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2021.07.23--Falmouth Focus, Volume 3, Issue 17

July 23, 2021
Posted on: July 23, 2021 - 3:00pm

Focus Masthead

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

Table of Contents

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

News & Issues

route 9 project map

Route 9 Reconstruction Project

Maine DOT's Route 9 reconstruction project in Falmouth and Cumberland will begin on Monday, July 26. The project includes widening the road and adding paved shoulders. Work will begin on Route 9/Longwoods Road just north of the roundabout at Middle Road, Route 9, and Woods Roads (south of Sherman Drive) in Falmouth and end just north of Turkey Lane in Cumberland. Final pavement is scheduled for the week of September 16. The primary contractor is Harry C. Crooker of Topsham and the Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be overseeing the project. Traffic delays are anticipated during this work and motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Construction updates can be found on the Town of Cumberland website at: https://www.cumberlandmaine.com/route9. We will also continue to update residents via News & Announcement E-Alerts, our social media pages, and this newsletter.

southworth logo

Southworth International Group Receives Sustainable Business Recognition

On July 12, the Falmouth Town Council recognized Southworth International Group, located on Gray Road in West Falmouth, as the first Falmouth business to receive Falmouth's Sustainability Business Recognition. The Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee oversees the Sustainable Business Recognition Program and publicly recognizes Falmouth businesses that have made an outstanding commitment to sustainable practices that reduce waste, conserve energy, lower carbon emissions, and support community resiliency. Southworth has taken many steps to reach these sustainability goals, including:

  • Offering bicycle racks and equipment to employees
  • Implementing single stream recycling and recycling toner and ink cartridges, light bulbs, and electronics
  • Reducing water use through upgraded plumbing fixtures
  • Heating and cooling using energy efficient heat pumps
  • Offering onsite employee gardens

The Town is excited to congratulate Southworth for its sustainable leadership in the community! If you believe that your business may be eligible for Sustainable Business Recognition, learn more here and apply today! Please reach out to Ashley Krulik, Sustainability Coordinator, with any questions.

Town Hall

Move to In-Person and Hybrid Meetings

The Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals will resume in-person meetings with a Zoom option beginning with the Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, July 26 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. This hybrid format will allow members of the public the option to participate by attending the meeting in-person or via Zoom. Members of the public may also watch (no participation) the meeting on Channel 2 or on the Town website streaming channel. The links to participate in the meeting via Zoom will be posted with the agenda in advance of the meeting (as done in the past). In order to participate in the “public comment” portion of the meeting via Zoom, please make sure your Zoom application is up to date. Otherwise, you will need to call into the meeting to participate. Call-in information is also included in the agenda postings in advance of the meeting. Please note, only Town Council, Planning Board, and Board of Zoning Appeals meetings will move to this hybrid format. Other Town board and committees will resume in-person only meetings in the final weeks of July and in August. 

Ongoing Initiatives

Parks month

July is Parks & Recreation Month

Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month. Parks are at the center of so many experiences and memories. Our local parks, trails, and open spaces are often our first experiences in nature, our introduction to a favorite hobby, or physical activity. They are places to gather with friends and family, spaces to celebrate life’s special moments, spots of respite and healing, sites that connect us with essential community services, and so much more. Our parks, trails, and open space have been essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as many residents discovered and rediscovered the great outdoors right in their own community. Nationally, support for local parks is widespread, spanning different age groups, income levels, household types, and political affiliations. Did you know....

  • People visit their local park and recreation facilities more than twice a month, on average, with 1 in 10 visiting at least weekly, if not daily.
  • Three in five people — or more than 190 million people nationwide — visited a local park, trail, public open space, or recreation facility during the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic (mid-March through mid-June 2020).
  • 82 percent of U.S. adults agree that visiting their local parks, trails, and open spaces is essential for their mental and physical well-being during the COVID19 pandemic.
  • More than four in five people living in the U.S. agree that parks and recreation are an important local government service.

Falmouth Parks & Community Programs invites you to get outside and celebrate parks this month. With 6 playgrounds, 17 Open Space properties spanning 1800 acres, 55+ miles of trails, 13 parks comprising 206 acres, and numerous athletic courts, facilities, and fields, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Falmouth this weekend!  Happy Parks & Recreation Month!

vision and values logo

Vision & Values Project Update

Last Friday, Future iQ launched a special Vision & Values edition of The Falmouth Focus which will run every other Friday in between regular editions of this newsletter. You can find the first issue here. These special issues will explore future trends and present some of the questions of trade-offs that we will undoubtedly tackle as a community during the in-person Focus Groups this September. Watch for next week's issue with more information on Focus Groups, topics of discussion, and more! These special Vision & Values issues are e-mailed to all subscribers of this newsletter as well as News & Announcements subscribers. 

veranda street project location

Veranda Street Bridge Project Update

It may seem a long way off, but work is already underway on the Veranda Street Bridge Project which culminates in the replacement of the bridge deck in October. MaineDOT is replacing the bridge that carries the interstate over Veranda Street at Exit 9. The bridge is 60 years old and approaching the end of its useful life. This project also involves a reconfiguration of the roadways beneath the bridge to improve safety and mobility.

