2022.05.06--Falmouth Focus, Volume 4, Issue 13

Please note: This newsletter will be sent to subscribers of both The Falmouth Focus newsletter and Town News & Announcements. Please excuse cross postings. To change your subscription settings, visit E-Alerts. 

General Information

• Online and Remote Services
• A Guide to Participating in Virtual Town Council Meetings

Please note, currently the Table of Contents links feature is not supported by all email clients or browsers. 

• News & Issues​​​​​​  
  • Revised Town Mask Policy 
  • Fire-EMS Scholarship
  • Election Notice and Information
  • Falmouth Receives Grant
  • Veranda Street Bridge Project--Thank You
  • Community Clean-Up Thank You!
• Ongoing Initiatives
  • Revaluation Project: Answers to Your Questions
  • Consolidated Communications Fiber Internet Update
  • Living Lawns
• Events
  • Coffee With Councilors
  • Neighborhood Clean-Up Week
  • Mackworth Island Informational Meeting
  • Arbor Day Tree Planting
  • Falmouth Land Trust Forty Fest
  • Lake-Friendly Landscaping  Workshop
  • Memorial Day Parade Returns
• Take Note
  • Curbside Leaf Collection Postponed
  • Job Opportunities: Parks & Fire-EMS
  • CMP Continues Line Work
• Falmouth Public Schools
  • Highlight: High School Musical
  • Focus: Community Dialogue 
  • Upcoming: Meetings & Events 
• Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings
  • Town Council
  • Planning Board
  • Board of Zoning Appeals
  • Stay Informed

Changes to Town Mask Policy Effective Immediately

Throughout the pandemic, the Town of Falmouth has closely monitored COVID-19 case rates in Cumberland County and followed the guidance of the Federal and Maine Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Due to CDC’s designation of Cumberland County's community level as "high," the Town of Falmouth will once again require masks for all staff and visitors indoors at all Town offices and facilities regardless of vaccination status beginning today, Friday, May 6, 2022. Falmouth will continue to review CDC data regarding transmission levels in Cumberland County and current CDC guidelines to determine if changes are appropriate. Changes and updates to this policy will be communicated to residents via E-Alerts, social media, and the Town website.

Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship 2022

The application period for the annual Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship is now open. The $1000 scholarship recognizes graduating high school seniors living in our community who plan to continue their post- secondary education in the field of firefighting, emergency medical services, nursing, or a related field. 

To apply: Complete and return the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship application by Friday June 3, 2022. Applications can also be obtained by calling (207) 781-2610, or e-mailing jcosta@falmouthme.org. Completed applications can be delivered or mailed to Falmouth Fire-EMS, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.  Applications delivered to the station by 4 pm on June 3, 2022 or post-marked by June 3, 2022 will be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a panel made up of members of Falmouth Fire-EMS. Applications must be filled out completely. The Award will be announced in early July 2022.To learn more visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/fire-ems-department/pages/falmouth-fire-ems-scholarship-2022. 

Donations to support the scholarship can be made to the Falmouth Fire-EMS Scholarship Fund and sent to Central Station, 8 Bucknam Road, Falmouth, ME 04105.

Election Notice and Information

The Town of Falmouth will hold the Municipal Election and Budget Validation Referendum on June 14, 2022. The election will take place at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. The regular office hours of the Voter Registrar/Town Clerk’s Office, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, Maine are: Monday - 7:00am - 4:30-pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, Closed Fridays. Sample ballots will be posted to the website upon receipt and are also available by request.

Voter Registration

For registration questions, please call the Registrar at 699-5320.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

There are three ways to request an absentee ballot.

• By Phone: Contact the Town Clerk's Department at 699-5320   
• In Person: Visit Town Hall during regular business hours, Monday - 7:00am - 4:30-pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, to pick up a ballot. Note: Town Hall is closed on Fridays.
• By Mail: Print the Absentee Ballot Request Form HERE and mail to Falmouth Town Clerk's Department, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105   

Submitting Your Voted Absentee Ballot

To be counted, voted absentee ballots must be received by the municipal clerk by 8:00pm on Election Day. There are three ways to return a completed absentee ballot.

