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,
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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.