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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-07 Planning Board Minutes PLANNING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF APRIL 7, 2009 MINUTES Board Members Present Allie Brown, Chairman Nathaniel Rosenblatt Jeff Barnes Doug Damon John Miller Miles Theeman Andy Sturgeon City Staff Present: David Gould James Ring Bud Knickerbocker Lynn Johnson Item No. 1: Election of Officers for 2009. Mr. Theeman moved to nominate Allie Brown as Chairman of the Planning Board for 2009. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. As there were no other nominations, nominations ceased. The Board voted 7 to 0 in favor of the motion. Mr. Theeman moved to nominate Nathaniel Rosenblatt as Vice Chairman of the Planning Board for 2009. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. There were no other nominations and nominations ceased. The Board voted 7 to 0 in favor of the motion. CONSENT AGENDA As no one wished to remove the item for discussion, Chairman Brown asked for a motion. Mr. Rosenblatt moved to approve the Consent Agenda. The motion was seconded by Mr. Theeman and passed unanimously. The item approved is as follows: 2 Item No. 2: Site Development Plan approval to construct a 24’ wide access road off of Hildreth Street North to the entrance of the Maine Army Guard Training Institute Facility in an Airport Development District. Maine Army National Guard, applicant. PUBLIC HEARINGS Item No. 3: To amend the Land Development Code by changing part of a parcel of land located at 288 Union Street from Government and Institutional Service District to Contract Multi-Family and Service District. Said part of a parcel containing approximately 34,500 sq. ft. Community Housing of Maine, applicant. C.O. # 09-117. Chairman Brown opened the Public Hearing and asked for a presentation by the applicant or its representative. Mr. Bill Lane, of Gartley & Dorsky Engineering and Surveying, as well as, Randy Poulton with Nickerson & O’Day and Erin Cooperrider, Development Director with Community Housing of Maine were present in support of this Contract Zone Change application. Mr. Lane explained that the applicant is proposing to utilize the Maine Hall dormitory building (formerly a part of the Bangor Theological Seminary property) for as many as 30 units of residential housing. Mr. Lane discussed the proposed contract conditions noting that the applicant proposes to construct 30 units or less, impose an age standard of 55 years or older, and obtain an agreement with Seminary Redevelopment LLC (or its successors) for shared circulation, vehicle access and parking. Mr. Rosenblatt asked if the applicant had looked into whether this historic building could be rehabilitated into housing and meet handicapped or ADA Standards. Ms. Erin Cooperrider indicated that the building has already been looked at by an architect and a historic specialist and they feel that the building can house a maximum of 30 units and meet fire codes and handicap accessible requirements. Mr. Damon asked what type of units that they are proposing. Ms. Cooperrider indicated that at present they are proposing studio and one bedroom apartments. Mr. Paul Cook, of Seminary Redevelopment LLC, told the Board that he could not imagine a reuse of this building that would have less impact. He said that he felt that this investment is going to be one that all can be proud of. 3 No one spoke in opposition. Chairman Brown closed the Public Hearing and asked for Staff comments. Planning Officer David Gould explained that this is an application for a Contract Zone Change from Government and Institutional Service District to Multi-family and Service District with conditions. Because this is the former Seminary site it is envisioned for government and institutional uses in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Policies. If you replace the institutional use there the area is a continuation from the downtown densities to single family densities on Pond Street. Mr. Gould noted that previously, several of the other former Seminary parcels have been rezoned to Urban Residence 2 District. While staff may have liked to have seen a lower density for this application and a higher age standard to define elderly housing, the reuse of this historic structure for a targeted housing population certainly fills a need in the City. Mr. Gould indicated that the Staff recommended that the Board recommend approval to the City Council. Board Members discussed the proposed contract conditions, parking needs associated with this type of use, and proposed use of the site if this project does not move forward. Mr. Gould noted the Board needs to rely on the conditions of the contract and not the present applicant before them. Mr. Barnes moved that the Board recommend to the City Council that the zone change request contained in C.O. # 09-117 from Government and Institutional Service District to Contract Multi-family and Service District for a portion of 288 Union Street for Community Housing of Maine be approved. Mr. Theeman seconded the motion which carried by a voted of 7 to 0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Item No. 4: Planning Board Approval of Minutes. Chairman Brown indicated that the Minutes of the March 21, 2009 meeting were in order. Mr. Rosenblatt moved to approve the Minutes of the March 21, 2009 Planning Board Meeting. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. The Board voted 7 to 0 in favor of the motion. Other Business Chairman Brown welcomed newly appointed Member Andy Sturgeon to the Board. There being no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.