The Boothbay Planning Board conditionally approved Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens' expansion project Jan. 15 to construct a horticulture and plant science center. CMBG has proposed a 10,770 square foot administrative and laboratory building connected to a 4,240 square foot head house, two 6,080 square foot greenhouses, a 6,000 square foot storage building, three 2,880 square foot hoop houses and several outdoor planting areas. 

The new structure would total 41,810 square feet. Two conditions were placed on the permit. One is a letter from Fire Chief David Pratt affirming he'd reviewed the plan. CMBG is also restricted from beginning the project until they submit a signed agreement with Boothbay Region Land Trust for an easement.

The property is on Gaecklein Road in a residential district and watershed protection overlay zone.

A second application also received conditional approval. Tracy and Travis Heiser and Thomas and Catherine Moroney received approval to amend property lines. The two neighbors sought approval to amend Blue Hill Shores Subdivision, approved by the planning board in 1974 and amended in 1976, regarding setback encroachment requirements.

The two parties agreed to exchange 635 square feet along their common boundary line. Tom Moroney is required to provide the code enforcement officer an email written by Blue Hill Shores Association approving the swap.  

Both properties are in residential, coastal residential and shoreland overlay districts.

The board meets next at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 in the conference room.