Vassalboro planners OK repairs to boathouse; two other applications postponed

by Mary Grow

Vassalboro planning board members approved one of the three applications on their March 12 agenda and postponed the other two.

Approved were repairs to David Low’s boathouse at 8 Norton Road, in the shoreland zone on the southwest side of Webber Pond. It was damaged when a tree fell on it during a recent windstorm.

Elwin “Al” Gero, who is in charge of the repairs, explained plans to board members. Board chairman Virginia Brackett told Giroux he also needs a building permit from codes officer Jason Lorrain.

Mark L. Brown presented preliminary information on his plan to develop a remote campground on part of his property on Taber Hill Road. Board members and Brown discussed the beaver dam that has created a wetland on part of the property; the different state agencies whose regulations and standards are involved; and what documents Brown should submit for a local permit.

The third application was from Paula Stratton, to open a business at 913 Main Street, in North Vassalboro, in one of two buildings owned by Raymond Breton. Neither Stratton nor Breton was at the March 12 meeting, and board members found the application incomplete.

They tabled the application and asked Lorrain to ask the applicant to answer its questions in more detail.

Several retail businesses have been in and out of this building and its neighbor in recent years.

In other business, Lorrain said Tim and Heather Dutton’s permit to re-open the East Vassalboro store was issued Feb. 7, 2023. He was unsure how much progress the Duttons have made.

Brackett recommended he invite them to apply for a six-months extension (which can be followed by a second six months, if needed), to make sure the permit does not expire.

Board member Douglas Phillips shared the select board’s proposed amendments to Vassalboro’s Marijuana Business Ordinance. If the amendments are submitted to and approved by voters at the June town meeting, the planning board will have some responsibility for implementation, he said.

Board member Paul Mitnik proposed the board prepare a local ordinance to increase water quality protection in Vassalboro’s lakes. After others suggested possible methods, he offered to have a preliminary draft at the board’s April 2 meeting.