OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A proposed easement agreement between the local museum and bank would allow for construction of a parking lot that officials say is mutually beneficial, but the proposal has drawn concerns from abutters.

On June 10, residents will vote whether to approve a proposed easement agreement between the Harmon Museum and the Old Orchard Beach branch of Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution that would make way for a proposed parking lot behind the museum.

The two buildings sit on adjacent lots on Portland Avenue. The museum does not have a parking lot, and the bank currently allows the museum to use spaces on the bank’s lot.

As well, bank officials say the branch does not have sufficient parking for its staff and customers.

The two entities have proposed an easement agreement that would allow Historical Society volunteers and museum visitors to cross over the bank parking lot to a proposed new parking lot on the grounds of the Harmon Museum, and would allow bank staff to use the new lot.

Under the proposed agreement, the bank would pay for the construction of the new parking lot, along with lighting and signs. The bank would also make improvements to the Harmon Museum to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, paying for a paved walkway leading to the front of the building and a handicap-accessible ramp in the front entrance.

The proposed lot would have 13 parking spaces ”“ 10 for the bank and three for the museum. One of the museum’s parking spaces would be handicap accessible.

The bank has also agreed to provide all maintenance for the lot, such as snow removal and seal coating.

Paul Dornan, abutter to the museum, said at a public hearing Tuesday at town hall that he estimated the land at the Harmon Museum that the bank would be allowed to use in the proposed easement is valued at $92,000, and a parking lot could be put on the property for about $20,000.

“I believe it is nepotism between the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society and the Saco & Biddeford Savings Institution,” he said.

Dornan said the proposal was being presented like it was a benefit to the taxpayers, but he said the bank is the one benefiting, as it would be getting “almost free” land.

The proposed parking lot, said Dornan, would be “squeezed in with a shoe horn and a can of grease,” within inches of his property line. He said instead of looking onto a yard with apple trees, he will be hearing vehicle noise and seeing headlights from cars and snow plows. He said the proposal will infringe on his privacy, and he will have to install shades, blocking his view of the ocean.

He suggested other options be explored, including the extension of a driveway in the front of the building to access parking, similar to other nearby buildings on Portland Avenue.

Dornan and his wife Cheryl were among those from three nearby properties who spoke at the public hearing.

Town Historian Dan Blaney said many hours have been spent on the proposal, and “we feel this is the best option we have.”

In response to some of Dornan’s concerns, he noted that the apple trees on the property are dying and on their “last leg.” He also said that the security gate on the proposed parking lot will be closed at noontime on Saturday, so vehicles will not be using it during off-hours.

Resident John Bird, who is not an abutter, said he understood the proposal was a way for the Harmon Museum to make improvements and come into ADA compliance, but he didn’t think the easement was appropriate.

“Parking lots come and go, businesses, including banks, come and go, but this easement will be an encumbrance on the town property, essentially, forever,” said Bird. “I don’t think that’s good policy.”

Jeffrey Vachon, senior vice president and director of bank administration, said that Saco & Biddeford Savings is the oldest bank in Maine and the ninth oldest bank in the United States.

“We’re not going anywhere for a really long time,” he said.

Town Planner Jeffrey Hinderliter said in an email Tuesday that the museum has a curb cut used by staff to drive up to the building, but it’s not a formal driveway. He said new parking lots are not allowed in the front yard or in front of the principal building in the Downtown Business Districts, where the museum is located.

Hinderliter said at the meeting that the referendum question was asking voters whether to approve the easement. Should it pass, a parking lot would still need to go to the planning board for review.

Bill Kany, senior vice president and director of legal and governmental affairs for Saco & Biddeford Savings, said during the planning board process, abutters will have time to give input, and the bank will work to accommodate neighbors, such as making sure lighting is designed so that it doesn’t “leak off” onto other properties.

Kany said he wanted to remind people the proposed agreement required two easements, and the bank would also be allowing the town an easement on its property.

He said the bank did not know the total cost of the proposed project, but it had already spent about $20,000 on engineering and surveying.

“It’s probably a much larger ticket item than some people may anticipate,” he said.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].