On Tuesday, the Standish Zoning Board of Appeals voted to approve the expansion of Saint Joseph’s College.

The college expansion would add five dorms and three parking lots during the next 10 years. The decision came after a Feb. 26 meeting at which board members voted to table its decision for a week.

Many neighbors of the college and college faculty were present for the vote, which was the only matter on the agenda Tuesday evening. Board members went through the issues one at a time, considering the negative effect of each on the college’s abutting neighbors. With regard to pollution, noise, traffic, sewage, soil erosion and property devaluation, the board voted unanimously that the proposed expansion did not have an “unreasonably adverse effect” on residents.

Board members, however, struggled with the vague nature of the town ordinances. The ordinances “don’t give us a narrow definition as to how adverse is adverse…we have to make this yes or no decision on this really kind of gray area,” said member Thomas Leen.

Board member Gregory Coombs cited the written application submitted by the college, along with engineers who spoke on its behalf, as being crucial to the decision to approve the college’s request.

“I think they did a pretty good job of presenting the numbers,” said Coombs.

The board was careful to make clear that the approval was made on the condition that two provisions be met by the college. These include the maintenance of buffers between the campus and abutters, and the construction of a cul-de-sac at the end of nearby Westerlea Way.

After the vote, the board motioned for a five-minute recess before reviewing the findings of fact. Several visibly upset residents left at this time. Dean and J’aime Walker, residents of Hearthside Road, were dismayed but not shocked by the decision.

“We’re not surpized,” said neighbor J’aime Walker.

“The school could afford experts. The residents could not afford experts,” added Dean Walker.

The Walkers say they still have options.

“I believe the neighborhood will form a grassroots campaign to take it to the court system. We’re not going to give up. We’re not stopping,” said Dean Walker.

Alan Connell, another Hearthside Road resident, was ambivalent about bringing the issue to the court.

“I don’t know where we’ll go with any of that…I think first we should make sure the town is following ordinances better,” said Connell.

On the other side, Phil Yauch, chief financial officer of the college, was happy to have the expansion approved.

“I’m pleased with the zoning board’s decision,” he said.

However, Yauch was not surprised by the vote.

“Based upon the information we presented, I believe we fulfilled our obligation to meet the requirements,” said Yauch.

Members of the board offered little comment, saying the matter may go to court. Gregory Coombs was the sole commenter, saying only “It was a tough decision.”

The college now must go before the Standish Planning Board to work out the particulars of the expansion. In addition to the provisions the zoning board required, the planning board could make changes as it sees fit.

Under state law, residents have 15 days to appeal a reconsidered vote to Cumberland County Superior Court.