This project will involve a 60-hour-long full closure of I-295 to facilitate accelerated bridge construction. Crews will construct the new bridge on the east side of the existing bridge and move the new structure into place during the interstate closure. This accelerated bridge construction will help minimize traffic impacts throughout the rest of the year-long project. In addition, Veranda Street under the bridge will be closed for one week in October as construction continues in this area to improve traffic flow and safety.

When will this occur?

Veranda Street (under the bridge) will be closed from 2:00pm, Monday, October 18 to 2:00pm, Monday, October 25.

The I-295 closure will take place from 7:00pm, Friday, October 22 to 7:00am, Monday, October 25.

What does that mean for Falmouth?

These closures are expected to significantly increase traffic in Falmouth, especially along Route 1, Bucknam Road, and Middle Road. Nearby roads such as Route 88, Lunt Road, and Falmouth Road could also be impacted. During the week-long Veranda Street closure, getting into Portland from Route 1/Veranda Street will require a significant detour via Middle Road or I-295.

During the weekend interstate closure, I-295 will be closed to public travel southbound beginning immediately south of Exit 10 (Bucknam Road) and ending at Exit 8 (Washington Avenue) and northbound beginning immediately north of Exit 9 (Veranda Street) and ending south of Exit 10 (Bucknam Road). Significant traffic and delays on Route 1, Route 88, Middle Road, and Bucknam Road in Falmouth are anticipated.  Anyone who must use I-295 in Portland or Veranda Street on the closure weekend should also plan for significant delays. Access to Portland via Route 1 and Veranda Street will be rerouted to Middle Road.

What is the Town doing to prepare?

Town officials and staff are working closely with MaineDOT to facilitate communications to Falmouth residents and businesses about the project. In addition, Falmouth Public Safety is developing plans in partnership with adjacent communities to efficiently provide services during the closure and the Falmouth Police Department will provide traffic management support to MaineDOT during this time.

What can you do?

Residents are encouraged to avoid this area during the closure weekend, October 22-25. The latest information about this project can be found on the project website:  www.maine.gov/mdot/projects/portland/verandastreetbridge. The project website also links to virtual public involvement tools that allow members of the public to submit feedback and questions and includes detour maps, videos, and other information about the project and the planned closures.

Residents are strongly advised to closely follow updates related to this project which will be sent regularly to the News & Announcements subscription email list, posted to our social media outlets, and included in issues of The Falmouth Focus newsletter.

Where can I learn more?

MaineDOT has created some helpful informational videos regarding the project and detours.

revaluation project

Falmouth's Revaluation Project Update

Falmouth's revaluation project kicked off in January 2021. Throughout spring and early summer, assessors have been visiting all properties in Falmouth to conduct evaluations. Property owners will be notified by mail in advance of approximately when assessors will be in their neighborhoods. You may have read recent articles about Portland and South Portland's revaluation projects. Residents in those communities are now receiving notification of their property's newly assessed value. As a result, you may have your own questions about what revaluation will mean for you. With the help our assessors and Vision Government Solutions who is carrying out the revaluation in Falmouth, we have prepared a fact sheet to answer your questions about the revaluation process. You can find the fact sheet at: www.falmouthme.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif11826/f/uploads/revaluation_fact_sheet_1.12.2021.pdf. You can find additional information and a project schedule on our project page at: www.falmouthme.org/home/pages/revaluation-project-2021-2022

Living Lawns Logo

Living Lawns Lawn Care Tips

Living Lawns offers lawn care tips that help make your lawn healthy and vibrant. 

Tip #12: In a recent post, we recommended reducing the size of your lawn with ground covers and garden beds. Another way to do so is by establishing a No Mow Zone. This area is mowed only one or two times a year and allows native plants and grasses to grow. A No Mow Zone is a designated area that can progress through succession to return to a natural state. These areas provide an excellent habitat for pollinators such as native bumblebees. These zones allow plants to flower, which in turn provides a place for pollinators to stop and have a meal.

Tip #13: It is not the right time to fertilize your lawn! Applying extra fertilizer in the heat of summer can burn your lawn and create a flush of tender growth that will struggle in the hot summer weather. Never fertilize dormant lawns: Rather, wait until they green up in the fall if your soil test depicts needed nutrients. If you’re leaving your grass clippings behind when you mow, you’re giving your lawn all the fertilizer it needs, and it’s free!

For more information on healthy lawn care, visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/environmental-initiatives/pages/living-lawns-your-healthy-lawn-care-resource

Events

concert in the park

FCP Concerts in the Park

Bring your own picnics and don’t forget your blankets or lawn chairs! Enjoy an evening of FREE musical entertainment. Events are family friendly and open to all. All concerts are held at the Village Park Gazebo off Hat Trick Drive behind Walmart from 6:30-7:30pm.

