The Damariscotta Planning Board voted to approve the Poole property project at the corner of Biscay and 1B on May 1. It had approved it in April, pending several issues involving Maine Department of Transportation and Maine Department of Environmental Protection, but, due to a legal glitch, the board voted again.

The town attorney recommended the re-vote because not all the members were present April 3, and the vice chair called the vote but he did not vote. One member voted against, which meant the vote was 2-1. One person was absent. Because a vote of only two for the project was not a majority, the attorney said the board should vote again.

On May 1, the vote was 4-1, with everyone voting. MDOT had weighed in on the driveway issues onto Route 1B, and approved the mid-development curb cut.  The vote is contingent on receiving DEP approval for the stormwater runoff plan, a letter from the police and fire chiefs approving the plan for emergency response, and a written agreement for the development to provide land and funding for sidewalk construction.

In addition to the Dollar General project, the board approved a proposal to add a dwelling unit to a multi-unit residential site at 60 Main Street, and NC Hunt Lumber Company agreed to add trees to screen its outdoor storage area.

The Central Lincoln County YMCA addition, including a wellness and exercise room, locker rooms, and a lobby with a glass front,  was identified as complete, but is waiting for DEP approval for stormwater runoff, and approval from Great Salt Bay Sanitary District; a letter from the fire department; and a statement that the agency has the financial wherewithal to complete the project. The YMCA was hoping to break ground in May. The board said it would attempt to help the developer, 44 North Architects, move forward on schedule to get a building permit.

The Damariscotta River Association sought a revision to a subdivision plan involving a property just acquired — the Freeman property, which had been 19 acres. The DRA wanted to split it into two parts and keep half in conservation lands, while the other part, including the Freeman home and outbuildings, would have an easement to prevent more subdividing, and would be sold on the open market.  The board agreed that at this point, there is nothing the DRA needs to do from a Planning Board perspective.

The Abbie Lane subdivision was approved, and the board signed the site plan maps, clearing the way for the property’s sale that had been held up because Abbie Lane was identified as an illegal subdivision. Another subdivision, Heater Road, was reviewed to see if there had been any movement on the Road Association plan, but the board acknowledged that if the neighbors elect not to create a road association, nothing in the town’s site plan ordinances would require one. They agreed to look over state models for road association plans and get a copy to the developers of the Heater Road subdivision.

Stepping Stones Inc. also appeared. It had reached an agreement with a neighbor. Under the agreement, Stepping Stones will plant seven hemlock trees to screen the development from the neighbor. Letters, provided by both Stepping Stones Inc. and the abutter, were in agreement and were approved.