Plans for Sand Pond Shores, a campground proposed for South Sanford. Photo: City of Sanford
By Jack McAdam
A proposal for an RV campground near Sand Pond in South Sanford that has drawn significant opposition from neighbors took up much of the Planning Board’s time during the past two months.
A public hearing on the project stretched over two meetings, June 3 and July 15. All speakers at both sessions voiced opposition, though several emails supporting the project were read into the record at the July session. Most of the concerns from residents involved buffering and noise. Opponents shared two videos about the project at the June meeting. In one, Brian Dumont, president of the Sand Pond Association,threatened legal action if the project is approved.
“It is ill conceived, ill-advised, and if we the association fail to convince you of this then we are prepared to continue the fight in Maine Superior Court,” he said.
Board members, city staff, developer Michael Pattersonand about a dozen abutters walked the property, on Siddall Road and Country Club Road 2, on July 8. This included inspection of the area where a campground road would be developed and a look at where more trees might be planted as a buffer.
No action will be taken on the proposal until at least Aug. 5, when the board holds its next meeting. In the meantime, the board has asked for more details on the landscape plans and for assurance that the applicant has the financial capacity for the project.
The board also asked to see nearby Huttopia’s operations manual for its next meeting. The board may want to use this as a guide for operations at Sand Pond campground if it is approved.
Other business before the board included:
NexGen: The board approved an application from KDS Real Estate, LLC for a two-phase expansion of NexGen Tooling at 42 Railroad Ave. in Springvale. The project will add about 25,571 square feet of building space, a 27-space parking lot, consolidation of two lots, and site improvements. The city has received one noise complaint from an abutter.
Wiley Community Solar Maine: A proposal for a ground-mounted solar installation at 1340 Main St., behind Wendy’s, was approved. The storm water plan was updated and approved by the assistant city engineer. The applicant, Wendco, plans to leave a 10-foot buffer on the west side and to add more plantings and a PVC fence. This item had been tabled from the board’s Dec. 17, 2025 meeting.
Colton subdivision: The board approved a plan for a six-lot subdivision at 136 Harry Howes Road from Matthew and Robin Colton. A new private way will give access to two of the lots.
Housing Maine: Also approved was an 11-unit subdivision on Lebanon Street from Housing Maine LLC. The lots will be reached by a new private way. The developer will add a paved sidewalk to one side of the road. One lot could be used for a future subdivision.
Lafrance building: The board reviewed preliminary plans to develop the former Lafrance Funeral Home at 29 Winter St. into about 12 rental units. Board members had concerns about the location of a dumpster on the property and parking access. Developer Edward Benway will come back at a future meeting.
Estes Oil & Propane: An application from Estes Oil Burning Service, Inc. to install three 30,000-gallon liquid storage tanks and build an office and storage building on Smada Drive in south Sanford was approved.
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