Expansion plan expected to come back to Planning Commission in September

The proposed expansion of a local bar and restaurant in Navarre has proved somewhat controversial for the neighborhood and the Orono Planning Commission in recent months.

The owners of the Narrows Saloon, James Anderst and Cindy Sudheimer, have requested an amendment to their conditional use permit, which they received in 2000, in order to expand their existing business.

The proposed expansion of the Narrows Saloon, which is located on Shoreline Drive in Navarre, originally included an interior expansion into the spaces currently occupied by the dry-cleaner and Jul Ann Hair Fashions.

An expansion of the outdoor seating also is planned.

Under the original plan, The Narrows also would have constructed additions to the kitchen and vestibule additions.

Planning Director Mike Gaffron presented the request at a public hearing before the Planning Commission on June 20.

Many residents spoke about the proposal. At that meeting, the majority of residents seemed to favor the expansion plan.

However, support isn't unanimous among residents.

Bradley Hoyt stated that there is an issue with noise coming from the bar and from people "revving their motorcycles."

Richard Meyers indicated that he does not hear noise from the Narrows Saloon, but hears it from traffic in the area.

Many of the concerns were focused on issues of noise and safety, citing loud, disorderly patrons.

Supporters of the project highlighted the establishment's role in revitalizing the community.

At the June 20 meeting, Gaffron stated that the Narrows has complied with terms of its liquor license and other operational conditions. He added, however, "The city is aware of ongoing concerns expressed by various area residents about the noise and late-night traffic associated with the Narrows operation."

A letter from Orono Police Chief Stephany Good was also presented. It expressed concerns regarding the expansion and the impact it would have on noise, accidents, litter, parking and safety.

It also indicated that "more people and more alcohol nearly always increases the need for public resources."

Sudheimer pointed out that they are not expanding the bar area but rather the restaurant portion of the building. She said they want to accommodate the families who frequent the Narrows.

Following a lengthy discussion, the Planning Commission voted to table the application in order to allow for a revision of plans.

The city has received a number of letters concerning the project, particularly following the June 20 meeting. A few letters informed the commission that a group called Neighbors for a Better Navarre felt a moratorium was needed in order to address future development in the area and develop a plan for Navarre.

"These growing number of residents feel that the city has been derelict in developing a comprehensive plan for this part of Orono," wrote Thomas Lowe.

Sam Marfield wrote, "This may be a rare opportunity for us to have a business put money into adding character to our main street at no cost to the community."

Anderst and Sudheimer revised their plans in time for the July 18 Planning Commission meeting. The proposed outdoor seating in the rear was reduced from 84 seats to 60 seats, but two additional seats were added to seating on the front patio.

The revised plans eliminated the kitchen and vestibule additions and show areas within the building as options for kitchen and vestibule expansions. This would reduce the interior seating by eight seats.

A number of Navarre residents made statements at this meeting as well. Charles Nadler presented the Planning Commission with a petition opposing the expansion.

He stated that it had been signed by 53 residents of the area. Discussion at the July 18 meeting focused on the issue of parking.

The businesses on the north side of Shoreline Drive, west of Shadywood Road, have historically shared the city-owned parking lot located to the rear of all the businesses.

This is out of necessity, as limited on-street parking exists along Shoreline Drive. Gaffron recommended that a parking study be completed by a consultant hired by the Narrows. A suggested further reduction of proposed seating would also reduce the amount of parking required.

The meeting ended with a unanimous vote to table the application to allow time for the study.

Additionally, in a meeting on July 25 the Orono City Council passed a moratorium on development in the Navarre commercial district.

While development has been suspended and the Narrows Saloon application won't appear again until September, the debate continues among Navarre residents.

"Every election cycle, every two years, we hear about improving Navarre, but it's just a bunch of talk," said Meyers. "Here we have a person who has taken a business and made it a success."

He described the Narrows Saloon as a "local, homegrown business that does the right things."

Sue Schmidt, whose family has lived in the area since 1948, said she believes the Narrows Saloon is one of the best things that's happened to the area.

However, Nadler is concerned that the proposed expansion will bring the establishment outside of neighborhood use and into regional use, which he said is not the original intent for a neighborhood bar.

According to Anderst, the reasons for expansion are simple. "We just don't have enough seating for the restaurant. We have people eating at our pool tables."

But Nadler and others in the area also wonder how the expanded business would affect long-term development of the area.

"Our major concern is that the commercial neighborhood district be developed with businesses consistent with the comprehensive plan," he said.

In response to concerns of an enlarged "biker bar," Anderst said, "We're a neighborhood restaurant and bar with entertainment; we're not a biker bar."

In any case, Nadler expressed satisfaction with the moratorium and said it offers an opportunity for the city and neighbors to come up with a plan to move Navarre forward.

While they agree that the future and progress of Navarre is important, Anderst disagrees. "You can't have a few citizens stop a whole town from being a town, from being a commercial district," he said.