Representatives from Hannaford have said construction on a new store could begin as early as this fall, though the proposed project has yet to be approved by the planning board.
Hannaford representatives met with abutters at a Maine Department of Environmental Protection informational meeting last week at Buxton town hall. On Monday, Buxton Code Officer Fred Farnham provided planning board members with minutes from that meeting.
Hannaford is proposing the project on a 13-acre site at the intersection of Route 202 and Portland Road on the same side of Portland Road as the Buxton Fire Station. The shopping center would include a 36,000-square-foot grocery store and other shops.
Abutter Connie Thompson asked when construction would start. Hannaford engineer Doug Boyce said it was possible that Hannaford could have all the permits to start construction this fall.
Responding to a question from abutter Donald Pederzini, Boyce said there would be no way of determining when the shopping center would be completed because of the tenants’ portions. Completion of the entire project could take 5 to 10 years, Boyce said.
Buxton planners are waiting to hear from Hannaford before putting the chain’s proposal on an agenda.
Hannaford introduced the project to the board earlier this year. The planning board doesn’t meet in July, so the earliest the Hannaford proposal could be discussed would come in August. “We’re waiting for them to bring back paperwork,” said Keith Emery, chairman of the planning board.
Childcare proposal
On Monday, the planning board also heard a presentation by Dena Flewelling for a home childcare at 16 Quail Trail. Planning Board members will see the proposal in a site walk at 6 p.m. on July 20.
Flewelling said state licensing would allow her to care for up to 12 children of all ages. Planning Board member Dave Anderson was concerned whether the childcare would exceed the three barrels allowed in the weekly trash pick up. But Flewelling said the childcare wouldn’t generate enough trash to exceed the limit.
The planning board also had concerns about parking. Flewelling said her driveway could accommodate 10 cars but she didn’t expect parents would drop off children at the same time. Planning Board member Wanda Emery wanted to see a plan for parking and a turnaround.
Addressing another concern, Flewelling, who has two children of her own, said children would not be playing in the street. She hopes to have the childcare open by the start of school this fall.
Also, the planning board set Monday, Aug. 14, for a public hearing for a subdivision amendment proposed by Rebecca and Duane Withey of 15 Pine Country Manor.
Planning board shorthanded
Following the recent town election, the board named three members to retain their previous positions on the board. Emery was reelected as chairman, Cullen Ryan was named vice chairman and Wanda Emery will be secretary. Anderson, a new member on the board, was installed as treasurer.
Barbara Elwell was elected to the planning board in the June 13 election and Anderson won a spot as a write in candidate. As treasurer, Anderson replaced Chris Baldinelli, who didn’t seek reelection. Sue Schaller also didn’t seek another term on the planning board.
The board now has six members, one short of a full complement.
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