By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

Failing to notify abutters regarding development of a local brewery/restaurant and residential complex in Pondicherry Square postponed discussion of the project until next month.

Bridgton Planning Board chairwoman Deb Brusini ruled the lack of notification by the developer of Bridgton Gateway resulted in an incomplete application Monday night. The ruling prevented the board from either reviewing the proposal by Main Eco Homes or discussing whether to hold a public hearing on the project.

A special Monday meeting had been called to assist the developer to start the review project as early as possible with the hopes that if the plan is approved, the Lamson Brewery and Restaurant could be open by June 2022.

Craig Burgess, representing MEH, apologized to planners for failing to notify abutters.

“It’s a lesson learned for me,” he said. “I am extremely sorry.”

Brusini initially suggested that another special meeting be called, possibly on Monday, Aug. 9. The chairwoman, however, noted that she would be unavailable on Aug. 9, but if the board decided to go ahead with the Aug. 9 date, vice chairman Ken Gibbs could run the meeting.

Planner Dee Miller, however, voiced disappointment that an experienced developer like MEH had failed to meet the notification requirement and felt less inclined to agree to hold an additional special meeting just for this project.

“I hear what you are saying, Ms. Miller,” Brusini responded.

“If I sound overbearing, I apologize,” Miller said.

Brusini then suggested that the board schedule Bridgton Gateway for Aug. 17 — the next Planning Board meeting, at which time planners will hold a public hearing on consolidation of five town ordinances (“Consolidated Land Use Code”). The board vote 5-0 to put Bridgton Gateway on the Aug. 17 agenda.

The Bridgton Gateway project features five to six commercial units on the first floor, and five residential units on the top floor. Lamson Brewery will be the anchor tenant. There will be parking onsite. Both wrap-around seating and rooftop seating to tap into the brook-side atmosphere.