1982-11-12 Memo, Development on Island

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TO: W.R. Benson, City Administrator FROM: Alan P. Olson, City Planner DATE: November 12, 1982 SUBJECT: Phone Call Received Regarding Deering Island A Larry Schlossinger called me today saying he had talked to Mary Butler who referred him to me. He "has a chance to buy Deering Island" and would like to develop it with a summer -season restaurant. What does he need to get approval? I asked a lot of questions and he had few answers. He did not know size of facility, number of docks, where parking would be, etc. He said it would be a "high class" aesthetic development, which would add tax base, etc. He said they would be needing multiple docks (unknown how many) and would have a ferry service from an unknown parking lot location. They would have off -duty police and built-in fire protection. He did not want to spend a lot of money on plans etc. until he knew the City would approve. He would do it the way the City wants. My reply: Based on long-standing City policy, Comprehensive Plan and ordinances, including revisions of island zoning now being completed, Orono has discouraged development on the islands except for low density seasonal residential cabins, etc. He would be asking for something entirely new and contrary to past policies; therefore, based on past precedent, I do not think his restaurant idea would be approved. But he has the right to present his ideas and make a case for how his restaurant would fit in. Orono always listens to new ideas. His would be an uphill battle and burden would be on him to convince Council to make necessary changes. He would be asking for: 1. Comprehensive Plan amendment 2. Rezoning from residential to commercial 3. Plan approval based on detailed technical specifications Council could turn him down at any point. Council could not give final approval, and probably not even conceptual approval, until all questions were answered.