Plans to convert the Lighthouse Inn on Pine Point Road into condominiums have been put on hold following a Scarborough Zoning Board of Appeals decision to table the issue.

“I think (the plan is) insufficient for me to vote positive,” said Chairman Pat Dryzga, echoing other board members’ feelings.

The inn’s owners, Peter and Nicholas Truman, are seeking two variances that would allow them to convert the current hotel into five condo units and the existing office into a sixth unit. One variance would allow the conversion from one non-conforming use to another, although on that is closer to current zoning regulations. The other variance would allow for the construction of a third floor.

“We feel bringing it back into residential use would really benefit the whole area of Pine Point,” said Mark Chaloupecky of Port City Architecture, who is developing the plans. Later in his presentation he said it would make the facility more consistent with the residential nature of the area.

In addition, the Trumans have asked the town to trade some land. The Trumans would give up a 320-square-foot parcel on the east side of the property that is in the shoreland zone, which would otherwise make the parcel ineligible for the variances.

In addition, they would trade a 4,300-square-foot piece on the south side of Pine Point Road, which is currently used for parking. The town in turn would give the Trumans a 3,900-square-foot parcel directly in front of the hotel, which would give the property an entrance area, driveways and some room for landscaping in front of the building. It also would bring the property into better compliance with town regulations.

That issue rests with the Town Council, which has reviewed the plan once and seemed in favor of it. The council is waiting for the Zoning Board’s decision before moving further with the proposal.

During Wednesday’s Zoning Board meeting, a number of residents spoke against the conversion and land swap. Others submitted written letters expressing their concern. Two residents hired attorneys.

Attorney Jeff Jones, representing Joseph and Lilley Tedeschi, owners of the Sand Dollar Inn, said that the plans were incomplete and argued the board should not make its decision that day.

He was concerned with the parking proposal that would have people backing onto Pine Point Road. He also questioned a 1996 variance that allowed the Trumans to build an office adjacent to the motel. That, he said, specified the building could not be converted. He argued that the office building should be demolished and the tenant parking put in the back.

Other residents were less concerned with the conversion than they were with the land swap proposal.

“I don’t object to the condos, but I think they should do the best they can with what they got,” said Judy Shirk.

Arlene Hurd said many of the people she spoke with do not like the idea of moving the road to accommodate the proposal.

“It looks to a lot of people that we are supposed to give land to somebody to develop and we don’t like it,” she said.

Ultimately the board decided to table the issue because they felt they did not have enough information. For example, the conceptual drawing of the end project showed there would be six units in the inn building when in fact the developers have proposed five. Members also felt they did not have an accurate plot plan and landscaping plan.

In addition, there was little information coming from the developers. They could not say if they would be able to convert the existing building or would be forced to tear down some of the building or even the entire thing.

“Our intention is to remodel it to the greatest extent we can,” Chaloupecky said, adding that he could not determine how much of the existing building could be used until it is thoroughly investigated.

Some board members were not in favor of the building being torn down and then rebuilt and Code Enforcement Officer Dave Grysk said that would bring another set of complications and would require yet another variance.

The board also wanted additional information regarding the land swap. Despite the council’s favorable feelings, it wanted something more definite before it moved forward in its deliberations.