New interest in a petition on the Internet website change.org has been sparked by last week’s controversial approval, in a 5-2 split vote, allowing a planned unit development for the former Dow Museum of Historic Houses; making way for a 30-room hotel to be operated in the heart of one of the city’s historic preservation districts.
David Lowther, who resides at 268 Saint George Street, says that he represents a citizen group, known as “Protect HP-1” who opposes continued commercial encroachment into the city’s historic neighborhoods.
“This developer’s plan will result in a huge impact to Bridge Street and the intersection of Bridge Street and Martin Luther King Avenue — which is already busy and is the location of a school bus stop,” Lowther says; referring to Corneal’s plans to valet park hotel guests at 100 Bridge Street and then shuttle them back and forth to the hotel.
On Tuesday, the Board recommended approval of the Cordova Inn PUD with the conditions that there be no special events, that the grounds be open weekly for public access, and that Lincolnville residents be noticed of the upcoming City Commission meeting where it must be approved.
Lowther has concerns over how this particular developer appears to be receiving special consideration from City Hall. He points out that Corneal was granted a “Use by Exception” to construct a parking lot for restaurant guests on previously residential property at 100 Bridge Street.
Corneal purchased the property at that location, the former “M & M Market” after it had been seized during a police investigation which led to the arrest of several people. The city also overlooked a required archeological examination fee before the building was relocated. Corneal refused to pay.
“Where will the restaurant patrons park?,” Lowther asks, if Corneal intends to stack the thirty hotel room guests on the same lot.
Learn more about the petition on change.org
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