FARMINGTON — The Planning Board on Monday approved a site review application to raze the 43-year-old McDonald’s restaurant on Main Street and build a longer, narrower one on the site.
Planners asked company representatives to consider some additions to make the new building “fit in” with the gateway of historic Farmington.
The plan is for a rectangular building farther back on the lot at 303 Main St. to allow for a two-vehicle drive-through and a circulating lane in front, John Cusack of Bohler Engineering said.
The drive-through provides 70 percent of the restaurant’s business, he said. The number of parking spaces will drop from 64 to 55.
The new building would be flood-proof and have a rebuilt sewer connection, providing for drainage, something that is not there now, he said.
Board members thought the overall plan was acceptable but raised questions about the aesthetics of the building.
Rite Aid came to the board with a blueprint but went back and tried to “make the building not look so bland,” board member Craig Jordan said. “They listened to the people of Farmington. Wal-Mart did the same.”
The appearance of a brick building with a partial stone front and flat roof failed to appeal to some board and community members.
“This is a golden opportunity to create a beautiful gateway entrance into our historic district,” Taffy Davis said.
When Timothy Doyle of McDonald’s said the corporate office would not allow major changes, residents suggested adding small details such as crown molding or window trim to add character.
The company was prepared to consider an all-brick building, like it has now, or one similar to those at the university.
“We’re asking for a few little details, not a change in shape,” Jordan said.
“The new building is made for business today,” Doyle said. “The inside is departmentalized and built for efficiency.”
Doyle said he was willing to consider adding molding around the top of the building, gooseneck lights or an accent wall. Doyle and Cusack were also agreeable to providing the board with a new sketch, adding what they could.
The board has no ordinance governing aesthetics.
“We just want it to look more like Farmington than Lewiston,” Jordan said.
abryant@sunmediagroup.net
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