Planning Board Deadlock Blocks Dollar General Approval

Planning Board Votes on Dollar General Proposal

Members Step Aside Before Decision

In the charming hamlet of Naples, a noteworthy meeting transpired as planning board members scrutinised the proposal for a new Dollar General store. Interestingly, two members recused themselves before the crucial vote on the site’s major plan. Concerns were raised regarding their attendance at previous meetings concerning the matter. In attendance were regular member Doug Bogdan and Martina Witts, as well as alternates Martin “Marty” Zartarian and Jenn Leeman.

Upon embarking on the agenda item, Jim Grattelo, a resident present at the gathering, brought attention to this issue. He insisted on querying board members once more, leading to Jim Allen stepping down. Allen openly admitted, "I haven’t been to all the meetings. Most of them, I’ve missed." Chairman Bogdan also recused himself, having missed meetings without catching up via recordings.

Traffic Concerns Take Centre Stage

Speaking of concerns, traffic emerged as a dominant theme during the deliberations. The board was wary of how a new entrance and exit directly opposite the bustling Naples Shopping Center would exacerbate traffic woes. The Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) engineer had approved the curb cuts but, as Zartarian noted, had not factored in peak season traffic. MDOT is typically known for its rigorous safety considerations, yet here, the decision was subject to debate.

Zartarian remarked on the proposed site’s placement opposite a busy plaza with a grocery store, a pharmacy, and other establishments. "The data tells me we’re going over the threshold of 100 ins and outs for the driveway cutout," he asserted. In summer months, he personally avoids certain routes due to congestion, preferring longer, less congested paths.

A Tie Vote and Implications

As the board cast their votes on the proposal Tuesday night, the scales balanced evenly at 2-2, leading to a denial of the project. Voting parties included Martina Witts, Sue Fleck, Zartarian, and Jenn Leeman. Whilst Fleck and Zartarian were against the proposal, the repercussions of this split meant the plans would not move forward at this juncture.

Revised Design and Community Response

Prior to the vote, Attorney Mark Bullock, representing landowner Dan Craffey, spoke of the developer’s efforts to align the project with community sentiments. Adjustments were made to the design to mirror the traditional New England architecture, intending to blend seamlessly with the quaint town aesthetic.

Despite these efforts, board member Sue Fleck voiced reservations about the proposed design’s harmony with the existing structures. "I believe the pencil still needs sharpening," she commented, reflecting the public’s views she had gathered.

Meanwhile, Bob Berry of Main-Land Development argued it was improper to apply seasonal adjustments. DOT’s approval, he claimed, underpinned the project’s safety. Nevertheless, he acknowledged accidents occur frequently on Route 302.

The Race Against the Clock

With time being of the essence, the Naples Planning Board faced an imminent deadline to reach a decision. As noted by Naples Town Planner Kathy Tombarelli, they were under pressure to either approve or deny by a set date.

In summary, this planning board meeting was marked by recusal, detailed debate on traffic safety, and community-rooted design discussions, offering a quintessential guide through local governance dynamics. For more on New England architecture, explore renowned features that seamlessly blend historical charm and cultural identity.