It was better late than never for the Boothbay Sea & Science Center. The Boothbay Planning Board granted approval on Aug. 20 for the center to operate its summer program in a new location. The board voted unanimously to allow the youth nautical program at 36 Brewer and 10 Poore roads. The center used the locations this summer without seeking planning board approval.

The center originally received approval for a nearby location in April. However, the deal with the property owner fell through, according to Jack French, a legal consultant for the center. The group was later approached by Mark Miller, who offered the use of his properties on the Little River Marina.

According to French, the center believed it could change to a nearby locations without filing a new application. During the summer, the center received conflicting opinions from the town’s code enforcement officers about the move.

“One said we’re fine and the other said we needed to file another application,” French said. “So we were facing a possible fine. So we decided it wouldn’t do any harm to file another application especially since our first presentation went so well.”

This is the second year of the Boothbay Sea & Science Center. Last year, it operated in Boothbay Harbor. The center teaches area youths ages 4-12 about sailing, rowing and other nautical skills. The center moved after its first year to find a less congested location.

“Everything was going fine. We found a new location and received planning board approval,” French said. “But then at the last minute the owner changed his mind. So Mr. Miller approached us about using his property on the river.”

The planning board only heard opposition from one person. Nelson King, who lives on Poore Road, believed the location would cause traffic problem in the neighborhood. He also said the ordinance didn’t allow for an educational use in the special residential zone. Nelson described the location as being “too congested” and additional traffic would only make it worse.

“I think it’s in a bad place,” King said. “I almost ran over a little boy going 15 miles per hour. He was standing in the middle of the road looking out. I didn’t see him, and he didn’t see me.”

The board’s decision allows the center to continue using the location. However, French isn’t sure how long that will be. He said the center may move if a better location emerges.

In other action, the board tabled a request for a boatbuilding and repair service accessory use. Applicant David Stimson, who resides at 261 River Road, requested moving his boatbuilding business onto his home property. The property is zoned as general rural. Stimson’s original application requested a home occupancy exception, but he has since amended it to maritime activities. Stimson plans on building, repairing and storing boats on his property. 

The planning board wanted to review the site prior to ruling on his application. The board met at Stimson’s property Aug. 21.

The board will meet next at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17 in the municipal room.