Subdivision Review Processes
At this time, there are two proposed residential subdivision located in close proximity to one another in the Blanchard Road Extension area. This has, understandably, generated many questions from concerned abutters. This memo will explain how the subdivision review processes will work, beginning with tonight’s workshops and continuing through the stages of sketch plan review, preliminary plan review and final plan review. Site walks, which will be open to the public, may also be scheduled.
The Planning Board will be conducting a thorough review of these projects as required by Town ordinances. The review process will continue until all ordinance requirements have been met, including, review and permitting by State agencies such as the Maine Department of Transportation, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and others.
The subdivision review process will begin with a Planning Board workshop for each project on March 16, 2021.
- 6pm - Preapplication Workshop #1: Review of a 3-lot minor subdivision proposal for a 13.26-acre parcel located on Blanchard Rd. Ext., Tax Assessor Map R08, Lot 68I, Owner/Applicant; Stonewood Land, LLC. Representative; Kevin Grant, PE- Sitelines, PA.
- 7:00pm - Preapplication Workshop #2: Review of a proposal for “Blanchard Oaks”, a 14-lot major subdivision proposal for a 51.78-acre parcel located at 365 Blanchard Rd. Ext., Tax Assessor Map R08, Lot 68A, Applicant; Chris Axelson Stonewood Land, LLC. Representative; Travis Letellier, PE- Northeast Civil Solutions, Inc.
At these workshops the applicant, or his/her consultant, will provide information to the Planning Board on the natural features of the land. Once that information has been provided and questions have been asked by the Planning Board members, the Planning Board will do the only thing it is permitted to do at this stage of the developments’ review: issue a decision on which style of subdivision (conservation or traditional) best suits the land and provides the better layout to both preserve natural features and advance such Town planning objectives as connection of trails and open space areas.
These workshops, while public meetings, will not be public hearings. The Planning Board Chairman may choose to recognize attendees (both virtual and in-person) for brief questions regarding the proposed designs, but this is not a meeting where testimony will be sought regarding traffic, water supply, etc. All of those items will be reviewed when the formal review process begins at a subsequent meeting.
Specific provisions of our ordinances are listed below. If you have any questions about these projects or the process, please contact Carla Nixon, Director of Planning, by email or phone at 207-829-2206.
Below are links to the specific sections of the ordinances that apply to these reviews: