January 23, 2012
Maine

Board to consider memorial bench and wind energy standards

By Ann Bryant, Staff Writer, Sun Journal, www.sunjournal.com 23 January 2012

FARMINGTON – Selectmen will hold public hearings Tuesday on proposed wind energy system guidelines and a liquor license for a new downtown pub.

The meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Municipal Building.

They will also consider placement of a bench in memory of Justin Crowley-Smilek for either Meetinghouse Park or another location where veterans are honored.

Crowley-Smilek’s mother, Ruth Crowley of Portland, Ore., has made a request to purchase a bench in memory of her son who was killed in November during an exchange with a Farmington police officer. The board discussed her plans at their last meeting but wanted time to consider the request before making a decision.

His father, Michael Smilek of Farmington, said Friday that he has invited and expects many friends and veterans will attend the meeting “as a show of solidarity for this.”

After months of review, the Planning Board accepted a draft of performance standards in November that will allow the town to regulate commercial and residential wind energy systems.

The draft now comes before selectmen for a public hearing. Voters will consider whether to add the standards to the town’s zoning ordinance at the annual town meeting in March. Any concerns raised during the hearing Tuesday would return the draft to the Planning Board.

Permits for construction or expansion of any wind system would be required. The permits are based on compliance to the accepted performance standards and Planning Board approval.

New residential wind systems would not be allowed in village business or village residential zones, while commercial wind energy systems would only be allowed in general practice and farm and forest zones as described in the town’s zoning ordinance.

The standards address setback distances, noise levels, access on the tower, fencing around the tower and removal of the system if it hasn’t produced power for a period of 12 consecutive months. In the case of commercial systems, visual appearance, lighting, signage, shadow flicker and other items are also considered.

Copies of the Wind Energy System performance standards and definitions are available at the Municipal Building.

The board will also hold a hearing on an application for a liquor license for the Roost Pub and Wingery at 187 Main St.

The pub is below Dunkin’ Donuts and the Summit Faith Community church.

Owner James Coleman, president of J.V.R. Hospitality Inc. of Waterville, had previously targeted the end of January for opening. The company operates at two other locations near colleges in Waterville and Orono and specializes in chicken wings, offering 14 varieties.


URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2012/01/23/board-to-consider-memorial-bench-and-wind-energy-standards/