By Emily Patrick 2/5/25 Planning & Select Board Recaps
Wednesday night’s Planning Board meeting opened with Code Enforcement Officer Ron Sarol’s report. Only one permit was approved since the board last met. The permit was for a concrete slab on Overlook Drive for to support wireless equipment for Verizon. Sarol is continuing to work on crafting a land use violation penalty system for Greenville. The Board also reviewed the proposed guideline for setback variances.
Sarol did suggest a need-based protocol for setback variances and the board agreed. They are going to continue crafting this new ordinance before it goes before our selectmen. Sarol also presented a “Dangerous Building” ordinance crafted by Jack Hart back in 2016. It was taken largely from Title 17 of our Maine State statutes. Sarol and the board are going to continue to research this matter.
Next, Jennifer Whitlow and Fred Gossage presented a new, proposed subdivision on Blair Hill, with a working title of “Blair Hill Overlook” subdivision. It’s situated on 56 acres “off the beaten path” where the pair plan to construct six 2-bedroom Hammond Lumber cottages, each on one acre, to sell in fee simple interest to interested buyers. Board member David Case said the plan, “Sounds, so far, really good to me.”
Chairman Contreni went over what was needed for the subdivision application with Gossage and Whitlow at this “pre-application meeting.” We will continue to follow this project as it moves through the Planning Board’s 8-step subdivision approval process.
At the start of the evening’s Select Board meeting, Rec Director Sally Tornquist said at last Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Rec Committee, two potential committee candidates were presented. Tornquist recommended Josh Guay for the position.
Amy Lane and Margarita Contreni gave a brief presentation, further outlining their plan to purchase Big Moose Mountain ski area. Lane said, “The momentum is building incredibly…every day,” and that it’s been, “…well-received: locally, state- and even nation-wide.” She continued, “Now, it’s time to get the Town of Greenville involved.”
We’ve been covering this story thoroughly as it is unfolding, but Lane did share the group passed a liquor license inspection the day before and is going to have a full bar in the near future. Contreni also shared the group has raised $850,000 thus far in the campaign, up $100,000 just since their public launch.
Chairman Murray shared his personal stories of learning to ski on the mountain and having relatives work there back in its heyday. He said it’s been, “Really nice to see the activity,” and also encouraged his colleagues to give a gift to the campaign if they are able. He also said, speaking on behalf of the budget committee, this project is something the group may consider donating to and that there is a 501(c)(3) request form the group should fill out to submit to the Town.
Speaking of the budget committee, they are looking for some help. If you’re interested in joining the budget committee, please reach out to Town Manager Mike Roy.
In his manager’s report, Roy shared the news Greenville is on the list to host an, “MMA for a Day” event, though he doesn’t have an exact date for this yet. As always, we will keep you updated.