NEWRY – Planners conditionally approved a site plan and shoreland zoning permit for a proposed wilderness campground along the Bear River Wednesday night.
The board also continued work on Merrill Hill Estates, a proposal to build 88 single family homes on Merrill Hill next to Sunday River Skiway road.
Applicant Mark Wight’s plan for Grafton Notch Campground is to construct 15 wilderness tent sites, two small cabins and a bathhouse on 9 acres.
Planners discussed the erosion-control plan that Wight’s submitted, and also discussed the road that would be constructed off Route 26 to the site. They learned that the Maine Department of Transportation would require Wight to submit an entrance permit for access from the state highway.
The board then worked through its conditions for the site plan and shoreland zoning permit, before unanimously approving the project on the condition that Wight submit the required MDOT permit of approval.
In other business, Chairman Joseph Aloisio excused himself from the board to act on behalf of his client regarding the Merrill Hill Estates project.
Aloisio, of JAGJA Inc. in Newry, was hired by Merrill Hill LLC as its consulting engineer.
In his stead, acting Chairwoman Becky Bean said that the Newry Fire Department determined that the subdivision would not be a burden to the department, because the developer will require that sprinkler systems be installed in each home.
Some planners, like Pat Roma, wanted that in writing, so that it could be enforced.
Newry is currently in the process of creating a fire protection ordinance that would require sprinkler systems in new home construction. Should the proposal be voted down by town meeting voters in March, Roma wanted it in writing that Merrill Hill Estates would still follow through with the requirement.
Planners also discussed the development’s roads, which are to be named after gems, and potential increased traffic at Monkey Brook and Sunday River roads with the 88 homes being built over four or five years.
“Increased traffic from the golf course and this subdivision is going to create a dangerous situation there,” said planner Susan Herlihy.
After more discussion, the application was found to be complete on the condition that it include more copies of the project’s architectural review and covenant standards, and a letter from the road commissioner.
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