By Ward Peck

Editor

    A concept for an “empty-nester” oriented condominium
complex in a Cape Elizabeth residential neighborhood may soon come
before the town’s planning board following unanimous approval by the
Town Council to extend the sewer service area on the town’s zoning map.

    Developers seeking to extend public sewer service
outside of designated areas must get approval from the Town Council.
The developer of the condominium project, Joel Fitzpatrick, sought the
approval before proceeding with a proposed design and permitting
process.

    The site is a 30-acre parcel on Eastman Road known
as the Jordan Farm and is made up of a farmhouse, fields and woods
surrounding a smaller lot located at 60 Eastman Road. Eastman is a
through road that connects Sawyer Road with Spurwink Avenue across from
the Purpoodock Golf Club. The parcel is adjacent to several tracts of
conserved open space.

    Currently, sewer service on Eastman Road stops 1,200 feet short of the site and would need to be extended.

    Several councilors focused on whether residents
along the new section of sewer who have septic systems would have an
opportunity to connect to public sewer.

    Town Manager Michael McGovern said the town is
currently having discussions with the developer about the details of
cost sharing, but a general agreement has been reached that there would
be opportunity for residents to connect.

    McGovern said the town would ensure that taxpayers
would not foot the bill for such connections and the sewer extension
would be “a revenue generator from day one.”

    The development itself is still in a concept phase
and needs to go through an extensive planning process requiring
hearing, permits and conditions.

    When the project will be submitted to the planning
board is unclear. According to Town Planner Maureen O’Meara, the next
planning board meeting scheduled for March 20 has been canceled “due to
a lack of projects that are ready for review.” The next meeting is
April 17.