• Official Ballot Drop Box: An official ballot drop off box is located at the front of Town Hall to the left of the staircase. Ballots can be deposited here at any time up to 8:00pm on Election Day.
• In Person: Return your ballot to the Clerk's Department at Falmouth Town Hall during business hours, Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm (Closed Fridays and Election Day).
• By Mail: Return your ballot in the mail. Please allow enough time for us to receive the ballot by 8:00pm on June 14. Ballots are not accepted by postmark dates. Any ballots received after 8:00pm on Election Day will be rejected.

On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall. 

Absentee Voting  

In person absentee voting begins on Monday, May 16, 2022 at Town Hall during opening hours, Monday - 7:00am - 4:30-pm; Tuesday - Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm, (Closed Fridays). Extended hours for voting will be offered on Thursday, June 9, 2022 from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Election Day Voting

Voting will take place on June 14 at the Falmouth High School Gym, 74 Woodville Road. Polls open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm. No voting will take place at Town Hall on Election Day. On Election Day, voted absentee ballots may be submitted at the polling place or via the drop box at Town Hall. The Clerk’s Department at Town Hall will be closed so staff can facilitate the elections at the polling place. Other Town Hall Departments will remain open. Voters are asked to follow all COVID-related health and safety procedures put into place at the polls as recommended by the CDC and Secretary of State at the time of the election.

For more information, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/town-clerk/pages/municipal-election

Falmouth Receives $50K Grant

The Town of Falmouth is one of twenty-four communities in Maine to be awarded a Community Resilience Partnership Community Action Grant from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation. The $50,000 grant will fund geomorphic data collection and assessment of several streams within town to determine whether excess runoff or sediment loading due to human alterations of the stream channels and surrounding watersheds are causing habitat and water quality degradation. The grant will also fund the development of conceptual nature-based restoration projects that will sustainably enhance aquatic habitat, macroinvertebrate assemblages, and fish populations. The geomorphic assessment includes review of previous reports and watershed planning documents, documenting channel and watershed changes, topographic surveying, and an education campaign to inform Falmouth residents about watershed health and best practices to promote clean waterbodies. The results will inform high priority action recommendations with the Falmouth Strategic Watershed Plan including strengthening ordinances around shoreland zoning and riparian buffers and capital improvement planning for culvert upgrades under roadways. Work will begin this summer and should be completed within one year. 

Falmouth PD Thanks Community for Patience During Veranda Bridge Closure

By John Kilbride, Chief of Police

The Maine Department of Transportation's (MaineDOT) recent closure of Veranda Street and I-295 under the Veranda Bridge was an unprecedented event in Falmouth's history. Approximately 40,000 vehicles traveling on the interstate were to be re-routed during the closure with a significant portion detoured through town. Town staff, including the Falmouth Police, Fire-EMS, Public Works, and Communications Departments, in concert with MaineDOT, spent countless hours over the past year planning for this event. Maine DOT’s aggressive advertising campaign, supported by Town e-alerts, social media postings, and other communications, along with traffic light coordination, heavy police presence, and well-informed motorists, contributed to a safe and successful weekend. In Falmouth, traffic was heavy but manageable. Roads were congested but traffic kept moving. Remarkably, only two vehicular accidents and no driver or pedestrian injuries occurred in Falmouth. We must give credit to our residents and business community, who bore a significant burden during the closure week. We thank you for your efforts and your patience. Many of you stayed home and avoided the area. For those who could not, you demonstrated caution and calm during a stressful and, at times, frustrating week. We received no complaints during the entire closure period. The teamwork displayed by all involved was essential to our success. Road work will continue on Veranda Street for several more months, but we have come through the worst of it. Thank you, Falmouth!

