
Peter Witham
Vice Chairman Bolin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. In the absence of
Chairman Sturgeon, Alternate Member McCarthy was asked to vote.
CONSENT AGENDA
Item No. 1: Site Location of Development Modification approval to
revise the lot lines of three lots located off of Balsam Road
(Lots 3, 4, and 59) in the Judson Heights Subdivision in a
Low Density Residential District. Jane Shubert, applicant.
Mr. Boothby moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Kenney seconded the
motion, which carried by a vote of 7 to 0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item No. 2: To amend the Land Development Code by changing two
parcels of land located at 1129 and 1139 Stillwater Avenue
from Rural Residence and Agricultural District to General
Commercial and Service District and one parcel of land
located at 349 Longview Drive from Shopping and Personal
Service District to General Commercial and Service District.
Said parcels containing approximately 2.9 acres. Cross
Realty, LLC, applicant. C.O. # 14-110.
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Vice Chairman Bolin opened the Public Hearing and asked for a presentation
from the applicant or their representative.
Attorney Andrew Hamilton indicated that his client Cross Realty, LLC was
requesting a rezoning of three parcels of land totaling approximately 2.9 acres. Mr.
Hamilton noted the request was consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and he
was confident that all public utilities could be provided to the site.
There were no other proponents or opponents to the rezoning request. Vice
Chairman Bolin closed the Public Hearing and asked for Staff comments. Planning
Officer Gould explained that in 2003 when several adjacent parcels were rezoned the
property at 1139 Stillwater Avenue was a residence. The City's Land Use and Zoning
Policy is for commercial zoning and General Commercial and Service District is
consistent.
Based on its consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and the other adjacent
properties, Mr. Miller made a motion to recommend the proposed zone change to the
City Council. Ms. Williams seconded the motion. The Board voted unanimously in favor
of the motion to recommend that the City Council approve the rezoning from RR&A to
GC&S and S&PS to GC&S as contained in C.O. # 14-110.
Item No. 3: To amend the Land Development Code by changing parts of
two parcels of land containing approximately 1.79 acres
from a Rural Residence and Agricultural District to a Low
Density Residential District. Sonja Bernier and Galen and
Mary Elaine Furge, applicants. C.O. # 14-111.
Vice Chairman Bolin opened the Public Hearing and asked for a presentation by
the applicants or their representative.
Mr. Darrell Ginn, Professional Land Surveyor, indicated he represented Sonja
Bernier and Galen and Mary Elaine Furge. Mr. Ginn noted that the request was based
on some prior development activity that encroached onto Mr. Furge's property. The
rezoning was part of the solution to resolve setback and encroachment issues.
Mr. Galen Furge, of 970 Kenduskeag Avenue, noted that the rezoning would help
resolve the existing development dilemma that exists on the property.
No one spoke in opposition to the request. Vice Chairman Bolin closed the Public
Hearing and asked for Staff comments. Planning Officer Gould explained that this
portion of Kenduskeag Avenue is served by public sewer and water. While the area has
been historically zoned Rural Residence and Agriculture, it is suited to a more urban,
low density development. Both the homes in question are single-family residences and
the change benefits the properties due to the reduction in required setbacks from a
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rural side yard of 20 feet to an LDR setback of 10 feet. The City's Land Use and Zoning
Policy is for low density residential zoning along the Kenduskeag Stream.
Vice Chairman Bolin asked if there were other options available to the applicants
to resolve the development issue. Mr. Gould noted there were but rezoning is one
which does involve the Planning Board and City Council. Based on its consistency with
the Comprehensive Plan and the existing uses not likely to change it was one option
that did not involve radical alterations to the structures or property lines.
Mr. Kenney moved to recommend to the City Council the proposed zone change
from RR&A to LDR as contained in C.O. # 14-111. Mr. Miller seconded the motion and
the Board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council adopt C.O. # 14-111.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Item No. 4: Planning Board Approval of Minutes.
Vice Chairman Bolin indicated that the Minutes of the March 4, 2014 Meeting
were in order. Mr. Boothby pointed out that Chairman Sturgeon’s last name was
misspelled in the first paragraph on Page 1 and moved to amend the Minutes with the
correct spelling. Mr. Miller seconded the motion. The Board voted 7 to 0 in favor of the
motion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m.