By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — The project known as Old Mill Farms would create five cottage-style homes in the space now occupied by two vacant buildings once used by Hancock Lumber and Spurwink.

The 40 feet distance between the single-family homes is one of the details that do not fit town code. Therefore, a contract zone agreement is required. 

The developers’ request for a contract zone revision has already been approved by the Casco Planning Board. That vote happened on Jan. 11 after the board deemed the application complete. 

Next, the planning board will convene with the Casco Board of Selectmen to review the contract zone and the site plan.

That meeting has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 4, starting at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium of the Casco Community Center. There is enough room in the gym to accommodate members of the public. Masks are required per the governor’s executive order. Also, temperatures will be taken.

“The purpose of the joint review is to familiarize the select board with the proposed contract zoning agreement and to give the select board the opportunity to view the proposed contract zoning agreement,” according to the Town of Casco’s code on contract zones.

The contract zoning agreement, along with a more detailed site plan, will go back to the planning board after the meeting on Feb. 4. 

Also, the contract-zone agreement means that this project will face the residents’ vote at Casco’s Annual Town Meeting or semi-annual town meeting, whenever and however that is scheduled. 

The contract zone was requested because the density — the close proximity of the homes to one another — does not abide by the town’s code.  

The upcoming joint meeting was discussed last week at the Casco selectmen’s meeting

“The project has reached substantial agreement,” Casco Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish said. “The planning board approved the contract zone. The planning board met on Jan. 11 and approved it (the contract zone) then they have 30 days to hold a joint meeting.”

“The next process that takes place is there is a joint meeting of the planning board and the select-board. Of the seven members, including the alternates, the four that met on Jan. 11 agreed to a joint meeting. The applicant will also be there,” Gerrish said.