Old Town council alters zoning for landfill

OLD TOWN – The city approved Tuesday a zoning measure that officials believe could protect the city and landowners when the Juniper Ridge Landfill expands in the future.

The council voted 7-0 to create a landfill zone (L-1) for the area, which was formerly a rural residence and farming (R3-A) zone.

Code Enforcement Officer Charles Heinonen said the planning board recommended the change.

Heinonen said the new zone would more accurately reflect what is and what could be in the area. The zone change covers land owned by the state and an additional 700 acres. The new zone will create buffer areas between the landfill and the landowners in the area.

“I think it’s a good ordinance and very beneficial to the people who live out in the area,” Heinonen said.

The stated-owned landfill would be exempt unless and until the landfill expands, which it is expected to do eventually.

Attorney Helen Edmunds of Pierce Atwood, which represents Casella, told the City Council at its Aug. 4 meeting that the company was concerned the language of the ordinance gave the city local control.

Juniper Ridge was formerly the West Old Town Landfill. It is operated by Casella Waste Systems Inc.

The City Council also voted on a zoning change that affects property owned by Red Shield Environmental LLC. The property, which is located across from the mill warehouse on South Main Street, was changed from zone R-2 (general residence) to I-1 (industrial).

The lot is already bounded on the west and east by I-1 zoning.

Also, council president David Mahan announced City Manager Peggy Daigle would return Sept. 18 from medical leave. Bill Mayo has been serving as acting city manager since Daigle left Aug. 20.

jbloch@bangordailynews.net

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