A zone change on two lots on lower Main Street could lead to a new retail development at the gateway to Gorham.

R.J. Grondin & Sons, the Gorham contractor that owns the lots, is asking the town to rezone the two lots from industrial to roadside commercial to allow retail outlets. Near the town line with Westbrook, the two, highly visible lots are at the intersection of lower Main Street (Route 25) and Gorham Industrial Parkway. Each lot has frontage on both roads.

Ken Grondin, company president, confirmed Tuesday that a buyer for one of the lots, a 4.7-acre parcel, already has the property under contract.

Grondin declined to name the individual, who asked not to be identified. But Grondin described the person as a local, proven developer.

“A new owner hopes to break ground this summer,” Grondin said.

While not naming any specific plans for the project, he did allow that “it’s not a Hooters.”

The lot already under contract runs along lower Main Street toward Westbrook from Crockett Interiors, which is zoned roadside commercial. The other lot is a 1.3-acre parcel that abuts Westbrook.

“We’re getting a lot of calls,” Grondin said.

Sebago Technics of Westbrook represents Grondin for the zone change. Owens McCullough, an engineer with Sebago Technics, said the location is an opportunity for commercial development. “It’s suited for a corridor like Route 25,” McCullough said.

Last week, the Gorham Town Council unanimously sent the zone change request to the council’s ordinance committee for a recommendation. Town Councilor Mike Phinney, who chairs the ordinance committee, hadn’t seen the proposal Tuesday, but thought the committee would likely review it next month.

Retail businesses allowed under roadside commercial would include coffee shops, restaurants or gas stations. “It’s pretty open what can go into roadside commercial,” Phinney said.

Grondin said the lots are served by sewer, water, gas and three-phase electrical power.

“Everything anyone would need,” Grondin said.

Cutline (rezone 4)