Willard Square development moratorium clears first hurdle

South Portland City Council sends the proposal to the Planning Board for review.

Although three South Portland councilors expressed reservations about a building moratorium in Willard Square, the proposal did clear it’s first reading Monday, with all in favor.

Mayor Rosemarie De Angelis expressed concern about “changing the rules midstream,” on Glenn Perry and Ian Hayward, who plan to build an upscale food market on a 1,250-square-foot lot on the corner of Pillsbury and Preble streets. Councilors Alan Hughes and Tom Coward agreed, although all three voted to approve a first reading of the moratorium, as it moves the issue before the Planning Board.

“They are the real experts in these things,” said Coward.

The remaining councilors all expressed strong support for the moratorium, now set for 95 days from final passage, while also backdating to May 5, when Councilor Maxine Beecher first presented the idea on behalf of more than 200 citizens who signed a petition asking for the halt in commercial building in the neighborhood.

As in previous meetings and workshops, concerns were raised about whether the old neighborhood can support an influx of modern traffic, including delivery trucks.

Councilors supporting the moratorium continually raised a

2006 rezoning of Willard Square, from a "limited-development commercial" to “mixed-use village-commercial." That change effectively outlawed drive-thru restaurants, motels, auto garages and other similar businesses. However, the finer points of what would be allowed were never addressed, even after a Willard Square Neighborhood Association tried to jumpstart the process in 2009.

Although no clarity was given to ongoing demands for “design standards" – neighbors have objected to nearly everything about Perry’s proposed story, from its façade and its product line to even its name – councilors expressed confidence that something can be agreed to before the moratorium expires.

“I think it’s time we stop before we make any major mistakes,” said Beecher. “This is an opportunity for the business and for the neighbors to work together. That way, the business has a chance to succeed.”

Following a public hearing to be held before the Planning Board on May 24, a building halt could be in place as soon as the June 6 City Council meeting.