FARMINGTON – Planning Board members unanimously approved a proposal for a 170-vehicle parking lot between Quebec and Middle streets Monday. The proposal was accepted with the condition that Lou Sidel of the state’s planning office approve a new flood plain map for the area behind the University of Maine at Farmington’s fitness center, where the lot will be built.
The project has a history that dates from October 2001, according to Roger Spear, a UMF vice president. The university got approval from the state’s Department of Environmental Protection and the Army Corps of Engineers to build a culvert over Beaver Brook, which runs behind the fitness facility, to provide access to the lot.
Rick Pershken, an engineer from A.E. Hodsdon in Waterville, presented plans to the board. In answer to questions by Glenn Speight, a neighbor, Pershken said flooding will be prevented by the lot’s bowl-like design, with water being treated before it was discharged into the brook. He also assured Speight’s wife, Eileen Bayer, that lighting would be directed downward and not too bright, similar to lighting at the lot at Prescott Field, which his firm also designed.
Concerns about nighttime student safety at the lot were also addressed. In addition to adequate lighting, call boxes will be placed nearby, and students could call campus security for an escort. In fact, said Bussie York, chairman of the board, the area will be safer than it is currently. A walkway there is used by students now and has no lighting.
Spear said he wanted to complete all of the permitting as soon as possible so construction could begin this summer. His hope is to have the lot completed in time to accommodate students living in the new 100-bed dormitory on Lincoln Street scheduled to open in January 2006.
The board voted unanimously to approve the proposal with the stipulation that the state planning office approve a new flood plain map.
The board also approved a proposal for a golf simulation club and small bar and grill at 218 Fairbanks Road, the building vacated by Signworks. The proposal, presented by Greg Roux, would include up to three golf simulators and a small bar and grill.
Nearby neighbors had concerns about the project, particularly Roux’s proposal to be open 12 hours daily. An abutting neighbor asked whether Roux would be inclined to stay open until midnight or 1 a.m. if he made more money on liquor sales.
Roux said his intended hours of business are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, he did agree that an investment of $50,000 per simulator might force him to focus more on liquor sales if it generated more income.
“My intent is a golf simulator with a bar and grill,” not the other way around, Roux said.
The board approved Roux’s application with the condition he operate the business from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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