Community Clean-Up Thank You!

by Nancy Lightbody, Conservation Committee Chair

The Falmouth Community Clean-Up Day on April 23 was a huge success! On a beautiful Saturday morning, 32 hardworking and enthusiastic volunteers joined forces to celebrate Falmouth’s Earth Week event. Over the course of three hours, bags and bags of trash were gathered near the West Falmouth Crossing Shopping Center, both on the banks near the railroad bridge and also in the parking lot, leaving this area pristine and trash free. The Falmouth Conservation Commission extends sincere appreciation and admiration for all the hard work that volunteers contributed to this effort. The results exceeded our expectations, and for that we are grateful. Many thanks to the Flagship Cinema on Route 1 for their support and donation of free movie tickets for every volunteer and to Hannaford for donating large sturdy trash bags. Thanks also to Falmouth’s Parks Department for bringing to the Transfer Station all the bags of trash. What a wonderful cooperative effort on behalf of our community!

Revaluation Project: Answers to Your Questions

At the May 9 Town Council meeting Falmouth Assessor Ben Thompson is scheduled to discuss the revaluation and update the Council on its progress. The project is now moving into its final stages. All exterior inspections have been completed in Falmouth. Letters were sent to all Falmouth property owners regarding setting up appointments for an interior inspection. The response was overwhelming. The deadline to schedule interior inspections was extended by nine additional days. At this time all available appointment slots have been filled and the deadline to schedule has now passed.  

The next letter that taxpayers receive will be the informal valuation of their property. This letter will reveal the proposed new value for each parcel and will provide instructions on how to schedule a meeting if you have questions or a challenge to the valuation. At that time, you may schedule a meeting to discuss your valuation and, if needed, set up an interior inspection if one has not already been conducted.

The revaluation will be completed in August 2022 and the results, known as the commitment, will be applied to November 2022 property tax bills. Taxpayers will have an additional opportunity at that time to challenge their assessment through what is known as an abatement (appeal) process. 

Below are some answers to common questions regarding the revaluation.

What is a revaluation? A revaluation is the process of conducting the data collection and market analysis necessary to equalize the values of all properties within a municipality for the purpose of a fair distribution of the tax burden.

Why is Falmouth doing a revaluation? The State of Maine requires municipalities to perform revaluations every 10 years. Falmouth’s last revaluation occurred in 2009. Revaluations ensure fairness to all property owners. Over time, different properties increase in value at different rates. This can result in inequities. A revaluation addresses these inequities by reappraising all properties to reflect current market levels.

What is market value and who determines my property value? Market value is determined by the activity of buying and selling that occurs in the real estate market. The value of your property will be based on an analysis of the entire market for the 12 months prior to April 1, 2022. It is the appraiser’s job to research and analyze the values in a town or neighborhood by considering all the factors you and/or a real estate agent consider when determining the price of your home when you put it up for sale. However, the appraiser also has specific guidelines to follow. Some of the factors examined in each property include location, land and improvement sizes, construction quality, improvement age, topography, zoning restrictions, and the utilities present and available to a site.

Am I required to allow an inspector into my home? No. Interior inspections are only performed with the owner’s permission. While it is not mandatory for residents to allow inspectors interior access, the data they are collecting is important to the accuracy and uniformity of the assessments.

How is an estimate made if the assessor is not given access to the interior of the home? Will the value be based upon the town-wide average? An assessment will be made based upon all the information that is garnered for each property individually. Estimates are only based on the information available. The more accurate the information, the more accurate the assessment. 

When will I receive notification of my new assessment? Property owners will receive individual notices of new assessments by mail beginning in June. These notices are typically called the “informal valuation” letters.

