Augusta Planning Board approves storage facility, conditions Popeyes amendment

The Augusta Planning Board approved a major development application for RS Storage to construct self-service storage units near Civic Center Drive. The board also approved an amended minor development application for a Popeyes restaurant on Western Avenue, but denied requested waivers for parking and retaining wall changes, requiring the applicant to work with city staff to correct deviations from the original plan.

Key points

• The board approved the RS Storage application with conditions including revised landscaping plans, a knock box for emergency access, and documentation of Maine DEP authorization.
• For the Popeyes amendment, the board denied waivers for drive aisle widths and the removal of a retaining wall, citing concerns about setting a precedent for future projects.
• The board required the Popeyes applicant to replace non-compliant lighting with full cutoff fixtures and reconstruct the sidewalk connection to meet ADA standards.
• Public comment from a resident highlighted concerns about light pollution and the importance of adhering to city ordinances regarding landscaping and lighting.
• City engineers noted that parking spaces and drive aisles were narrower than approved, and the board directed staff to work with the applicant to resolve these issues without necessarily reinstating the retaining wall.

Next steps

• RS Storage must submit revised landscaping plans and coordinate with the fire chief to install an emergency access device.
• The Popeyes applicant must work with the city engineer to resolve parking and drive aisle width issues and determine if the retaining wall can be omitted while meeting standards.
• The Popeyes applicant must replace building-mounted lighting with full cutoff fixtures and reconstruct the sidewalk to meet ADA standards by December 31, 2026.

Read the full transcript