Council approves zoning change
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — In an effort to make the most of property between State and Summer streets, councilors approved the creation of a new general development zone along the Presque Isle Stream during City Council’s March meeting.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
JAMIE FRANCOMANO, city planner, gives Presque Isle City Council an overview of how a zoning change between State and Summer streets would allow increased development to occur on prime real estate owned by the city downtown. A map on the podium shows the section of town that Council approved be designated as a general development zone.
The effect of the zoning amendment reduces the required setback from the waterway for future development in this area. The amendment also modifies certain requirements and enforcement methods for forestry activities within the city’s resource protection zone and other matters subject to state of Maine shoreland zoning requirements. The change reduces the minimum setback from the stream to 25 feet.
“Where it’s measured from is not changing, only the setback from 75 to 25 feet,” Jamie Francomano, city planner, said during a recent Council meeting.
“Existing DEP rules didn’t allow for a building addition downtown. (We’re) not changing the riverbank, just the setback,” said Council Chair Jennifer Trombley.
City Manager Jim Bennett explained how the change could affect future development in the area.
“If there is a piece of land along the river that currently meets all other criteria except the fact that it’s closer to the high water mark of 75 feet, (a business) could not put fill or make any other changes. If the property meets criteria but the difference between 75 and 25 feet allows them to do something, this will affect their plans,” said Bennett. “In these urban areas of the state, where everything else is OK, you don’t need the additional footage — does nothing but deter development.”
Councilor Bruce Sargent suggested “nonpaying entities should not be considered” as allowable uses of the properties in the area in question.
“All this property should be tax-paying property,” said Sargent.
Francomano noted that the zoning revision would open several acres to development.
“The truck parking area is larger than two acres. The city’s sitting on a prime parcel,” said Francomano, adding, “DEP’s view is it’s already paved over” and therefore would not affect the stream, should the area be developed.
Ken Arndt, director of planning and development for the city, said no single-family residential properties would be affected but a commercial property/apartment space at the old Gould and Smith site on Dyer Street, which also includes office spaces, would fall under the new zoning.
“North of there they’re all residential,” he said.
“This has gone through very thorough review. Once approved, we’ll have to submit it to DEP to see if it meets their requirements. I anticipate no difficulties, if Council approves,” said Arndt.
Councilors voted unanimously to approve the general development zone.
At least one business located in this section will benefit from the change. Clukey’s Auto Supply will be able to move ahead with plans for expansion at its riverside site.
