Council also eyes master plan proposal for Winnick Woods

A local developer is eyeing a possible zoning change for property north of Elizabeth Farms, he would like to discuss it with the Town Council.

The council at their Oct. 19 meeting referred the proposal by Joel Fitzpatrick to the Planning Board, and to a future Town Council workshop.

The parcels encompass approximately 42 acres off of Sawyer Road.

Fitzpatrick gave few details on his proposal at the meeting, other than say his company, Wyley Enterprises, had recently purchased a piece of property in Cape Elizabeth for possible future development. The property is currently in the residence A zone, but Fitzpatrick envisions extending the adjacent residence B zone to encompass the purchase.

"There are three or four ways to develop under the current zoning," Fitzpatrick told the council. "We feel there is a more responsible way of developing, but it means extending the RB zone," he said.

The residence B zone has smaller lot size requirements, along with requirements for preservation of open space.

Fitzpatrick said he hoped to present preliminary plans at a workshop to get guidance from the council as to whether they feel the rezoning is desirable. "A zone change is a time-consuming, expensive way to go," said Fitzpatrick. "But, I do feel that its a more responsible way for the town to go, and I think I can show you that in a workshop," he said.

The workshop has been set for 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12. *(Fitzpatrick has withdrawn his request to be on the workshop agenda)

The referral vote was unanimous, but some councilors hesitated because of a previous zoning ordinance change that the council rejected because, among other reasons, the Town is currently reviewing its Comprehensive Plan. "I don't think it's fair to turn one down and say we're going to wait until the end of the comprehensive planning process, and then entertain another one," said Councilor Mary Ann Lynch.

Town Manager Michael McGovern, however, said that the Fitzpatrick proposal is in keeping with the current Comprehensive Plan, and that the other ordinance proposal still went through the ordinance-change process.

In July of this year, the council deadlocked 3-3 on a proposal to allow reduced wetland buffers around the Business A District along Ocean House Road. Four votes were needed for the proposal to pass. (Click here for news story)

Council eyes master plan proposal for Winnick Woods

Also at their Oct. 19 meeting, the council referred to the Planning Board and to a future workshop a proposed master plan for Winnick Woods, also located off of Sawyer Road. The council will review this proposal at 6:45 p.m. Dec. 12, after meeting with Fitzpatrick.

The 57-acre Winnick Woods was donated to the Town by Alice Larrea, with the stipulation that it be used for passive recreation. The plan, developed by the Conservation Commission, creates a trail system on the property, with a signature trail head on Sawyer Road.

Implementation of the plan includes minimal construction, which can be accomplished in may cases by volunteer labor and within existing greenbelt funding, according to the commission report.

"At the same time, the master plan protects Winnick Woods from haphazard use and unfortunate neglect by laying out a comprehensive management plan," it says.

Winnick Woods is a priority of the Towns' Greenbelt Plan, according to the report.