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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-02 Planning Board MinutesPLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR Board Members Present: City Staff Present: MEETING OF May 2, 2017 MINUTES John Kenney, Chairman Charles Boothby Pete Parizo Dora McCarthy Phyllis Guerette Nelson Durgin Chuck LeBlanc, Alternate Member David G. Gould, Planning Officer Paul Nicklas, Assistant City Solicitor Chairman Kenney called the meeting to order at 7.00p.m. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item No. 1: To amend the Land Development Code by amending Section 165-90 Multifamily and Service District (M&SD) to add Personal Services Establishments as proposed in Section 165-13, as Permitted Uses and Conditional Uses —City of Bangor Applicant. C.O. #17-146 Chair Kenney opened the Public Hearing and Assistant City Solicitor Paul Nicklas provided the Board with an overview of the proposed amendment. The intent is to provide for some service businesses in the Multifamily and Service District in some mixed use locations. Larger personal services businesses would have the guidelines for business or professional office (a Conditional Use), and single person personal services business would be allowed as a permitted use similar to a home occupation. The parking requirements are specifically designed with the idea of "Walkable Communities" on an urban core model, not a suburban model, z Judy Hilton noted she has a property on State Street which was in an MOD zone and had a small space that could operate as a Personal Service Establishment. Member Durgin noted that in working with AARP, they were looking at ways to make Bangor a "walkable community" to help serve the needs of senior citizens. This is a step in that direction. Member Guerette noted she had a business relationship with Ms. Hilton and wanted to disclose that to the Board. Member Boothby made a motion that Member Guerette had a conflict of interest and could be excused. Member Parizo seconded the motion, and Board voted four in favor and two opposed to excuse Member Guerrette. When Member Guerette left the Chambers, the Board resumed discussion of the amendment. Member Boothby was concerned that the parking standard may not be sufficient to meet the demand, especially if multiple clients are awaiting service. Mr. Gould noted the concept is based on the theory that many customers will come from the nearby residential neighborhood and will walk to the establishment. Chair Kenney thought this would be a good concept for the City. Member Boothby asked if there were other changes which embrace the walkable city concept. Assistant City Solicitor Nicklas said there were other changes that Staff is working on. Mr. Gould noted that while there may be several we're working on, it is unlikely that they will all be before the Board at once, as we like to avoid getting ahead of ourselves and like to focus on one issue at a time. Member Boothby made a motion to recommend that C.O. #17-146 be adopted by the City Council. Member Durgin seconded the motion and the six Board Members voted to send a positive recommendation to the City Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No, 2: Planning Board approval of Minutes Mr. Gould indicated no minutes were ready at this time. ADJOURNMENT With no further items, the Board adjourned at 7:19.