The Boothbay Planning Board needs more information about a proposed Lobsterman’s Wharf renovation before giving approval. The board tabled Miller Holdings, LLC's request on June 20 to renovate the restaurant’s wharf, replace pilings and foundation under the nearby “fish house,” and install a walking gangway from the jetty off Ocean Point Marina to the parking lot.

Dan and Eileen Miller made the request on behalf of their businesses, Lobsterman’s Wharf and Ocean Point Marina in East Boothbay. At first, the Millers considered shoring up the aging complex’s foundation, but upon further examination decided the project needs more extensive repairs.

“We looked at doing some patch work,  but decided a more long term view would be better economically,” said Dan Miller. The project includes redoing the whole dock and replacing the deteriorating foundation.  The renovated complex will be smaller, but still serve the same number of restaurant patrons.

“We have 170 seats right now. Ninety outside and 80 inside. It will remain 170, but we are looking to add more outside seating because that’s why people come to Lobsterman’s,” said Dan Miller.

The application was tabled because it didn’t include current and proposed building dimensions. Both the lot and buildings are regarded as non-conforming structures and properties, according to municipal codes. “There is not enough information here to determine whether the changes will make the property more or less non-conforming. Once we have that, then we can make a decision,” Bellows said.

In other action, the board unanimously approved two other applications. Daniel and Tammie Cusumano received approval to operate a gunsmith shop in their home at 964 Wiscasset Road which is in the C3 district. Daniel Cusumano is also interested in operating a shooting range which was not part of the application. Cusumano was reminded he must submit a separate application for a shooting range.

James Beck of Cambridge, Massachusetts received approval to replace a block foundation with a poured concrete one and add a new septic system at his 234 Back River Road property.

The board also heard one pre-application proposal from a Boothbay Harbor resident. Alison Evans is considering purchasing an Ocean Point Road property to build a production space for her pottery and ceramic business. Evans owns AE Home with two locations. One is in Boothbay Harbor. The other is in Yarmouth. She wants to consolidate by eliminating the Yarmouth one and moving production to East Boothbay and a gallery in Boothbay Harbor.

Evans believes the East Boothbay property is ideal for her business’s long-term plans. But there is a problem. The property is in a general residential zone which prohibits manufacturing. The town’s proposed comprehensive plan would allow limited manufacturing at the location. But the expanded uses wouldn’t take effect until approved by voters.

“We're still integrating the comprehensive plan into the ordinances and that needs voter approval. So the earliest is probably May (2019),” Bellows said.

Evans told board members she would seek out other locations now, and possibly revisit the East Boothbay property if voters approved the revised ordinance next year.

The board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18 in the municipal building.