FARMINGTON – Planning Board officials gave the nod Wednesday night to an historic downtown church’s plans to put in a 31-space parking lot and a new addition that will house Sunday school classes.

But the board told the applicant, Old South Congregational Church, that it must plant cedar trees as a way to insulate neighbor Christie James from any noise and visual nuisances that may result from the lot.

Church member Kevin Vining showed the project plans to the board, which was convening for a special session after running out of time at last week’s meeting.

The 36-by-60-foot addition would be attached to the back of the historic church, located on Main Street, on the side closer to the University of Maine at Farmington’s dormitory.

It would have two floors, a main floor that would include four classrooms, restrooms, storage and closet space; and a basement level, that would house a chapel, two classrooms, a multipurpose room and an office space.

The first floor would be level with the existing building, and a wheelchair lift would allow full access.

Currently, Sunday School is held in the basement of the existing church, however the facilities are cramped and antiquated. Between 40 and 50 children will use the new space.

The Sheridan Corp., with offices in Fairfield and Portland, is handling the design and construction for the project, which also includes a 31-foot gravel parking lot behind the church and behind the Holman House where the church has its offices.

The lot would sit 10 feet back from James’ property line.

James’ property at 225 Main St. abuts the project, and she voiced strong concerns to the board. She bought the house two years ago and has spent considerable time and money restoring the historic gardens, complete with fountains, behind her home.

The garden is separated from the church’s land by a four-and-a-half-foot fence, she said.

James said her living area, located on the second floor of her home, looks out over the proposed site.

“It’s really hard to see that field turned into a parking lot,” she said. “It impacts me greatly.”

She also expressed concern that noise from the proposed parking lot would impact the privacy she and her family enjoy in the garden on weekends.

Vining stressed that the lot would only be in use on Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon or for special occasions, like weddings or funerals. Church services are Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

The church plans to preserve all the existing tall trees on church grounds, and Vining said they would be agreeable to landscaping that would appease neighbors.

The church is a good neighbor, he stressed.

The board decided to grant the applicant the permits required to get started on the project right away, but elevated some of James’ concerns by mandating the church to put in a line of cedar trees between the lot and her fence.

The trees are to be planted a minimum 12 feet apart and at least 10 feet tall.

Board member Bill Marceau, who is a member of the church, withdrew himself from the board when the application was discussed and abstained from voting on it.

sdepoy@sunjournal.com

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