The Gorham Planning Board recommended Monday that the town council approve an ordinance change that would allow the town to acquire development rights from property owners.
Town Councilor Norm Justice said the idea has “kicked around” but bogged down in the past. But Justice was optimistic before the planning board action. “I think it could happen,” Justice said.
The proposal now goes to the town council. Under the plan, developers could increase the number of allowable homes in a new subdivision in areas served by public water and sewer in exchange for a fee. The money would be earmarked for the town to purchase open space, recreation land or development rights on other property elsewhere in Gorham.
The planning board wanted to ensure that acquisitions under the plan would remain undeveloped in future years. So, its recommendation also included language that the town council add a mechanism to ensure the land stays undeveloped
Consultant Mark Eyerman said the proposal is consistent with the town’s comprehensive plan allowing higher density of housing around villages and discouraging development in rural areas.
The proposal would allow for an expansion of Gorham Village to the south with the planned Gorham Bypass serving as a village boundary. More housing would also be allowed along Mosher Road, which will be served with a new sewer line. Construction of the sewer line from Little Falls is expected to begin this fall.
The development rights transfer program would be optional for developers. For each extra lot in excess of the number allowed under existing zoning, a developer would pay a fee set by the council.
Eyerman said a fee in the $12,000 to $15,000 range has been discussed for each extra house lot. The town would use the money to buy open space or buy development rights on parcels like farmland.
If a farmer transferred development rights to the town, the land would not become public. “The land owner could continue to use it for agricultural purposes,” Eyerman said.
Justice, said feedback from developers on the latest proposal has been favorable. “This model looks doable,” Justice said.
Salvaggio ready
Michel Salvaggio Jr. of Four Brothers, LLC, met with planning board members and Town Planner Deborah Fossum in a public workshop Monday about plans to develop a church for retail use.
Salvaggio hopes to receive final approval in August or September for a gourmet deli, restaurant, banquet hall and wellness center at the School Street United Methodist Church. Salvaggio has worked out a deal to develop 20 additional parking spaces at the Seven Eleven store, which abuts the church property.
Lack of parking for the proposal had been a concern of the planning board. It was the only hurdle, Salvaggio said.
“We are ready,” said Salvaggio, who wants to be open after Thanksgiving.
The church is relocating to the corner of Cressey Road and Route 25 in Gorham where construction is underway.
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