Yes, the Friends of Rockport truly is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the historic character of Rockport, Maine. The sudden appearance of this new deck attached to the historic Shepherd Block building is a fine case in point. As the citizens’ appeal of the Planning Board approval for the massive proposed hotel at 20 Central Street notes, the adjacent properties (Shepherd Block included) are not covered in porches and decks from top to bottom. Indeed, the Shepherd Block, had no appurtenances and only one light on the rear elevation … until they started digging up the neighboring lot for their hotel. It represents a disturbing trend by the developer who’s disregard for the Rockport Land Use Ordinance (LUO) has now moved from the proposed hotel to the Shepherd Block.
One might wonder why there has been no Planning Board review of this new deck. Indeed, section 1303 of the LUO calls for a Site Plan review in several circumstances, including “The construction or expansion of buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, for commercial use by a total floor area of 1,000 sq. ft. or more.” Does that seem greater than 1,000 square feet? Maybe not, but with the bathroom conversion into restaurant space and annexing the adjacent office space for tables? The LUO also calls for Site Plan review for “Revisions to an existing Site Plan seeking an amendment to that previously approved Site Plan.” Leucadia followed the ordinance and submitted a Site Plan when renovating the Shepherd Block, why would this developer not seek an amendment as required? It definitely changes the character of the building. The LUO also calls for Site Plan review when “Any change of use in which the intensity of use – as reflected in traffic generated, impacts on municipal services, the environment and surrounding neighborhood – will differ in a substantial way from that of the preceding use.” (emphasis added) Will this new deck and the restaurant tables on it not cause additional traffic and parking issues? In bypassing the Site Plan process, this developer evaded that discussion and exacerbates the already untenable parking situation in the harbor area and reinforces the pattern of disregard for the town’s rules.
Where was the Planning Board on this? How about the Select Board?
Voice your opinion on this now with both Town Manager, Bill Post and Director of Planning & Community Development, Bill Najpauer. You may also want to mention it in respect to the already controversial hotel proposal. Indeed, make your letter multipurpose, covering the hotel issues outlined on the Appeal page and this new twist. We also encourage you to participate in the appeal via livestream on November 17, 2020 at 6:00PM Eastern Time.
I wasn’t aware of any bathroom conversion for restaurant space!
Yes, Benjamin, several years back you may recall the Shepherd Block men’s bathroom had windows overlooking the harbor. If memory serves they created the new (what you see now) public bathrooms along the left side of the hallway, knocked out the wall from what is now 18 Central Oyster Bar & Grill (was Shepherd’s Pie at the time) creating that new space along the harbor side.