Campground Rules Move Forward

By Gail Burnett

A controversial campground ordinance moved one step closer to enactment Sept. 18 when the Sanford Planning Board voted to send it on to the City Council.

The ordinance, revised after a Sept. 4 public hearing, would set a minimum size for any new campground at five acres and require a 75-foot setback and a 50-foot vegetated buffer from abutting property. Each campsite would have to be 200 square feet or larger and have off-street parking. Campgrounds could operate only between April 15 and Nov. 1. Staying at a campground, even for the whole season, would not entitle anyone to claim residency in the city.

Most who attended the Sept. 4 hearing and last week’s meeting opposed the ordinance or the whole idea of new campgrounds, especially in the Sand Pond area, where developers have proposed a large campground.

Supporters of the campground said the 75-foot setback was too much, and opponents said it was too little, and argued for 200 feet. The Planning Board made minor revisions for clarity and then voted five in favor, one against, to send it to the council. Lenny Horr cast the dissenting vote, and Kyle Landry was absent. The council will schedule two readings of the ordinance with a public hearing at the first reading. The Zoning Subcommittee will also discuss and make any recommendations for changes to the council before the second reading and before a final vote is held. Meeting dates have not yet been announced.

Other planning business

• On Sept. 17, the Site Plan Review Committee reviewed the proposal to renovate the vacant Springvale District Courthouse into an 18-unit senior living residential facility. All members thought that this was a good reuse of the building.

• Members of the Site Plan Review Committee also looked at a proposal from the Sanford Housing Authority for a 30-unit residential development in the Heritage Crossing area downtown. Issues of drainage, access for emergency vehicles, parking and amenities for residents were discussed.

• At its Sept. 4 meeting, the Planning Board held a public hearing on redevelopment of the Jagger Mill building on Water Street in Springvale into apartments. Developers of Jagger Lofts want to turn the old mill building into 80-85 units. They are seeking a historical tax credit, contract zone, TIF and parking waiver. One person spoke in favor of the project. The board moved the application along, meaning a final plan can be submitted.