What if I disagree with the new assessment? Property owners are given the opportunity to discuss their values with appraisal staff during informal hearings to be held in the coming months. At individual informal hearings, property owners will have an opportunity to voice concerns and discuss inaccuracies or discrepancies with a qualified appraiser who will review property record cards and explain values. At that time, an interior inspection may be requested if one has not already occurred. At no time is an interior inspection mandatory. The appraiser will determine if a reinspection and/or valuation change is in order, and the property owner will be notified of the review results.

Will I lose my right to appeal if I do not allow an interior inspection? No. No “penalty” will be assessed for refusal to allow an interior inspection. All property owners have the right to appeal their new valuation by appointment once the informal valuation letter has been received, or by filing for an abatement within 185 days after commitment. The “commitment” is the date the assessor makes a final determination on the new value and calculates the new tax rate.

Will my taxes go up?

Where can I find more information?

Falmouth Revaluation Project: https://www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022

Revaluation Fact Sheet: https://www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/revaluation_fact_sheet_updated_february_2022.pdf

The Town of Falmouth has contracted with Vision Government Solutions to perform the revaluation. Visit: www.vgsi.com

Cumberland County Regional Assessing Cumberland County Regional Assessing provides real and personal property assessing services to the Town of Falmouth and oversees the work of Vision Government Solutions. Visit: www.cumberlandcounty.org/311/Regional-Assessing

General questions may be directed to Cumberland County Assessing at: 207-699-2475  

Consolidated Communications Fiber Internet Expansion Work Underway in Falmouth

Consolidated Communications is in the process of constructing Fidium fiber-to-the-premise internet service in Falmouth. Work is underway, and the company expects this service to be available to some residents in September 2022. Residents may have already noticed work crews in their neighborhood. The entire project will be carried out in phases, with the last phase completed by 2025. The first phase is significant and includes much of the community east of Town Hall. This phase will be completed and ready for customer use later this year. According to Consolidated Communications, all of Falmouth will eventually have access to Fidium Fiber Internet, allowing all residents who are interested to subscribe.

For more information on Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber internet service, visit www.fidiumfiber.com. Residents can sign up for e-mail updates from Fidium at: ww.fidiumfiber.com/signup. Questions and concerns regarding the work underway in Falmouth should be directed to Consolidated Communications at: 207.712.8248

Living Lawns

Living Lawns offers lawn care tips to help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. Over the spring, summer, and fall, Falmouth's Conservation Commission will share tips in The Falmouth Focus and on social media. So let's get started....

Tip #1: Happy spring, and time to rake! Spring raking removes lingering fall leaves, matted grass clumps, and grass blades that didn't survive winter. Use a spring-tine rake with a strong upward pull to remove dead grass. Left alone, these dead blades add to your lawn's thatch layer. Thatch build-up starts when the turf produces organic debris faster than it can be broken down. A good thatch layer is a half-inch thick or less. Some thatch helps protect the roots, but excessive thatch prevents moisture, oxygen, and nutrients from penetrating the soil. Dethatching isn't recommended in the spring during the transition between dormancy and active growth because at this time the energy and nutrient stores in grass roots are low. But dethatching is a good thing to plan for come fall if your lawn needs it.

Tip #2: Healthy lawns need healthy soil! Healthy soil is the key to having a lush, green lawn. It is impossible to know what your soil needs without doing a soil test. Levels of pH, nutrients, and organic matter all impact plant growth. A soil test should be done at least every three years and before you decide to add any fertilizer or lime to your lawn. Test results will help you decide what your lawn needs. For example, nutrient levels that are too low will slow plant growth, and levels that are too high can pollute our waterways and may inhibit plant growth. Low pH means acidic conditions, and high pH indicates alkaline conditions. If the pH is too high, your grass cannot properly absorb nutrients. Ideal pH should be between 6.5-7.0, slightly acidic. Adding compost can naturally correct your pH. The ideal time of year to test your soil is mid to late spring or early fall. You can get a free soil test kit from the UMaine Extension Office in Falmouth, or through the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District. Check out the Soil Management for Healthy Lawns and Environments PowerPoint (by Jason Lilley, Sustainable Ag. Professional with UMaine Cooperative Extension) and other resources on the Living Lawns website to learn about the soil food web, soil structure, and more!

