FARMINGTON – Auburn attorney Richard Trafton represented a Massachusetts developer in requesting a shoreland zoning ordinance amendment at Tuesday’s selectmen’s meeting.
Thomas and Janice Daku would like to sell their 70-acre farm to W/S Development Associates LLC, who hope to build a shopping center at Knowlton Corner Road and Routes 2 and 4 in Farmington.
Trafton enumerated several reasons why the board should approve the proposal to change zoning of a 250-foot-wide strip of land along Wilson Stream from agricultural and forestry use to general zoning. It would allow developers to continue pursuing the property for commercial use. Trafton would not disclose the identity of the national chain considering locating there.
Among the attorney’s points were:
• It is a natural extension for the town of Farmington in the already busy Wilton Road corridor.
• The town of Farmington’s recent comprehensive plan calls for a strategy for more commerce.
• The land is no longer viable for farming “due to shrinking demand for agriculture in this area.”
• There is a natural relationship between large retail stores (citing the proposed site’s proximity to Wal-Mart).
• General traffic will be reduced because people will only need to go to one area of town to do all their shopping.
• There is an existing controlled intersection at Wal-Mart making the area one of “the better intersections” in town.
• It is an economic opportunity for Farmington to increase its tax base.
• W/S Development is an experienced developer, being creators of the Maine Marketplace in Augusta and the Maine Mall in South Portland.
Trafton assured attendees that this is only the first step. If the zoning is not approved, then the project may not be feasible. If the zoning is approved, he said there will be ample opportunity for town officials and residents to voice concerns throughout the planning process.
Landowner Thomas Daku urged selectmen to accept the proposal saying that he recently turned 60.
“It’s not getting any easier to farm this land,” the dairy farmer said.
His wife, Janice, said they have had the farm on the market for more than 10 years and have tried to retain it as a farm. Their dream, she said, was to have a family farm.
The Dakus have four sons, but none of them were interested in continuing in the family business.
“They saw the financial reality of it,” she said. “I see my husband…,” her voice trailed off. “He hasn’t had a day off in four years,” she continued.
One abutting property owner said they had no need for another large uncaring business in town so close to residences.
Mary Wright, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, verified that their only duty was to ensure that the application was complete. Code Enforcement Officer Steve Kaiser verified that it was, saying the project is hinges on voters accepting the zone change.
Voters will have an opportunity to speak at a public hearing scheduled for the selectmen’s meeting on Oct. 12.
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