The Planning Board gave conditional approval to Mick Development to begin construction of Samville Estates, but stood firmly behind its earlier decision that primary access to the development must be from Route 4 in Berwick to Industry Drive. Meadow Pond Road must be used only for emergency exit.
Also, the new private access road between Meadow Pond Road and Samville Estates must be posted with road signs stating, “Emergency Access Only” and “No Thru Way;” and access from Industry Drive and Meadow Pond Road must be open, non-obstructed and maintained to South Berwick standards, including plowing.
The approval is contingent upon 10 conditions being met, several of them related to access to the proposed 35-lot subdivision, the board stated at its meeting last week. The unpaved, private road off Route 4 must be brought up to Berwick town standards, and the applicant must provide locations of bus stops and mailboxes.
The conditions of approval were discussed with the developer at the meeting March 6 and reviewed with the board’s attorney before the unanimous vote.
Access to the development has been a major sticking point during the lengthy approval process. Residents of neighboring Meadow Pond Estates strongly objected to the use of Meadow Pond Road as an access road to Samville Estates, citing safety concerns.
Before construction can begin, the developer must provide a cost estimate and surety bond; a written agreement with the South Berwick Water District; and hold a pre-construction meeting with the Code Enforcement Office and Public Works director to ensure erosion control practices are met.
Maine Department of Environmental protection permits must also be provided prior to the start of construction.
The board accepted a findings of fact list ensuring that the development meets minimum statutory requirements including soil surveys, impact on water supply, traffic, wetlands, rivers or streams, and a plan for solid waste and sewage waste disposal.
In other business, the Planning Board approved a sketch plan submitted by Riley Brown for an overnight boarding kennel at 188 Emery’s Bridge Road. To be called South Berwick Boarding, it would be located in an existing building located to the rear of the house, according to the permit application. A fence is proposed on the eastern side of the structure.
Brown said no more than five dogs would be on site at any one time so staff can provide a more individualized experience for the canines. The board scheduled a public hearing on the proposed kennel before the start of its next meeting on March 20.
Also, Redling Properties was given final approval for construction of a 10,000-square-foot building off Lord’s Lane following submission of required supporting documents: a major site plan review application; flood, zoning and soils maps; architectural drawings; plans for an oil and water separator; and a storm water report. The structure will cost $1.56 million, according to the estimate presented to the board. Scott Holland, the applicant, said the building will be used to store and service paving equipment and will not be used as a commercial service center.
