Stimson gets conditional approval for boatbuilding
The Boothbay Planning Board granted David Stimson conditional approval to move his boatbuilding and repairing business to his home. The board voted unanimously on Sept. 17 approving Stimson’s request for a home occupancy exception.
The board granted approval after reviewing and adjusting his application. Stimson’s application was about 1,000 square feet over the 75 percent requirement. The ordinance requires home businesses not exceed 75 percent of the property’s square footage. Stimson met the condition by eliminating some storage space.
Stimson plans on operating a boatbuilding and repairing business in a residential zone. He resides at 261 River Road.
The board’s decision brings an end to a nearly three year battle Stimson has fought with town officials and neighbors.
However, it wasn’t a total victory. The planning board placed conditions before he could begin.
First, Stimson must complete the erection of a 1,500 square foot building. The unfinished structure has a roof, door and windows. The board wants him to enclose the structure with walls before he can proceed with his home business.
The planning board also placed other restrictions. His hours of operation were limited to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday with the possibility for occasional overtime. He must construct a 10-foot fence to screen his operation from the road. Deliveries must occur on the building’s western end. He must use flaggers during deliveries to avoid traffic jams. And parking is restricted to the building’s northern side.
Stimson was mostly amenable to the restrictions. However, he hoped the board would allow him an immediate start. Stimson wanted a time allowance on completing his building so he could proceed with his work. But the board and his neighbors believed if an allowance was made then the building wouldn’t be finished in a timely fashion.
“If you require me to finish before I get back to work it may give me plenty of incentive to finish, but I’m not sure how I’m going to do that,” Stimson said.
Board vice chairman Fran McBrearty advised him to get his friends and neighbors to assist him in a “barn raising.” McBrearty offered his “limited carpentry skills.” Planning board member Michael Tomacelli offered the use of his scaffolding, and board chairman Alan Bellows also offered to pitch in.
Stimson also had concerns about another restriction.
He believed the board overstepped its authority by restricting him from building metal boats. Stimson indicated he had no desire to build metal boats, but his disagreement stemmed for what he perceived as the board’s lack of jurisdiction.
“I don’t believe you’re allowed to place that restriction. I believe you’re overstepping your bounds,” Stimson said. “I don’t want to build metal boats ever again, so my disagreement is over the principle.”
Bellows said that the board had a responsibility to protect the neighborhood from unreasonable noise. The board told him if certain noise reductions procedures were put in place the restriction could be lifted.
The planning board is scheduled to meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the municipal room.
Related:
Planning board issues repair permit to boatbuilder
