Edgecomb Planning Board Edgecomb Planning Board members finish up their meeting Monday night after approving an assisted living facility on Davis Island.

After nearly a year of discussions, meetings, public hearings, and advice from lawyers, the Edgecomb Planning Board Monday night approved the application for an assisted living facility on Davis Island submitted by JKB LLC in a 4-1 vote, with the condition that the applicant would be providing additional financial documentation as requested by the board.

The financial backing of the project was of some concern for board members; Roger Bintliff, who owns the Sheepscot Harbor Inn & Resort and Edgecomb Development LLC, may be funding the project for JKB LLC. Although the name on the permit is JKB, all the financial information provided pertained to Bintliff.

Board chair Katharine Braid said that she would like to see a Letter of Credit that refers to JKB Assisted Living Facility directly. It is clear that the author of the Letter of Credit is aware that Edgecomb Development is guaranteeing the loan, and assures the town that Edgecomb Development has the capacity to complete the project as planned.

At one point during the meeting Bintliff was asked why he was speaking as though the project was his. He responded that Edgecomb Development will do the general contracting, and may share some services such as management and housekeeping with the facility. He said that Edgecomb Development is prepared to finance the facility for JBK LLC if needed. Bintliff also said that Edgecomb Development has a lot to gain from the project such as an increase in restaurant patrons and guests at the inn.

"Do you have equitable interest in this project?" Braid asked.

"Only from the sale of the property," Bintliff said. "We are trying to protect the resort, and want the facility to be built correctly. If it is built poorly, it will not help my property."

Barry Hathorne, the only Planning Board member to vote against the project, presented the board with a document explaining the reasons behind his position. Of particular concern to him was what he views as a disparity between the comprehensive plan and the town ordinances.

His letter said, "It is overwhelmingly obvious that the vast majority do not like the manner of growth the town is now experiencing. The ordinances that we have come up with over the years are cumbersome and confusing. However, if we keep a few of the principals of the Comprehensive Plan in mind, we find the ways to keep our town in the matter the townspeople want. It is anguishing when pressure is applied by people who want to build projects beyond the scope of the town's wishes."

The site plan for the assisted living facility was also approved, conditional upon the applicants meeting subdivision requirements.

Reactions to the decision were mixed. Davis Island resident Bobbi Carleton said she was "absolutely disgusted at the outcome."

"The board did not spend enough time discussing the financing during this meeting," she said.

Bintliff said he understood that some residents were unsure about the project, but that over time they would come to realize that it is an asset for the town.

Before adjourning, Braid said that a member of the public stated that the board had not given adequate notice for the public hearing in April. Members of the board said that notices had been published on the website and in the newspaper and the hearing had been very well attended. Jackie Lowell, secretary for the board said that the Web site was considered legal notice, and that she would check to confirm that notices had been placed in the paper.

The next planning board meeting is at 6:30, May 15, at the Edgecomb Town Hall.