BETHEL — The Planning Board on Wednesday night denied Maine Mineral and Gem Museum’s request to keep a barn where it is, rather than move it to a new foundation.
Plans to modify the museum were first approved by the board July 22, 2015. They included a design for a larger building in the rear of the lot and removal of the barn, but that was determined to be too expensive.
The first amendment to that plan, approved by the board Nov. 12, 2015, was moving the barn onto a new foundation in the rear of the lot, adding outside stairs and a small building.
The latest amendment, reviewed by the board Wednesday night, kept the additional building, measuring 44 by 37 feet and not moving the barn, which museum Executive Director Barbra Barrett said the museum hopes to use for storage.
Michelle Conroy, owner of neighboring property, expressed concerns about the amendment, mainly fire safety.
Bethel Fire Chief Michael Jodrey appeared to agree with Conroy. In his email to the board he recommended denying the amendment. The previous plans were approved because the barn was to be removed or relocated. Without those variables, the site poses a safety risk, he said.
Based on the chief’s recommendation and citizen concerns, the board voted unanimously to deny the amendment.
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