David C.M. Galbraith

The Planning Board reviewed a Shoreland Zoning Permit application for a residential home relocation at 75 Fortunes Rocks Road. Key discussion topics included the applicant's adherence to FEMA safety height recommendations and the status of an existing shed that had been displaced by a storm.

The Planning Board addressed several development applications. This included approval for a preliminary subdivision application at 12 Pearl Street for 25 residential units and the Belle Woods subdivision at 512 Pool Street for 8 single-family homes. A site plan application for a commercial facility at 3 Digital Drive was reviewed, while a landscaping amendment for the York County Judicial Center was tabled to be handled by the Code Enforcement Office. Additionally, the Board discussed planner's business regarding expired approvals and engaged in a detailed discussion regarding the management, availability, and reporting of public parking spaces, as well as potential future ordinance changes.

The Planning Board held a meeting to address several agenda items, including the election of a Vice Chair and Secretary. The Board reviewed and approved a subdivision amendment for Longboard Ridge Subdivision, located at 781 Pool Street, which involved a reduction in the number of lots. Additionally, the Board approved a final site and subdivision plan for the redevelopment of buildings 19 and 20 at Pepperell Mills into 64 residential units, including a waiver regarding stormwater requirements. A preliminary subdivision application for a four-unit residential building at 20 Clifford Street was also reviewed and approved. Finally, the Board expressed a need for an additional workshop regarding the solar ordinance.

The board addressed several development applications, including approving a housing ratio adjustment for the Westbrook Development Corporation and granting preliminary and final site plan and subdivision approval for Bateman Partners, LLC for new apartment construction. The board also reviewed and subsequently tabled a sketch plan request for Bedard Homes LLC, as well as a Shoreland and Site Plan Review application for a marine research pier proposed by the University of New England due to the need for an additional site walk. Additionally, the board approved an after-the-fact subdivision request for Richard Potvin.

The committee reviewed and acted upon various operational and financial items, including funding for fire and EMS station property reviews, the acquisition of a new body camera system for the police department, and the installation of EV charging stations. Discussions also covered lead hazard reduction bids, gravel procurement, a new playground project, and the outsourcing of sewer billing services. Additional actions involved authorizing infrastructure upgrades for pump stations, purchasing portable bypass pumps, acquiring computer forensic software for investigations, and reviewing park facility updates.