YARMOUTH — Town councilors unanimously voted Nov. 15 to create a no-parking zone along a northbound section of Route 1.
They also unanimously authorized Ford Reiche to begin the site plan review process for his redevelopment of the historic Grand Trunk Railroad Depot on Main Street.
Both decisions were first discussed in a Nov. 1 council workshop.
The Planning Board has approved a proposal for Reiche to purchase the 1906 former train station from the Village Improvement Society and lease the space to Gorham Savings Bank.
Because the plans were only approved at the concept review level, however, the next step is site plan review.
Before the Planning Board can review Reiche’s site plan, councilors were required to authorize it. On Nov. 15, they passed a resolution “endorsing and encouraging” the proposal.
On Nov. 1, Reiche, landscape architect Sarah Whittle and Gorham Savings Bank President Stephen DeCastro presented their plans for the site.
The bank is proposed to have nine parking spaces – five public spaces, three spaces near the bank for employees, and one handicapped-accessible space. According to town documents, Reiche tweaked plans for the site’s landscaping and parking after hearing concerns from residents and councilors.
Also on Thursday, councilors approved amending the town code in regards to parking outside the Casco Bay Ford dealership, which is planning an “expansion and renovation,” according to town documents.
The no-parking zone will run from Casco Bay Ford and extend to Day’s Crabmeat and Lobster Co.
Police Chief Michael Morrill recommended establishing the no-parking zone in July, when Casco Bay Ford was undergoing the site plan review process with the Planning Board.
Morrill said Nov. 1 he had heard several complaints from employees of the dealership regarding parking in the area, and also said the parking creates a safety hazard by limiting visibility for those exiting Casco Bay Ford.
He also recommended having the no-parking zone stop at Day’s Crabmeat.
“I believe it’s safe from that point forward for vehicles to come and go in that general area,” he said.
Elizabeth Clemente can be reached at 780-9123 or eclemente@theforecaster.net. Follow Elizabeth on Twitter @epclemente.
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