News

Letter to the Editor: February 16, 2005

If all goes as planned, and Don Rivers does what he said he's going to do, York Beach will breathe new life again and give the area a leg up on that much needed revitalization we've all been waiting for.
Mr. Rivers was expected to go before the Planning Board and announce his new plans for the deteriorated Pop's Shell Shack building on Feb. 10, but because of inclement weather, that meeting was postponed until next week. When that meeting rolls around, we hope the townspeople and the Planning Board will expedite and support his plans.

As they currently read, those designs would include 5,000 square feet for retail shops on the first floor; 3,400 square feet of a year-round, restaurant space on the second floor; and 6,000 square feet of residential space on the top two floors, which would eventually become six condominiums.

As far as we're concerned, this is a wonderful proposal. The parties involved may need to iron out issues like parking and the fact that this project will likely be subject to the Residential Growth Ordinance, but right now these plans appear to represent everything the York Beach area needs and they are supported by the town's Comprehensive Plan.

What's even better is that Rivers said he wants to renovate the building and ensure that it's in keeping with the historic spirit of the original structure. He said he's also hoping to renovate the Kearsarge House, which is around the corner from the Atlantic House (Pop's Shell Shack).

Between these two projects and the determination of some other beach enthusiasts like Inn on the Blues owner Joe Lipton, we're excited and encouraged about the prospect of a York Beach face-lift and we hope the rest of the town feels the same way.

Keep up the good work York Beach - we hope to see a new side to you soon!

-The York Weekly

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