Topsham puts freeze on projects

TOPSHAM – Residents alarmed by rapid commercial development around the Topsham Fair Mall have approved a six-month moratorium on new stores, hotels, restaurants and theaters on two large properties near the mall.

Residents voted by a 2-1 majority Wednesday night for the moratorium on the parcels near the area that has seen construction of a Home Depot, Target, Best Buy and other stores and restaurants in recent years.

Selectman James Trusiani said he opposed the moratorium because it would prevent the town from collecting commercial tax revenues. Trusiani said Home Depot and Target generate more than $420,000 a year in taxes.

But supporters of the moratorium described it as a “timeout” for residents to consider what kind of community they want.

“We are not asking the town to stop development. We are asking people to stop and think about development,” Patsy Cyr said.

The decision affects 96 acres between the Birch Ridge Avenue and Emily Street neighborhoods and 140 acres north of Route 196, next to Interstate 295.

Concerned Citizens of Topsham mounted the petition drive after the owner of the 96-acre parcel went to the planning board with plans for a hotel, restaurant, multiplex movie theater and 142,000-square-foot discount club.

The moratorium drive followed a spate of similar votes in midcoast towns. Damariscotta and Edgecomb approved size caps to stop large stores from coming to town, and Nobleboro imposed a moratorium on large commercial developments.

In Topsham, the final vote when town meeting moderator Richard Hornbeck asked for a show of hands was 235 in support of the moratorium and 124 against.

“I think this vote was a strong statement that people are not happy with the way things have developed in town,” said Jan Smith of Concerned Citizens.

Not everyone agreed with Smith’s assessment.

Moratorium opponent Paul Loveless warned that older homeowners will be driven out unless the town collects more commercial taxes.

“What is wrong with having a motel in Topsham, right next to the highway? What a perfect spot,” added Mark Ponziani, another moratorium opponent.