News, Reviews & Awards

Editorial: Shaping the future of York Beach

January 09, 2008

The York Beach Renaissance Committee has since 2005 been working to craft a new ordinance that will govern the future development and revitalization of York Beach.

It was February of last year when the document had its first public airing. Since then, the ordinance proposal has been subject to Community Development Department, Planning Board and public scrutiny.

While it was initially intended for the Nov. 2007 ballot, the ordinance now is expected to go before voters in May. Leading up to the referendum is a public process that begins shortly after the proposal is given final review by the Planning Board, a step that is supposed to take place this Thursday, Jan. 17. Next will be a public hearing Jan. 24.

Now is the time for those interested in the future of York Beach to voice their opinions on the ordinance, before it is finalized for a vote.

There's been a great deal of interest in the future of York Beach ever since Oscar Plotkin appeared on the scene in January 2006 with grandiose plans for the York's Wild Kingdom property.

While the whereabouts of Plotkin are unknown, a new York Beach already is taking shape — The Union Bluff Meeting House was unveiled this summer, rising in the old theater spot on Railroad Avenue. Work on the Atlantic House next door is nearly complete, trendy condos and an upscale restaurant replacing the long-neglected Pop's Shell Shack. Work on the Kearsarge building is supposed to start next.

Some fear a new ordinance that encourages more density, more business, and ultimately more parking for York Beach will erode the character of what always has been an affordable family vacation spot and home to longtime residents.

This doesn't have to be so. This document helps provide a way to continue growing York's economy while also offering more housing opportunities with mixed-use buildings and more vibrancy with more pedestrian-friendly streets and shops.

There are some points of the ordinance worth taking note of, however, including plans to allow gas stations (one pump only permitted), day cares, pet shops and even "outdoor sport and amusement" facilities. For reasons like these, including a transition zone from business uses to residential uses that has caused some concern and new building standards, it's worth becoming familiar with the proposal before the ordinance progresses to the ballot stage.

To review the ordinance and the accompanying design standards, go to the town Web site at www.yorkmaine.org and click on the "Departments" link at the top of the page. From there, select "Community Development Department," then scroll down the left side of that home page to the "Posted Documents" link. A draft of the zoning proposal and design standards are available there.

It's an interesting read, believe it or not, and will give everyone a glimpse of what's to come next to this much-loved tourist destination.

— The York Weekly