The Pinetones, Monday, July 26

Music by this Maine-based six-piece band will take us back in time through generations of songs and melodies sure to be familiar.

Bonnie Edwards & the Practical Cats, Monday, August 9

Bonnie brings her gutsy blues vocal style while the Cats offer a unique variety of Blues, Jump Swing, Jazz, Vintage R&B, and original music.

In the case of inclement weather, please contact the FCP office at 699-5302. Rain decisions will be made by 2:00pm.

ccswcd logo

Fall Healthy Lawn Care Made Easy Workshops

The Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District will offer multiple workshops on healthy lawn care this fall. Learn how to grow a beautiful lawn that’s safe for families, pets, and the environment while saving money, time, and effort. All classes are $15 and run from 6-8 PM. Questions? Call Cumberland County SWCD at (207) 892-4700.

For the following dates, register online at: www.cumberlandswcd.org/workshops

  • Thursday, August 19, Lunt Auditorium, Falmouth
  • Wednesday, August 25, Westbrook Public Services
  • Thursday, September 23, Riverton Community Center, Portland

Additional workshops are offered through the following Adult Education Programs. Register for these dates at the links below: 

Town Council, Board & Committee Meetings

Computer scrren

Town Council In-Person/Hybrid Meeting, Monday, July 26

The Falmouth Town Council will conduct an in-person/hybrid meeting beginning at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at Falmouth Town Hall. The agenda can be found here. In addition, the Zoom application will allow attendees to connect and participate remotely via computer or phone. A meeting link and phone instructions will be provided on the agenda in advance of the meeting. 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) 699-5329. 

At the Most Recent Town Council Meeting…

The Town Council held a meeting at 6:30pm on July 12. See agenda and video here. 

  • There was an Executive Session pursuant to the Laws of Maine to discuss real estate rights, pursuant to 1 M.R.S.A. § 405 (6) (C).
  • The Council approved the renewal of permanent food service establishment licenses for Bueno Loco Restaurante, Portland Country Club Clubhouse and Pool Café, Portland Yacht Club, Shaw’s Supermarkets, and Walmart.
  • There was an update on the Community Vision and Values Project.
  • The Council approved a resolution recognizing Southworth International Group for attaining Sustainable Business Recognition.
  • There was a public hearing on the proposed Short-term Rental Ordinance. The ordinance was scheduled for July 26.
  • There was an introduction of an ordinance amendment to Section 19-69 of the Code of Ordinances relative to the rate of growth ordinance. A public hearing was scheduled for August 9.
  • The Council approved a resolution regarding the Route 1 North Preliminary Design Report. 
  • The Council discussed a resolution regarding a Request to MaineDOT to Create a Rail Corridor Use Advisory Council for the proposed Casco Bay Trail. The Council suggested revisions to the resolution. The Council will revisit this item at the July 26 meeting. 
  • The Council discussed a remote meetings participation policy for Council meetings. The Council will revisit this item at the July 26 meeting. 

The Town Council also held its annual Work Planning Retreat on July 21. See agenda here. 

Planning Board

The Planning Board will consider the following items at its August 3 meeting. An agenda can be found here in advance of the meeting.

  • 200 Presumpscot Point Road – UMaine Extension – Request for Sign Permit Approval for a new sign for the Gardens at Tidewater Farm.  Map/lot R04-028
  • 400 US Route 1 – SignSmith LLC on behalf of Stone Coast Music – Request for Sign Permit Approval for 2 new wall signs.  Map/lot U62-003
  • Tuscan Way – Cummings Properties – Request for Re-Approval of Subdivision Amendment approved July 7, 2020 for drainage improvements and change to elevation.  Map/lot U47-026-B.
  • 204 US Route 1 – JP’s Bistro – Request for Site Plan Amendment to place seasonal outside patio dining in 2 existing parking spaces.  Map/lot U52-003.

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 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

Board of Zoning Appeals 

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider the following items at its July 27 meeting. An agenda can be found here.

  • 6 Evergreen Drive – Evergreen Learning Center LLC - Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-119 and 19-123 for a home daycare.  Map/lot R08-032-013.
  • 342 US Route One – David Matero Architecture – Request for Conditional Use Approval under Section 19-86 for an office building renovation and a small addition partially within the Stream Protection zone.  Map/lot U53-002.
  • Discussion regarding changes to documents and process authorized by the Board at June meeting.

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

Board of Assessment Review

The Board of Assessment Review will consider the following items at its August 2 meeting. An agenda can be found here. 

  • Foreside Place LLC c/o Wal-Mart Stores East, LP (Tenant-Taxpayer), 2021 appeal for 206 US Route One, Map/lot U52-002.

For more information please visit: https://www.falmouthme.org/board-of-assessment-review

 

information symbol

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. 

Town of Falmouth, 271 Falmouth Road, Falmouth, ME 04105

207-781-5253
www.falmouthme.org

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