Zoning Board of Appeals
Minutes
August 22, 2007
Present: Barry Watson, Kathy Wood, Vincent Palange, Kyle Coolidge, Debby Flanigan
Others: Kinderly Hodgdon, Eric Labatte
Barry Watson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Approval of May 23, 2007 Minutes
Kathy Wood noted Cal Cutter’s name should be corrected on page 3 and on page 6.
Approval of June 27, 2007 Minutes
Kathy Wood moved, Debby Flanigan seconded to approve May 23, 2007 and June 27, 2007 minutes as corrected
5-Yes
Approval July 25, 2007 Minutes
Tabled until next meeting
New Business
Election of Officers
Kathy Wood nominated Barry Watson as chair, Vincent Palange seconded. There were no further nominations.
5-Yes
Barry Watson nominated Kathy Wood as Vice-Chair, Vincent Palange seconded. There were no further nominations.
4-Yes; 1-Abstain (Wood)
Tabled from Previous Meeting
Applicant is Grayra, LLC, 6 Frankwood Drive, Winslow, Maine is requesting two variances (1) to increase total signage by 31.29 square feet and (2) increase the number of signs from three (3) total to nine (9) total for the new Proposed Rite Aid Pharmacy. Property location is 60, 62 and 66 West Gray Road, Gray, Maine.
The application was removed from table.
Eric Labatte with BL Companies presented a diagram of each of the signs and reported they were proposing something that would fit with the community and would meet Rite Aid’s needs for proper exposure. All of the signs would be lighted. The Rite Aid sign at the entrance would be back lit and the remainder would be led. The application counts all of the signs, including the signs over the drive-thru to assist customers to the proper lane.
Barry Watson believed there was no reason why the variance should not be granted. Mr. Watson noted a new sign ordinance is needed to avoid need for variance in the future. Kathy Wood noted the variance section of the sign ordinance has two criteria and believed Rite Aid met both criteria. Vincent Palange agreed. Kyle Coolidge questioned the undue hardship criteria as s Rite Aid is now established on one side of town and will be moving across town. The question is what is in the best interest of community and felt it may be a safety issue to have sufficient signage for traffic direction. Given the traffic speed and amount of traffic it would be a safety issue. Mr. Coolidge noted there were no abutting land owners present to speak against the request. Mr. Labatte noted the abutting land owners had been notified and the
abutters seem to be in favor of the project.
Kathy Wood moved, Barry Watson seconded the Gray Zoning Board of Appeal grant Grayra, LLC, 6 Frankwood Drive, Winslow, Maine two variances (1) to increase total signage by 31.29 square feet and (2) increase the number of signs from three (3) total to nine (9) total for the new Proposed Rite Aid Pharmacy. Property location is 60, 62 and 66 West Gray Road, Gray, Maine.
5-Yes
Calvin Cutter July 24, 2007 letter requesting revision of the June 27, 2007 meeting minutes be amended was reviewed. Kathy Wood believed it would be difficult to add some the statements to the minutes as some comments were made away from the podium.
Vincent Palange moved, Kathy Wood seconded to exclude the statements.
5-Yes
Findings of facts and conclusions from Mike Hill were reviewed. Kathy Wood noted in paragraph 14, the last sentence should read landscape instead of re-vegetate. Ms. Wood noted they were clear to use the word landscape as the ordinance states landscape.
Kathy Wood moved, Barry Watson seconded the Gray Zoning Board of Appeals accept the findings of facts and conclusions as presented by the town attorney, as corrected.
5-Yes
Adjournment
Barry Watson moved to adjourn at 7:25 p.m. Vincent Palange seconded
5-Yes
Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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