The Planning Board is currently considering rezoning Main Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sewall Road from its current designation as R1 (Residential) to B1 (Business).  There will be a public hearing on the issue on September 16.  In preparation for the hearing the 236diner will be offering some information about zoning so citizens can learn more about the issue.

Here are some links to get information about zoning ordinances in South Berwick:

South Berwick’s zoning ordinances can be viewed at Town Hall and can be found online at the Planning Department area of the Town’s web site.

South Berwick Planning Board meeting minutes from 2002 until the present can be found on the Town web site under Planning Board Minutes.

The following are some excerpts from SB’s zoning ordinances to answer some basic questions about zoning:

What is the purpose of our zoning ordinance?

Section 140-3. lists the purpose of South Berwick’s zoning ordinances:

1. To prevent and control water pollution and protect spawning grounds, fish and aquatic life and bird and wildlife habitats.
2. To conserve shore cover, visual as well as actual points of access to inland and coastal waters and points of natural beauty.
3. To provide for the public health and safety, environmental quality and economic well-being of the community.
4. To regulate land uses, building sites and placement of structures.
5. To conserve the historical and architectural integrity of the existing historic sites, landmarks and districts and to assure that future development is compatible both in character and in use.
6. To further the ideals and guidelines outlined in the South Berwick Comprehensive Plan.

What zones does South Berwick have and what is the purpose of each zone?
(more…)

There is magic in the air in South Berwick and writer Victoria Kent and illustrator James Vaughn have teamed up to capture it in their new children’s book, The Magic of Mrs. Magee. The two have brought their unique talent and world view to collaborate on a story about fanciful creatures and their magical gifts.

Victoria Kent, who goes by V.E. Kent discovered or, depending on how you look at it, was discovered by the book’s main character, Mrs. Magee, when V.E. offered to be the entertainment at a friend’s child’s birthday party. For the party she transformed into the Irish fortune teller Maggie Magee who told each child a fortune designed to help them value the special gift that they each possess. Not only did the children respond to the character of Maggie Magee, but adults were also intrigued. V.E. began making more appearances as Mrs. Magee and began to weave a story around the character. She also realized that her alter ego allowed her to speak to children in a direct and honest way that encourages self appreciation without being condescending.

The character of Mrs. Magee haunted V.E. and she began forming the story into a book. The collaboration with James Vaughn began when V.E. chanced upon one of his intricate pencil drawings that was displayed at SoBo Book & Bean. She bought the artwork and called James.

(more…)

South Berwick residents take aim at budget, try to cut tax hike
Foster’s Daily Democrat
The police budget, employee salaries and a lack of economic development in recent years - some of the main contributors to the town’s inflated 2009 budget - were some of the contentious topics debated by …

Asbestos worry raised in Eliot
Portsmouth Herald News
Town resident Christine Thistle said at Thursday evening’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting that she feared trucks may be illegally dumping construction debris or soil laced with loose asbestos at the Great Hill Sand and …

Council reduces Kittery school cuts
Portsmouth Herald News
If politics is, indeed, the art of compromise, town voters are the beneficiaries of the best politics has to offer based on the results of Monday night’s Town Council meeting.

It’s been a long winter. This is my house and yes, the snow is still almost to the top of the picket fence. It’s hard to believe that it will be April in two days. Oh, for the sound of peepers and the sight of new green growth.

What’s that saying about March? “In like a lion, out like a lamb?” This year it’s more like “In like a lion, out like a big horn sheep.”

Nominations are being sought for the 10th annual Teens Who Care Awards, a program sponsored by Maine Education Services that recognizes outstanding teen volunteers in Maine communities.

Any adult, except for a parent or legal guardian of the nominee, may nominate a teen. The deadline is Feb. 15. An award presentation ceremony hosted by WCSH-TV is scheduled April 7 at Portland Museum of Art.

Six teens will be honored with a short video profile and will receive a $2,000 scholarship from Maine Education Services.

For additional information, visit WCSH-TV for a nomination form.