Feeding Friendzy gets boost from town

WOODSTOCK — On Tuesday, November 16, the Woodstock Planning Board helped the recently-shuttered Feeding Friendzy to reopen its doors, and weighed in on wind power.

Wendy Bertrand, owner of the Feeding Friendzy appeared before the board to request a variance to the setback requirements so she can put in an exterior fire escape. The variance is needed as the only logical place for the fire escape is too close to the building's septic tank

Town Code Enforcement Officer John Gauthier said "The septic already has enough variances that one more won't make a difference." The Board voted unanimously to allow it and then unanimously voted to give Bertrand her building permit.

Once the fire escape is installed, Bertrand will be able to use the second floor apartment as living space or as a rental unit.

Contractor Don Lawrence estimated that construction would take two days and the project would conform to the state's code. The fire escape is needed as the building is for mixed mercantile use. An extension has been granted by the state Fire Marshal.

Bertrand did not give a specific time frame as to when she plans on reopening the shuttered business.

Although probably not required to, she invited the CEO to stop by and inspect any time prior to reopening.

Denise Hall spoke to the Board about working on a wind power ordinance for Woodstock. Although any ordinance would have no impact on any ongoing projects, there may be a request at Town Meeting to see whether there is town-wide support for one.

Hall expressed concern over the increasing construction of buildings and towers on ridge lines.

Patriot Renewables, in the persons of Todd Presson and Attorney Gordie Smith, appeared before the Board as well. They expressed some concern over a reported appeal of the Planning Board's approval of Patriot Renewables site plan review. Their contention is that the appellate time period was over 30 days after the Planning Board signed off on the site plan.

There may be an issue as to whether actual approval is contingent on state DEP approval as nothing can get done until them. Town Planning Board approval is meaningless if DEP denies a permit.

With respect to a town ordinance, Presson commented that there were very few viable sites in this part of Maine and they have no plans to go beyond 20 megawatts on Spruce Mountain.

For the first time, met with a 100 percent board, as there were seven full members in attendance.

Chairman Tom Hartford announce that the Selectmen had appointed Kevin Marshall as a full member earlier that evening.

The Board approved four building permits with minimal discussion. They made certain that Randall Seaton's new barn will not interfere with the ancient right of way to an old cemetery on the Chase property.