For more information, visit the Livings Lawns web page at: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource

Coffee with Councilors

Building on the productive dialogues established during the Town’s Vision & Values process, the Town Council would like to invite all residents to join two Councilors at a time for an informal Zoom gathering. These meetings will be scheduled for one hour each with no set agenda. It is a chance for informal dialogue on whatever is on residents' minds. We will vary the days and times to try to be accessible to all. Note, this is a pilot project; we will assess continuation after a few months. Visit the events calendar on the home page for Zoom links to each meeting or watch this space. We hope to see you there!

The next Coffee with Councilors will be held...

Wednesday, May 11, 6-7pm
Attendees: Councilors LaFond and Kuhn

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81526864409
Or One tap mobile : 
    US: +13126266799,,81526864409#  or +16465588656,,81526864409# 
Or Telephone:
    Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
        US: +1 312 626 6799  or +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  or +1 346 248 7799  or +1 669 900 9128  or +1 253 215 8782 
Webinar ID: 815 2686 4409
    International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kqh0HW0kD

Note: Links to each coffee will be posted on the events calendar on our home page at www.falmouthme.org and listed here in each issue.

Curbside Leaf Collection Postponed

Due to unforeseen circumstances, curbside leaf collection scheduled for Friday, May 6 in Falmouth has been postponed one week until Friday, May 13. Please have bags curbside by 7:00am to ensure pick up.

Falmouth Community Programs Seeks Seasonal Staff

The Town of Falmouth is looking for seasonal Parks staff to work and maintain the many parks, trails, and grounds run by the town. We have full-time seasonal positions available May through August for groundskeeping, lawn care, and general maintenance. The ideal candidate will be at least 18 years old and have a basic knowledge of landscaping, trail maintenance and grounds equipment. Hourly rates are $15.00 - $18.00 based on experience. Must have a valid drivers license. E-mail or mail a resume to Jeff Mason, Parks Supervisor, or pick up an application at the Mason Motz Activity Center, 190 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105. The Town of Falmouth is an EOE. Jeff’s email is jmason@falmouthme.org

Falmouth Fire-EMS Recruiting for 12 full-time Firefighter/EMT Positions

The Town of Falmouth is recruiting 12 new full-time Firefighter/EMT positions. These positions are part of a Phase 2 hiring plan, a continuation of the Phase 1 plan started in 2020 to hire full-time staff. These positions will cross-staff an ambulance and engine at the Winn Road Fire Station and will respond to emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance in the town and to our mutual aid partners. Day-to-day functions include Fire and Injury Prevention and Public Education, Pre-Incident Planning, Training, Fire Suppression and Emergency Medical Services. For more information and an application visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/fire-ems-department/urgent-alerts/falmouth-fire-ems-job-opportunity.  Applications may also be obtained during business hours at Central Station at 8 Bucknam Road. For questions, please contact Chief Howard Rice Jr. at hrice@falmouthme.org. Application deadline is Friday, May 20, 2022. EOE.

CMP Continues Work to Inspect Distribution Lines in Falmouth

Central Maine Power (CMP) is undertaking a series of line projects in Falmouth, known as Distribution Line Inspections, which include replacing poles and cross arms, line transfers, and correcting any deficiencies in the lines. These inspections and replacements will help improve the structural integrity, capacity, and reliability of CMP’s distribution system, and will also help CMP address regulatory requirements. The work is anticipated to begin on May 16 and will take approximately 4 weeks. Equipment used may include digger trucks, bucket trucks, and other vehicles. Areas impacted include:

• Clifton Rd
• Merrill Rd
• Middle Rd
• Oakland Rd
• McCabe Rd
• Pleasant Hill
• Falmouth Rd.

