The Lamoine Planning Board was, at times, overwhelmed with business during 2003. At the same time, the board has greatly refined the procedures used to make its decisions. A majority of our board was appointed in the past year, presenting a new learning curve.
Three subdivisions received approval in 2003. An 8-unit subdivision developed off Partridge Cove Road by Tim Ring was approved. Richard King received approval for a 4-unit subdivision off Douglas Highway, and Ronald Simons received approval for an 8-unit subdivision between Douglas Highway and the Jordan River. The board approved 7 gravel pit renewals during the year. Two site plan applications received approval after an extensive review process, including a stump grinding operation between Mill Road and Lamoine Beach Road by Doug Gott & Sons and the operation at the Seal Point Lobster Pound. The latter is before the Lamoine Board of Appeals, and a Shoreland Zoning application by the Lobster Pound owners is pending before the Planning Board at year’s end.
Procedurally, the Planning Board approved a 2-week deadline for applications to be considered, meaning anyone who wishes to appear on the Planning Board agenda must submit materials two weeks prior to the regular meeting. Town staff is now reviewing applications for completeness and contacting applicants with that review. Staff is also supplying checklists for a second completeness review before the board. Once an application is complete, a checklist for the final review and decision has greatly sped up and organized the board’s review process. Recording and display equipment purchased during the year also helped organize meetings at the town hall.
The Board worked hard on proposed changes to the Building and Land Use Ordinance that were rejected at a special town meeting in November. A Floodplain Management Ordinance suggested by the state was approved at that same meeting. The Board is proposing changes to the Building and Land Use Ordinance for the town meeting in March 2004. A summary of the major proposed changes follows on the next two pages.
Finally, several long-time members of the Board retired this year. Our thanks to Joan Bragdon, David Smallidge, Doug Coleman and MaryAnn Orzel for their many years of dedicated service. We welcome new members Stuart Branch, Linda Haft, Cece Ohmart and Brett Jones to the board.
Perry Fowler, Chair
Gordon Donaldson, Vice Chair
Michael Garrett, Secretary
Lamoine Planning Board