Augusta Planning Board approves FedEx parking expansion, bank rezone

The Augusta Planning Board approved a minor development application for Rockwood Development Corporation to expand the FedEx parking lot on Witten Road, granting waivers for parking and traffic access. The board also recommended a zoning change for the Kennebec Savings Bank property on State Street to align with surrounding business districts. A third application for a subdivision amendment was withdrawn by the applicant.

Key points

• The board approved Phase 1 of the FedEx parking expansion, which includes 58 new employee spaces and stormwater improvements, while deferring Phase 2 truck stalls for future review.
• Waivers were granted to allow two-way access at both driveways and to reduce the required parking count from 97 to 72 spaces based on engineering recommendations.
• The board voted to recommend a general rezone of the Kennebec Savings Bank property from medium-density residential (RB2) to business and professional (BP) to the City Council.
• Staff noted that the FedEx project technically qualifies as a major development due to ground disturbance limits, but the board agreed to review only Phase 1 as a minor development to avoid re-advertising.
• The applicant for the third agenda item, an amended subdivision application for Mike Bonifan, withdrew their application prior to the hearing.

Next steps

• The applicant must submit lighting, landscaping, and traffic control plans to planning staff before a permit is issued.
• The City Council is expected to review the Kennebec Savings Bank rezone recommendation, potentially as early as October 15.
• The applicant for the FedEx project may return for a separate review of Phase 2 improvements, which would trigger a joint municipal review with Hallowell.

Read the full transcript