FARMINGTON — The Planning Board on Monday approved applications for renovations at the Farmington Coca-Cola Bottling and Distribution Co. at 282 Farmington Falls Road.

The front section of the building will be demolished to create a lawn and 24 parking spaces. Offices will be built in the newer warehouse section.

Robert Berry, president of Main-Land Development Consultants of Livermore Falls, and engineer Esther Bizier presented plans for the property, which stretches between Farmington Falls Road and High Street.

The local independent franchise was acquired by The Coca-Cola Co., headquartered in Atlanta, in February.

“We do not intend to leave,” Darren Gonsalves, regional engineer for Coca-Cola, said. “We do have standards for the needs of our employees and respect for the community. That’s why we are investing.”

The company employs about 20 people, Mike Clift, regional transition manager for Coca-Cola, said. He will be replaced by a local manager.

“The building is aging … it needs some love,” Gonsalves said.

Provisions for employee parking and snow storage also prompted the plan, Berry told the board. The business is not making any changes, he added.

The Farmington Coca-Cola Bottling & Distribution Co. began in 1922 after Cassius Clark of Farmington obtained bottling franchise rights, according to a Coca-Cola online newsletter.

Clark led the business for many years before his children joined him. His daughter, Frances, married Ken Trask and became the sole owner. She shared the business with her children, Alan, Paul and Barbara.

The board unanimously approved the site review and soil erosion control/stormwater management applications as presented.

In other business, the board unanimously approved applications for construction of a picnic area and fishing pond at 294 Titcomb Hill Road.

Clayton and Joyce King intend to create a recreation area for families that includes volleyball, horseshoe pits, tetherball and swings. Kings said he eventually wants to add a zip line across the pond and ropes course.

The 5,000-square-foot triangular shaped property, which is across from the couple’s CJ’s Appliance store, will be kept “rough, rustic and affordable,” he said.

The pond is expected to be dug this week, he said. The pond was previously approved and King has been waiting since February for the work to be done. It will be stocked with rainbow trout and brookies, he said. Some will come from his fish pond.

A couple of outdoor weddings have already been scheduled for the property. Some trees, including willows, and plants will be added for wedding photos, he said.

An old barn will remain on the property. The lower section is being considered for potential restrooms and a powder room for weddings, he said.

The name of the site is not decided. King said he is toying with Fish and Play. Regardless, it will be family oriented, he said.

abryant@sunjournal.com

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