Plans for the 30-unit housing project to benefit unhoused people. Photo: City of Sanford
By Jack McAdam
A controversial proposal for a large RV campground along Sand Pond in south Sanford was tabled Aug. 19 so the Planning Board can get more information about proposed changes.
The applicant, Sand Pond Shores, added buffer planting in response to an earlier request from the city, but didn’t say exactly what they would be planting or how much. Public Works Director Matt Hill had some questions about the new entrance off Sand Pond Road and Country Club 2 Road. There are also concerns about whether a camper could safely make the turn.
Sand Pond Shores has drawn significant opposition from neighbors who say they’re worried about noise and appearance. The Sand Pond Association has threatened legal action if the project is approved. The August meeting was a follow-up to public hearings that were held in July but did not feature public comment.
Also on Aug. 19, planners got more information about the Sanford Housing Authority’s plan to build a 30-unit congregate care facility for the unhoused on Mousam Street, near the Sanford Post Office. Two buildings on the site will be demolished to make room for the three-story structure. The board approved a waiver of parking rules for the project, which still requires final approval. City councilors this month approved a tax break that should enable the project to go through.
The Sanford Housing Authority has held a neighborhood meeting to answer questions and concerns about the project, which has drawn wide support from City Hall.
The Planning Board on Aug. 19 also confirmed its earlier approval of an expansion plan for NexGen Tooling at 42 Railroad Ave. in Springvale. Some modifications to stormwater management were required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The applicant is also adding more plantings to mitigate noise.
At its Aug. 5 meeting:
Walmart: The board unanimously approved a plan to move the online pickup and delivery area at Walmart to the right side of the building.
Wilderness Way: Board members tabled an application for changes to a subdivision on New Dam Road. Phase II of the previously approved subdivision was changed from eight to four residential lots, with a private way. The applicant wants a waiver to allow for a second driveway from New Dam Road to one of the lots. The waiver was denied. The applicant will have to connect lot 4 to the proposed private way and upgrade the road to public road standards. The application was tabled.
Lafayette Residences: The board reviewed plans for 18 apartments at the former Lafayette School, 69 Brook St. The proposal has drawn several comments from the Site Plan Review Committee. It awaits approval at a future meeting.
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