Scarborough Planning Board Advances Tree Rules, Live-Work Unit, School Projects

The Scarborough Planning Board held public hearings on proposed tree preservation and streetscape buffer amendments, approved a live-work residence and music studio on Willowdale Road, and reviewed subdivision, school expansion, farm, and duplex proposals. Several items were continued or sent back for more work, including a Downs subdivision amendment and school renovation advisory opinions.

Key points

• The board approved the Mosher live-work development at 10 Willowdale Road, a 1,320-square-foot home and music studio, with waivers and conditions; Roger Bailey, Ed Hodgson, Jennifer Ladd, William Sedlak, and Rick Meinke voted yes, while Marvin Gates did not vote as a non-voting member.
• Public hearings were held on amendments to the site plan and zoning ordinances covering tree preservation, protected tree definitions, a 12-month delay for site plans after violations, and increasing streetscape buffers to 20 feet; no members of the public spoke.
• Marvin Gates suggested raising the proposed tree mitigation fees above the staff-recommended $5,000 per significant tree and $25,000 per heritage tree.
• The Downs subdivision amendment (24 single-family lots, one multi-family lot, two mixed-use lots) was held for a consent agenda item next month so the applicant can address peer review comments; Jennifer Ladd raised concerns about exceeding Saturday traffic trip limits.
• The board gave an advisory opinion on Scarborough Middle School and Wentworth Primary School expansions, with members questioning traffic impacts, parking, stormwater, and off-site mitigation; resident Shelly Nickerson raised stormwater concerns about Green Needle Drive.
• Fresh Pickens Farm presented a sketch plan for a 14.8-acre farm at 162 Spurwink Road with agricultural production, events, employee housing, and seasonal camping; the board was generally supportive.
• A sketch plan for five duplex buildings at the Cottages at Sawyer subdivision drew concerns about wetland impacts, sidewalk connections, and parking.

Next steps

• The Downs subdivision amendment will return next month on the consent agenda after the applicant works through engineering comments with staff.
• The school district will submit its traffic movement permit application to MaineDOT and stormwater plans to the DEP, and plans a community forum in late October.
• The duplex applicant may return with an alternate layout or move directly to formal submission after working with town staff.
• Town staff will continue outreach on the tree and buffer ordinance amendments ahead of a Town Council public hearing expected by the end of October.

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