CMP does not anticipate any extended power outages because of this work. A member of a crew will notify property owners if this need arises. Restricted access to businesses and residences is not anticipated. If obstructions do occur, they will be on a limited basis and coordinated by the construction crews. Each work area will be maintained throughout the project to minimize property impact, dust, and to keep neighborhoods clean. All trash or debris will be removed daily. In the rare cases where work could impact abutting properties, such as the need to trim or remove trees to protect the distribution system or access the work location, construction crews will contact property owners and work with them on an individual basis.

Additional Resources 

Distribution Line Inspections Frequently Asked Questions

Central Maine Power

For more information or questions, contact CMP at: 800-750-4000 (7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday)

Highlight: High School Musical

The Theatre Company at Falmouth High School will wrap up their production season with "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" musical. Please note, showtimes have been adjusted. New dates are May 12-15. The musical was conceived by Rebecca Feldman and lyrics and music are by William Finn. Tickets on sale now for $15 general admission; $10 for students and seniors. If you have already purchased tickets for re-scheduled shows, you may use that ticket for any upcoming shows.

Focus: Community Dialogue

How are we preparing our students for the future? Please join us for an important Community Dialogue about the student learning experience in our schools on Monday, May 9, from 6:30-*;30pm. in the Falmouth High School Cafeteria. Child care will be provided for K-5 students by two FHS juniors in the FHS Library. Please indicate here if you are planning to need childcare. We are eager to hear about the experiences and the aspirations of our community as we develop our vision and goals for the next several years. Small group discussions will cover topics including: 

✦   Integrating Content  ✦   Service Learning  ✦   Rigor ✦   Future Ready ✦   Standards-based Learning  ✦   Curriculum Alignment  ✦   The Role of Technology  ✦  How Success is Defined   ✦  Grading, Reporting & Evidence of Learning  ✦  Student Voice & Choice  ✦

Following the Dialogue, we will share notes and additional opportunities to provide input to our school community vision.  There isn’t a virtual option to this meeting, we are working on how to provide this in the future.

Upcoming

School Board Business Meeting - Monday, May 16th @ 7:00 in the FES cafeteria. The agenda is posted 5 days prior to the meeting on the falmouthschools.org website.

Spring Band / Choral Concert--Falmouth High School will be holding the Spring Band and Choral Concert on Tuesday, May 17th @ 7:00 pm.  All are welcome to attend. 

For more information on Falmouth Public Schools, visit: www.falmouthschools.org

Town Council Meeting, Monday, May 9, 7:00pm (VIRTUAL)

The Town Council will meet on Monday, May 9 at 7:00pm. Due to CDC’s designation of Cumberland County's community level as "high," the meeting will be fully virtual as authorized by Section 28, Policy Eight of the Town Council Rules and 1 MRSA §403-B. The agenda and Zoom link can be found here. The Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. The public may also watch (no participation option) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. Check out our Guide to Participating in Virtual Public Meetings. If you have questions, please call (207) 699-5335. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting on April 25. An agenda and video can be found here. 

• The Council approved an order to adopt the fiscal year 2022-2023 General Fund budget and appropriate the budgeted funds to the various departments pursuant to Article V of the Falmouth Town Charter and the relevant sections of the Maine state statutes.
• The Council approved an order to approve the fiscal year 2022-2023 Capital Improvement Plan and Tax Increment Financing District Plan spending budget and Capital Improvement Plan General Fund appropriation from Uncommitted Fund Balance.
• The Council approved an order to approve the fiscal year 2022-2023 Wastewater Department Enterprise Fund operating and capital improvement plan budget and appropriate the budgeted funds for these proprietary funds.
• The Council approved an order to adopt new sewer service rates, effective beginning with the normal billing cycle occurring after July 1, 2022.
• The Council approved an order to establish tax collection dates, interest rates, and payment application methods for 2022-2023 property taxes.
• The Council approved an order to allow the Town Manager to enter into a five-year contract with Axon Enterprise, Inc.
• There was a public hearing regarding an Ordinance to Amend Ch. II-9, Art. II-9-4., Coastal Waters Ordinance, Sec. 9-94. of the Code of Ordinances Regarding Rental Mooring Assignments. The Ordinance was scheduled for May 9, 2022.
• The Council approved an ordinance to adopt amendments to Chapter II-19 of the Code of Ordinances, amendments to the Exit 10 Design Guidelines, and an amendment to the Zoning Map relative to land use and zoning recommendations along the Route 100 corridor.
• The Council approved Resolution 119-2022 regarding 2021 Falmouth Strategic Watershed Plan.

