Old Orchard Beach Planning Board Advances Hampton Ave. Expansion, Weighs Comment Limits

The Old Orchard Beach Planning Board voted 5-0 to conditionally determine a shoreland zoning conditional use application complete for a kitchen expansion at 13 Hampton Ave. The board also discussed adding a five-minute time limit for public comment at hearings, with members disagreeing over whether speakers should get a second chance to speak.

Key points

• The board voted 5-0 to conditionally determine complete Chelsea Libby's conditional use application for a nonconforming structure expansion at 13 Hampton Ave, a single-family home in the shoreland zone proposing a kitchen expansion within the existing footprint.
• Conditions before a final vote include updated plans showing the existing and proposed structure's distance from the highest annual tide and a stamped survey plan, with elevations suggested.
• A public hearing on the Hampton Ave. application is set for November 12, and a site walk was offered.
• Board members debated a proposed five-minute limit on public comment at hearings; Michael objected to language allowing speakers to pose questions to the board and to a second three-minute comment period, while others favored leaving flexibility to the chair's discretion.
• The board agreed to remove the "questions" language, keep a second comment option, and add language that repetitive testimony is strongly discouraged.
• Staff reported that interviews for an assistant town planner are underway, with a decision expected in coming weeks.

Next steps

• Staff will revise the planning board procedures document with the discussed changes for review at the next meeting before adoption.
• The applicant must submit updated plans and a stamped survey showing distance from the highest annual tide before a final vote.
• A public hearing on the 13 Hampton Ave. application is scheduled for November 12, with an optional site walk.

Read the full transcript