The Scarborough Planning Board recently reviewed the Morrison Center site plan. The Morrison Center, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities, sought site plan approval for the construction of a 6,995-square-foot dormitory building at 60 Chamberlain Road. This building would replace 11 parking spaces.

During the meeting, the Planning Board discussed the project’s approval, along with the specific conditions and recommendations. The Planning Board is recommending approval of the project with several conditions such as finalizing a land conveyance to realign Chamberlain Road and Highland Avenue as well a brush clearing for improving site distance.

Noah Perlut, first alternate council member, asked,”How does Morrison Center feel about the (land) conveyance?”

Bob Metcalf, president of Mitchell and Associates Landscape Architects and the representative for the Morrison Center, said, “The issue was raised during our meeting with staff regarding the creation of a 90-degree intersection and potential land conveyance from the Morrison Center. We are in agreement with the conveyance.”

Planning Board Chair Rachel Hendrickson proposed the approval of the project, titled “Morrison Center Proposal” by Mark Ryder, as depicted on the plan prepared by Mitchell and Associates. The project involved the addition of a dormitory south of the existing Morrison Center Building. The dormitory structure will be two stories and would include a wing off the side of the building for a cafeteria, a multi-purpose room and a commercial style kitchen. The board determined that the project met the zoning and site plan review ordinance requirements and set forth several conditions for approval.

These conditions included the payment of impact fees, addressing Planning Board comments, conducting a pre-construction meeting, formalizing land acquisition with the town, addressing site distance and brush clearing concerns, and providing evidence of proper installation of stormwater management facilities. The motion passed, and Hendrickson said “congratulations” to the Morrison Center.

In a letter, Melanie Loyzim, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, informed the Morrison Center that the application had been approved with certain conditions. The letter stated that the approval did not replace other required approvals or confirm compliance with zoning ordinances.

The Morrison Center offers an extensive range of therapeutic, habilitative, and recreational programs and has a team of educators, therapists, and direct care professionals. With a specialization in serving medically complex individuals, the Morrison Center has been part of the greater Portland area since  1951.