Planning Board

The Planning Board considered the following items at its meeting on May 3. An agenda can be found here. 

• 200 Presumpscot Point Rd – UMAINE Cooperative Extension at Tidewater – Request for Site Plan Approval to install a 14’ x 24’ shed, a 22’ x 48’ greenhouse, & a 10’ x 10’ walk-in cooler.  Map/lot R04-028. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

• 101 Gray Rd – Cumberland County Federal Credit Union – Request for Site Plan Approval for a 1,480sf building addition.  Map/lot U44-001. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

• 108 Winn Road – Justin Fletcher – Request for Pre-Application Sketch Plan Review for a 5-lot major conservation subdivision.  Map/lot R06-006-A. DISCUSSED.

• Cavendish Road – Libby Construction, Inc. – Request for Subdivision Amendment to remove a detention pond. Map-lot R03-005. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

• 251 US Route 1 - Bailey Sign, Inc. representing Sherman’s Book Shop – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 1 illuminated building sign.  Map/lot U12-002. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS

Please note: Planning Board agendas for upcoming meetings may not always be complete at the time of this newsletter's publication. Within the agendas, when possible, links will be provided to direct users to any additional information available on projects at the time of publication, including building elevations, plans, and images when available. Information on Planning Board projects and activities, including agendas and minutes, can be found at: https://www.falmouthme.org/planning-board. For additional information or questions, contact Dawn Emerson at 207-781-5326 or demerson@falmouthme.org

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals considered the following items at its meeting on April 26. An agenda can be found here. 

• 23 Phillips Road – Carrie Hansen – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition and a front porch.  Map/lot U01-048. APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS
• 30 US Route 1 – Maura & Peter Rodway - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 for an addition.  Map/lot U01-167. APPROVED 
• 108 US Route 1 – Sarah Correla & Michael Rice - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-77 to replace the existing garage with a new 2-story garage.  Map/lot U03-006. APPROVED 
• 35 Underwood Road – Chris Kelley (Apex Luxury Rentals LLC) - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-84 for a tear-down and rebuild of a single-family home.  Map/lot U18-014. APPROVED 
• Meeting Policy Discussion - Discussion and possible action regarding remote meeting policy and returning to in person/hybrid meetings. 

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-zoning-appeals

Stay Informed with the Town of Falmouth Website and E-Alerts

There are many Town committees and boards that meet on a regular basis. The events calendar on the Town of Falmouth website homepage lists upcoming board, committee, and Town Council meetings. We send E-Alerts when Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting agendas and minutes are posted to the website. Subscribe via E-Alerts to those that most interest you. Agendas and Minutes for these meetings are also posted online and can be accessed from the home page. Town Council, Planning Board, and School Board meetings are live-streamed on Falmouth Community TV Channel 1301 (Former Channel 2). Recordings of these meetings are also available for viewing online. Board of Zoning Appeals Meetings are not broadcast live but can be viewed online within 24 hours after the meeting. E-Alerts allows you to subscribe to specific e-mail lists about Town-related issues that interest you. The Falmouth Focus, this bi-weekly newsletter, is another way to stay in the loop. Subscribe via E-Alerts. Please let us know what kind of information you would like to see included in your town newsletter.