A proposal for a business park on 26 acres is on the agenda for the Buxton Planning Board when it meets Monday at 7 p.m.
Narragansett Business Park is being developed by Patricia Leavitt on Route 202 across from Waterman Road. Leavitt would sell lots in the project to businesses, which could include restaurants or repair shops. She envisions a park-type environment with walking paths.
However, Leavitt’s property is divided by present zoning, with much of the parcel allowing business/commercial. But some of the land falls in the rural zone, and Leavitt needs the town to expand the commercial zone.
She first brought the rezoning proposal to the Planning Board in November without mentioning any specific developments plans. The Planning Board at that time asked her to provide a survey map of the site. When she first requested the zone change, she had the property under contract and has since bought the parcel. She was prepared to discuss the project with the Planning Board Feb. 23, but since she had not filed a formal application with the town, the board declined to hear her presentation. Planners also rejected sending a proposed commercial zone expansion at the site to referendum, as well.
Shawn Frank, an engineer with Sebago Technics of Westbrook, said Tuesday an application for the business park was filed last week.
The planners’ questions at the Feb. 23 meeting about the rezoning request – handled as a separate agenda item – included inquiries about trees that were harvested at the site and wetlands information. Patrick Leavitt, who was with his wife at the meeting, said the Maine Department of Environmental Protection had viewed the site twice and information about wetlands had been included on the business park plans.
Changing a zone requires approval by Buxton voters. Planning Board member Keith Emery made a motion, seconded by Jeremiah Ross, board vice chairman, to put the rezoning issue on the June ballot for voters to decide.
But the board opposed it with a split 2-3 vote, with Chairman Harry Kavouksorian, Ross, and Dave Anderson opposed; David Savage and Caroline Segalla were absent.
The Leavitts live on Turkey Lane in Buxton. She is executive director of Leavitt’s Mill Free Health Center, which is relocating from Narragansett Trail to 63 Main St. in Bar Mills effective March 16.
She said the proposed business park would contribute to the economic growth of the community. She said she talks with clients visiting the clinic and hears about lack of work.
“They need jobs. Decent jobs,” she said.
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