Representatives of Casco Federal Credit Union showed the Gorham Planning Board Monday plans to relocate its West Gorham branch to a new building at the corner of Ossipee Trail and Shaws Mill Road.
But because of the length of the meeting, which adjourned about 10:30 p.m., the Planning Board pushed some agenda items entirely to its Oct. 5 meeting, including Sebago Brewing Co.’s proposed contract zone and sketch plan request for a new facility at Mosher’s Corner. The site is zoned commercial office.
The Casco Federal Credit Union plans call for a single-story, wood-frame building – “a handsome addition for this part of Gorham,” Brian Curley of PDT Architects told the board.
The proposal would relocate the credit union’s branch from the now-closed Nicely’s Market, 397 Ossipee Trail, to an adjacent location at 393 Ossipee Trail. Town information identified it as the lot previously occupied by V&M Rental and Party Time Rentals.
Owens McCullough of Sebago Technics, project engineer, said the credit union hopes to have the new facility operational by July and sought approval Monday.
But, the board voted 6-0 to table its review.
“We’ll get you on for October,” said Edward Zelmanow, Planning Board chairman.
The panel requested additional input about landscaping and Maine Department of Transportation traffic information.
“Traffic is the major one,” Tom Poirier, town planner, said.
McCullough said the existing building would be demolished and replaced with a 3,050-square-foot facility with a drive-through. McCullough said hours of operation would be 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
The building, which would be cream color with white trim, would include a conference room available for use by community groups. A new septic system would be installed, as would a drilled well.
Great Falls Construction of Gorham would build the facility.
McCullough said the new building would be moved further back from Route 25 than the present one and a lawn would be established.
“It will enhance the intersection,” McCullough said.
The site would feature less pavement than what’s there and he said runoff water from the lot would be reduced.
“We’ll improve ditching along Shaws Mill Road,” McCullough said.
No one from the public spoke about the proposal.
In other action, the University of Southern Maine presented a proposal to improve and renovate a softball field on its Gorham campus.
“USM would like approval tonight,” said Frank Crabtree of Harriman Architects & Engineers.
But, the Planning Board also tabled a decision to its Oct. 5 meeting.
Crabtree described the proposal as an upgrade of the facility. The upgrade includes a grandstand with 350 seats, new press box and dugouts in addition to a concession stand.
“We do not increase the parking, the traffic,” Crabtree said.
Also, in a matter involving the so-called McLellan/Sampson House that the town owns, the Planning Board recommended that the Town Council adopt a conditional, multi-use zone for the house at 77 South St.
The site is part of the municipal complex that includes Gorham Municipal Center, Baxter Memorial Library, Robie Park and Gorham High School. If the Town Council approves, a small portion of the site would be split off for the house, which the town could sell.
No one from the public spoke about the item.
The house was built about 1803 and the town hopes to ensure its historic preservation as it is in the South Street Historic District. A conditional zone for the house would allow for a range of uses from residential to professional offices.
The Presumpscot Regional Land Trust has office space on the first floor of the house and the second floor is a family rental unit.
Sebago Brewing Co. is proposing a project that includes a production facility, restaurant, and events center at lower Main Street (Route 25) and Mosher Road (Route 237). The Town Council sent the proposed contract zone to the Planning Board for a public hearing and a recommendation.
Planners also didn’t discuss in a pre-application conference a proposed large housing development with Bramblewood LLC, which is asking for approval for Glenwood Village off Glenwood Avenue and Water Street.
The developer plans 18 to 20 single-family homes and up to 20 multi-family units.
Brian Curley of PDT Architects shows the Gorham Planning Board on Monday a rendering for a new home Casco Federal Credit Union is asking to build on Ossipee Trail in Gorham. The branch has been located in the Nicely’s Market building. Staff photo by Robert LowellSend questions/comments to the editors.
