FARMINGTON – Selectmen Tuesday night approved several ordinances that would help improve the character of the downtown area, and gave land owners some much-needed property tax relief.

In what Code Enforcement Officer Steve Kaiser called “an effort to complement the predominant collective character of the downtown,” board members agreed to a sign ordinance that would place limits on business signs downtown.

All signs in the Village Historic District now must be made of solid or composite material that is opaque, and if they are illuminated, they must be done so externally. All nonconforming existing signs would be allowed to remain, but may be replaced only with signs that meet the new standard.

The issue of downtown appeal came up earlier this year when owner of the Dunkin’ Donuts franchise on Wilton Road announced he was expanding into the former Don’s AG store on Main Street.

With Kaiser’s help, the doughnut shop’s owner agreed to change the traditional back-lit, translucent plastic red-and-pink lettered sign. The new sign will have solid architectural letters applied to the exterior above the door, with an external lighting source.

“This is the first type of aesthetic standard for the town,” said Kaiser. “I think it’s a great start.”

Along with the sign ordinance, board members also passed a zoning ordinance that limits facades in the village business historic district, in order to compliment the visual character of the downtown.

“This will still allow the latitude for individuality,” said Kaiser.

The last ordinance discussed was the wireless telecommunications facility siting ordinance. Selectmen approved an amendment that would draw a distinction between tower structures and alternative tower structures. With the slight change to the ordinance, the town may now allow cellular antennas in clock towers, bell steeples, light poles and water towers.

The last, but perhaps most important, piece of business was the property tax relief resolution. In reaction to the passage of Question 1 in June, the board declared its intent to dedicate 100 percent of the education savings to reducing the mill rate for citizens and businesses.

The passage of Question 1 will provide Maine municipalities significant new funding for education expenses. Any money left over from the SAD 9 assessment budget will then be used to reduce the growing property tax burden.

“People are desperate for property tax relief,” said state Rep. Janet Mills, who made sure to point out that any changes stemming from the resolution will not be realized until 2005.

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