When plans to sell their Cooks Landing property this spring fell through, the owners looked for an alternative. Brian Cookson and Cindy Landry sought a different use for their Route 27 property which included a convenience store and nine seasonal rental cabins. They decided to transform the former store into a pub or restaurant and lounge.

Cookson, the “Cooks," and Landry, the “Landing," have owned the property for nearly seven years. They received conditional approval from the Edgecomb Planning Board May 24 for a change of use. The couple still needs state approval on the septic plan before securing local approval.

The former store at 623 Boothbay Road reopened briefly this spring after several years' absence. Cookson and Landry found a prospective buyer who operated the store for a couple months before the deal fell through. So Cookson and Landry searched for another possible year round use.

“We thought a restaurant or lounge similar to a pub would be a good use for the property. We thought it would be a good place to watch football on Sundays or a place for a family to come for a meal,” Cookson said. The couple also has plans for the rental cabins. “They have all been redone and we want to help Boothbay businesses by providing seasonal lodging for their employees,” Landry said.

The owners plan on opening in early July with a goal prior to Independence Day, according to Cookson. The pub will operate seven days per week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The couple plans to hire three to five employees.

In other action, the board unanimously approved Mark and Kathie Eldridge’s application for constructing a family spa for their 880 Cross Point Road property. The Eldridges are building a family spa with a gym, sauna, kitchen, outdoor kitchen, outdoor pizza oven, hot tub, and outdoor entertainment space. The spa would be located near cottages on the property, according to Knickerbocker Group project manager Steve Berger who represented the applicants.

On May 3, the board approved a blasting permit for the proposed construction site. Two board members, Barry Hathorne and David Nutt, visited the location prior to the meeting for a site plan review. According to Berger, the blasting occurred shortly after May 7. After the visit, Hathorne said, “Fantastic job. These guys really got it together.”

The board also reviewed a proposal from another Cross Point Road resident seeking approval for an outdoor cooking and outdoor space. Knickerbocker Group architect Julien Jalbert represented Steve Doyon and Paula Valenza who own the 669 Ocean Point Road property. The owners are also seeking approval to construct a retaining wall to curb erosion and runoff. The board advised Jalbert to seek a “permit by rule” from Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Code Enforcement Officer Ken Vinal reported such a request takes about 14 days.

The board asked Jalbert to present a completed application, property maps, and letter from the owners granting permission to represent them at the next board meeting. Jalbert indicated his clients had a Sept. 5 target date for completion and the board’s request wouldn’t impede the project’s progress.

The board also elected new officers. Hathorne, who served as vice chairman, was elected to become the new chairman. Pat Jeremiah, who didn’t attend, was elected vice chairman. Hathorne also serves as the Ordinance Review Committee chairman. He asked unsuccessfully that another board member assume that role. Nutt encouraged Hathorne to assume both roles with the possibility he may become ORC chairman in a few weeks.

The planning board meets next at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 7 in the municipal building.