The Buxton Planning Board outlined changes Monday that a Buddhist temple would have to make to the property before it would be allowed to hold gatherings there.
“Tell us what you want,” said Beth Sturtevant, a volunteer helping the Watt Samaki Cambodian Buddhist Temple through the permit process. She asked for clear directions from the board on any changes the temple would need to make.
The board complied. Reading through town ordinances, the board outlined specific instructions for planting trees and shrubs as a visual barrier, updating the parking plan and installing a pond to collect runoff water. The temple has already submitted an updated septic system contingency plan.
The Planning Board will continue a review after the temple submits updated plans. Planning Board Chairman Jeremiah Ross said the temple would be placed on the agenda again when the board receives everything the temple is required to provide.
The town requested that temple representatives attend Monday’s meeting, according to Sturtevant, even though the temple didn’t have updated plans ready.
The temple submitted an application in December to meet in its temple at 128 Back Nippen Road, a rural residential area. Churches are allowable in the zone and the temple is seeking a conditional use permit at the property, which once housed a printing business.
Opponents raised concerns, which included increased traffic, parking and the number of large gatherings the temple would hold, at a hearing on the proposal in January. The temple returned in February hoping for approval, but the board, which said a storm water management plan was needed, delayed a vote. Temple representatives, who thought it had already addressed necessary requirements, left confused as to what the town required.
Two monks live in the residence, and the temple is located in a building attached to the house. After a recent meeting with the state fire marshal, temple leaders decided to keep the home private. They have agreed to changes, which include a fire barrier between the home and temple, to comply with safety codes.
Keeping the house private reduces the square footage available for public use and shrinks the occupancy number for the temple.
Their original plan called for up to 200 people, but now has been scaled back to 110 people allowed at a given time in the temple. From 67 spaces, the parking lot is being redesigned for 50 cars plus two more handicapped spots.
Some previous discussion involved restricting the number of gatherings held annually at the temple. But Ross and board member Caroline Segalla said Monday the board didn’t have that right, and Sturtevant said the temple didn’t want to voluntarily agree to a limit.
Buxton Code Enforcement Officer Fred Farnham said traffic flow under current plans doesn’t trigger a Maine Department of Transportation Department traffic study.
The selectman’s chamber was packed for the previous hearings, but only 18 people, including temple representatives, attended this week.
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