In advance of a Scarborough Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on the subject, the architects of the Lighthouse Inn condominium project will meet with Pine Point residents tonight, Thursday, April 7, at 7 p.m. at the Pine Point firehouse.
On Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall, the zoning board will discuss the project, which would convert the 22-unit two-story motel at the corner of King Street and Pine Point Road into a six-unit three-story condominium building.
“We look forward to meeting with the residents at the April 7 meeting,” said Andy Hyland, principal of Port City Architecture, the firm hired to plan the building but owners Peter and Nicholas Truman.
“Residents will have a chance to see the design work for the new building first hand and we will answer all questions regarding this project,” Hyland said.
The Trumans are seeking two variances that would allow them to convert the current motel into five condominium units and the existing office into a sixth.
One variance would allow the conversion from one non-conforming use (a motel) to another (condos), although condos are is closer to fitting current zoning regulations, which are for residential use. The other variance would allow for the construction of a third floor.
The pair came before the board last month with the request, but the board tabled the issue because it felt there was not enough specific information regarding the project and what it would entail.
In addition, the Trumans have asked the town to trade some land. The Trumans would give up a 320-square-foot parcel on the east side of the property that is in the shoreland zone and cannot be part of the total parcel in order to receive the variances.
And they would trade a 4,300-square-foot piece on the south side of Pine Point Road, which is currently used for parking. The town in turn would give the Trumans a 3,900-square-foot parcel directly in front of the hotel, which would give the property an entrance area, driveways, and some room for landscaping in front of the building. It also would bring the property into better compliance with town regulations.
That issue rests with the Town Council, which has reviewed the plan once and seemed in favor of it. The council is waiting for the Zoning Board’s decision before moving further with the proposal.
The plan has met some resistance from neighbors, who are concerned about the renovation and feel the land swap should not be approved.
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