NEW GLOUCESTER — More than 40 residents on Tuesday came to a public hearing on Day One’s application at 934 Intervale Road for a 12-bed substance-abuse residential treatment facility but were told the hearing was postponed.
Planning Board Chairman Don Libby said Day One officials notified the town to postpone the hearing until two administrative appeals by residents filed against the town’s code enforcement officer’s ruling that the facility meets the town’s zoning ordinance conditions as a permitted use in the rural residential zone is resolved by the town’s Board of Appeals.
Attorney Thomas Schoening of Drummond and Drummond of Portland said in his March 6 letter to town planner Scott Hastings, “Based on our telephone conversation this morning, I understand the CEO’s permitted use determination, dated February 28, has been appealed. In order to avoid a confusion of issues of permitted use and site plan review criteria, it would be best for the planning board to avoid taking the time to hold a public hearing and site plan review until the underlying permitted use determination has been resolved.”
A number of local residents and neighbors in recent weeks met privately, voicing concerns about safety and other concerns regarding the former home and law office building located within the residential neighborhood.
Two homeowners opposed to Code Enforcement Officer Debra Park Larrivee’s ruling have filed administrative appeals.
The town’s Board of Appeals will render a decision on the administrative appeal.
Day One is a nonprofit South Portland-based organization that provides substance-abuse treatment and prevention services to Maine youths. Currently, Day One has residential facilities in Buxton, Hinckley and Hollis. The plan is to close the Hollis location and serve young men ages 14-20 in the New Gloucester facility that was purchased for $570,000.
Currently, the property can be approved for eight clients, but Day One hopes to increase the number to 12.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
