SACO — Residents can voice their opinion Tuesday on a proposed zoning change that would allow the owners of a building on Beach Street to open a coffee shop. 

According to city documents, the B-7 zone encompasses about 40 parcels along Main and Beach streets, from School Street north to Beach Street, then as far east as James Street. More than half the district is residential. 

Among the uses currently allowed in the zone are schools, offices, art studios, funeral homes and financial institutions. Retail businesses up to 1,500-square-feet, excluding those that sell alcohol, are also allowed.

Rob Biggs, executive director of local economic development group Saco Main Street was approached by Bill and Jeannie Dunnigan, the owners of 9-11 Beach St., across the street from the First Parish Congregational Church, UCC. The Dunnigan’s own CIA coffee shop in South Portland and would like to open a coffee shop at the Beach Street property.

A coffee shop is not an allowed use for the B-7 district, where this property is located. The city is considering a proposal to allow “eating establishments” in this district. Such establishments are defined as businesses that sell prepared food but do not sell alcoholic beverages, said Hamblen in a memo to city councilors.

No provisions have been made for drive through service, he said. 

The City Council is holding a public hearing on the proposed zoning change at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.

Hamblen noted in the memo that the owners of 319 Main St., also in the B-7 zone, were approved for a contract zone to allow an ice cream stand on the property in 2013.

He said city staff views the proposal as an opportunity to “stretch Main Street out” and encourage what could become a new community meeting spot.

The planning board has reviewed the amendment and has recommended that the City Council approve it. 

Biggs said he thinks a cafe at that location would be an asset to the neighborhood, a great place for people to congregate that would increase the “walkability” of the area. He said the Dunnigan’s intention would be for the coffee shop to open early in the morning and close at 5 or 6 p.m.

“It would be a great opportunity for the downtown,” said Biggs.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.