Three businesses interested in coming to Boothbay

Planning board listens to vendor, artist and masseuse pre-application proposals
Thu, 09/21/2017 - 2:00pm

    A vendor, an artist and masseuse discussed plans for opening businesses in Boothbay during the Sept. 20 planning board meeting. James Barnes owns Barnes Custom Window Treatment in Warren. He wants to open a second shop at 400 Wiscasset Road. Patriot Flooring is the current occupant of the building. Barnes told board members he doesn’t plan on making any major renovations to the building.

    “I just want to clean it up and make it look nice,” he said. Since Patriot Flooring is a retail shop, the board indicated no permit was needed because there was no change of use.

    Romee May sought the board’s advice about moving her Boothbay Harbor business, Yoga Firm Studio, to her 18 Nichols Road home. The studio is currently located at 137 Townsend Ave. May has operated her yoga and massage business for 14 years in Boothbay Harbor.  The property has been sold and she is looking to temporarily move her business into her home. May specializes in head, foot, face and hand massages. She would treat individual customers by appointment only, and would continue teaching yoga classes at area locations such as Boothbay Region YMCA and Wiscasset Community Center, but not in her home.

    The board told her home occupation was an allowed use, but since May lived in a private association, she may need her neighbors’ approval.

    Barters Island Road artist Douglas Gimbel also sought information about operating a home occupation business. He plans on opening a studio or gallery either on a houseboat or in a new home. Gimbel sought clarification on allowable square footage for home occupation businesses.

    The board also heard about a fourth prospective business. Carol Jordan spoke about her plans to open a doggie day care at 655 Wiscasset Road. The proposed kennel is an allowed use in the C-2 district. Jordan owns three lots bordering the location and the fourth borders Giles Rubbish. “I spoke to (Dan Giles) and he said it wouldn’t be a problem, We’re going to build a fence around the kennel anyway,” Jordan said.

    She had completed an application, but did not submit it in time for the meeting.

    The board also heard one other pre-application proposal. Winston Kipp of 12 Seascape Drive discussed revisions of his house plan approved in 2014. Kipp wants to tear down the cottage and rebuild in a slightly different location. “It will be about the same size, but more conforming,” he said.

    The board approved one application. The board voted 5-0 to approve a permit for a seasonal resident. Robert Horgan of Boca Garden, Florida received approval to make revisions in his 220 Shore Road home. Horgan was represented by Susan Mendleson of The Knickerbocker Group. She explained that Horgan wanted to remove two dormers and add an 85-square-foot entry located on the road side, but away from the water and outside the porch setback. The revision includes reverting the attic from living space to storage.

    The board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 in the municipal building’s conference room.