LIVERMORE FALLS – Concerned citizens, both residents and nonresidents, filled the meeting room Wednesday night as the Planning Board considered an application for an adult bookstore at 54 Depot St.

Planner Rod Wright, who is Livermore Falls High School principal, spoke of his concerns about students who will travel by the building every day, calling it an inappropriate location.

Applicant Wayne Parker Jr. disagreed, saying the facility will be closed off to all those under 18, and the public will not be able to see inside.

Students also walk daily by Cumberland Farms, where liquor and cigarettes are sold, and by Maine Street Video, which has a collection of adult videos, he said, and nothing is done.

“This is no different except for personal objections,” Parker said. When challenged because his plan is to have viewing booths, he said he would hold off on them, and only rent and sell adult videos and books.

“This needs a public hearing,” Wright said, explaining that the board had not had time to research state and local regulations, including the town’s Special Amusement Ordinance. “We’re not ready to look at this application,” he said.

Code enforcement officer Brenda Medcoff will seek legal advice on the issue next week, and selectmen will be responsible for calling a public hearing.

Landlord Mark Cayer advised the board that it can deny the application as being detrimental to the health of the community. He commented on the recent reduction in the town’s police force, and said how hard Livermore Falls has worked to improve its image. “This is not the type of business to improve the town,” he said.

Police Chief Ernest Steward Jr. agreed. “With the type of image the town is trying to project, this type of business won’t help.”

“Any business in Livermore Falls concerns the surrounding towns,” said Cliff Tenney, a Livermore resident.

The Rev. Joseph Chamberland, pastor of Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church, called the location the eastern gateway to the downtown, as designated in the economic development plan.

“Visitors get their first impression of a town from the qualities and tone introduced at key areas, which stand as a symbol,” he quoted from the plan.

“Do you think this is a good image?” Winfield “Skip” Grant asked Parker after the meeting. “If I thought it was the wrong image, I wouldn’t do it,” Parker replied.

Town Manager Alan Gove explained that the selectmen already have a heavy agenda for July 19, their next meeting, and a hearing would probably be held Aug. 2 in the library auditorium to accommodate all who wish to speak.

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