HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-04-23 01-189 RESOLVEbate: 4-23-01
Item/Subject Resolve, Reaffirming the ComprehensNe plan of the City of Bangor in the Stillwater Avenue
and Gilman Road Area and Outlining Steps M Implement ThK Man
Responsible Department City Council
Commentary:
At the State Issues Meeting of April 2, 2001, the Off Council discusses the Chys comprehensive plan as It
addresses issue of development and open space in the SdRwater Avenue/Gilman Road! area. At that time,
staff reviewed the existing comprehensive plan and provided the Council with a number of remmmeMatbns
on steps whidi might be taken W insure that the Man is ImMenxmted and is done so in accondance with the
rights and privileges of pr'wate property owners in Me arsa.
The attached resdve reaffirms the City's camprehemive plan and outlines a number of proposals and
reo]Namencations designed M allow for cgdimretl appropriate development, the protection of land owner
rights and interests, and continued provision of open space art resource protection in this area.
Deportment Head
Managers Comments:
City Manager
Associated Information: Resolve
Finance DireGor
Legal Approval
City lotor
Introduced for
X passage
_ First Reading page_ a
Referral
Assiguea to Councilors crawler, Blanchette. Tremble and vzraamis April 21. 2001
CITY OF BANGOR
(TITLE.) Resolve, Reaffirming the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Bangor in the Sbilwater
Avenue and Gilman Road Area and Outlining Steps to Implement This Plan
WHEREAS, over the past twenty years, the Stillwater Avenue/Hogan Road area has been the
most rapidly growing sector of the City; and
WHEREAS, during the calendar year 2000, the City of Bangor adopted a revised and updated
comprehensive plan which addresses both the future development of this area as
well as areas to be protected either through continued public ownership or land
use and zoning controls; and
WHEREAS, much of this area is located within the City's designated growth area, has or can
easily be served by municipal infrastructure and services, and is within the
boundaries of the existing urban service area; and
WHEREAS, portions of the area in question, particularly along the northwestern side of
Stillwater Avenue and extending to various depths toward the abandoned Veazie
Railway right of way, are identified by the comprehensive plan as appropriate for
commercial development; and
WHEREAS, this relatively undeveloped area remains the largest tract of land available within
the City for commercial development; and
WHEREAS, portions of this area, as identified m the City's comprehensive plan, have been
appropriately zoned for either stream or resource protection in order to preserve
wetlands and wetland values; and
WHEREAS, other areas adjacent to the marsh are also designated by the comprehensive plan
for rural residential and agricultural uses; and
WHEREAS, the City has also undertaken steps to preserve open space and natural resources in
this area through establishing the City Forest and Essex Woods; and
WHEREAS, the current mix of commercial and non-commercial land uses in this area, as
outlined by the comprehensive plan, is appropriate and represents a balanced
approach W development; and
WHEREAS, the City aim respects and recognizes the rights of property owners in this area and
their right to control and "quietly enjoy" their property; and
01-189
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that It Is appropriate to reaffirm the existing
comprehensive plan and to advance proposals designed to allow for continued
development, recognize landowner rights and interests, and protect natural
resources in the Stillwater Avenue/Hogan Road area.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BANGOR,
THAT:
1. We hereby reaffirm the current comprehensive plan, particularly as it applies to the area
northwest of Stillwater Avenue from Gilman Road to Kittredge Road including the proposed
parallel service mad;
2. Recognizing that significant development has occurred along portions of the Penjajawoc
Stream, staff is authorized to institute activities to improve this open space element
through landscaping and pedestrian improvements.
3. Staff shall review the City's rurrent buffer standards to determine whether a specific
standard relating to stream and resource protection should be considered to conserve the
natural aspects of stream shoreline and to provide advance notice to those considering
development adjacent to streams.
4. Staff shall work with the City Council to review the protection currently afforded to the
Penjajawoc marsh. This effort should focus on the main area of the marsh located
northwest of the Veazie Railroad bed. Any recommendations which are developed should
take into account existing land use concepts and ownership patterns as well as property
owner desires and interests. The approach should emphasize seeking conservation and/or
access easements as new development occurs adjacent to the marsh/stream and be
discussed with property owners who wish to preserve open space and traditional land uses.
S. Staff shall evaluate areas adjacent to the City Forest and determine whether any additional
properties should be acquired, subject to land owner interest in selling such property.
6. In conjunction with property owners, staff shall develop a plan for providing access to
public property in the Penjajawoc marsh and stream area. This should include identifying
existing areas of public ownership which may be used for access as well as potential
additional routes if necessary. Where property owners do not wish to allow access across
their land to public areas, the City should explore and devise alternative routes which are
sensitive to the desires of any land owners to maintain their privacy and limit or foreclose
public access.
7. In developing or implementing any plan involving preservation, forest expansion, or public
access which involves private property, the City shall acquire land or easements only
through willing agreement of the property owners.
01-189
8. Staff shall prepare and present to the City Council plans to establish a fund specifically
dedicated to preservation, improvement, and access to the Penjajamc stream/marsh area.
Sources of funding to be considered include: the existing City Forest Trust Fund, impact
fees, grants, donations, and other non -Qty funding sources.
IS CITY COUNCIL
April 23. 2001
!lotion for Passage Nide and
Seconded
Noshes of the Public requested
that Council delay action on tU6
issue
until more facts add research
can be presented. Other member
of the Public urged Passage of this
Resolve
Miles for Passage Bodbted
vote: 8 You. 1 an
Councilors voting yes: Raldacci.
Blanchette. Crowley. Parnham,
Palaer. Robson. Trouble and
gardenia
Councilor voting no: Farrington
passed
v
(TITLE,) 8eaffirnfoS the Comprehensive Plan
of the City of gauger In the Stillwater Avenue
am Gilman Sued Area and outlining Steps to
Implement Me Plan
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