SACO — Changes to the downtown ordinance that would protect the unique aspects of the area are being considered by the city, partly in response to a proposed development project.
The issue of changing the “B-3 downtown zone” was discussed at a planning board public hearing Tuesday night. The zone is meant to be a pedestrian-friendly district that provides an urban area where businesses and residences compliment each other, according to the ordinance.
The city council voted earlier this month to have the planning board consider amending the B-3 zone, keeping in mind the mixed use character of the district, portions that are more residential in character, the depth of the commercial district along Elm Street, the pedestrian nature of downtown and any traffic impacts.
The issue was sparked by a recent proposal that would remove seven properties and see construction of a CVS Pharmacy on the east side of Elm Street, between Pleasant and Temple streets.
Planning board member Sandra Guay said that she was concerned that “moving large blocks of buildings to create single buildings” could become a trend downtown, while board member Rene Ittenbach said that he likes the area because it is pedestrian friendly and contains small businesses.
“I think that consolidating property in this zone will take away the flavor of the downtown,” said Ittenbach.
Elm Street resident Mark Johnston said he was not so much concerned about the pending development plans, but about future developments that could be built as downtown lots become available.
Johnston, who lives on Elm Street and owns multiple historic properties, said the planning board should increase the historic zone to protect historic properties downtown.
Pleasant Street resident Beth Johnston, Mark Johnston’s business partner and former wife, said that she lived and worked in the downtown, and asked the planning board to keep in mind why the B-3 zone was created and to respect the area.
“The downtown is really unique. It’s really special,” she said.
Johanna Hoffman, who also lives and owns a business in the downtown, said that the B-3 zone gives the impression of a small town, and it should be maintained.
“What we need to do is look at the ordinance and see how we can preserve it,” she said.
Pepperell Square real estate agent Dick Buffum said that many downtowns have died because of big box stores. Buffum said that with the proposed development on Elm Street, the city has the opportunity to bring a commercial development that would tie the Shaw’s Saco Valley Shopping Center and Main Street.
Downtown property owner and businessman Bob Begin asked the planning board to be fair and consider all residents when making any changes in the downtown.
“I think it’s very clear what the B-3 zone does, and what we’re trying to do is change it to eliminate something,” said Begin.
Pleasant Street resident Richard Scott concurred with Begin.
“I think that any changes made to the current ordinance would be changing the rules in the middle of the game,” said Scott.
The planning board will review the ordinance and will further discuss it at an Oct. 6 meeting. The Elm Street CVS proposal will also be reviewed at the meeting.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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