BRUNSWICK

Glass, birds and height requirements were a few factors that have temporarily stalled a developer’s plans to construct new retail space between 56 and 58 Main St. in downtown Freeport.

A proposed building for retail use would be of similar height to the abutting properties. Owing to the way the lot slopes, a portion of the building would exceed the town’s height limits.

To move the project forward, the developer has requested a contract zone, sometimes referred to as spot zoning, from the town. However, the town council on Tuesday unanimously tabled the project, which will be taken up again May 14.

Town Council Vice Chairman Scott Gleeson said his constituents are worried about the large amount of glass in the proposed building, as well as the design of the building’s facade.

Freeport Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Keith McBride noted that the 35-foot height requirement is considered outdated by the town’s comprehensive plan.

“This proposal results in just one corner of four corners of the building violating height standards,” said McBride. “I do not encourage contract zoning, however, this is a very unusual situation.”

“If 35 feet doesn’t cut it, change the ordinance for everybody,” said Freeport resident Gaetano Quattrucci, noting that designers ought to be able to meet the height requirement “even under the most challenging of circumstances.”

Town Councilor Andy Wellen felt contract zoning ought not to be used under any circumstances, stating, “I’m voting against it no matter what.”

Should the contract zone be

approved, it still must undergo a design review of the building’s exterior and a site plan review that will examine circulation and traffic, according to Town Planner Donna Larson.

Derek Lovitch, owner of Wild Bird Supply, said he was “concerned about the volume of glass” used in the building, adding that he was concerned that the building may not fit in with downtown Freeport’s traditional look.

Lovitch’s overriding concern, however, was the amount of birds he said are killed by colliding into glass on buildings.

The Audubon Society has reported that 1 billion birds are killed in glass collisions every year in the United States.

Developer Al Yebba said the danger to birds was one of the reasons why the amount of glass has been scaled back in the building’s design, although it is still integral to the design.

“It works for tenants, and they need that glass,” Yebba told the council.

Yebba said he was trying to keep to a schedule so that construction would not interfere with back-to-school sales occurring at nearby retailers over the summer.

“You’re not dealing with a hostile developer,” Project Review Board Chairman Cliff Goodall told the council. “You need to keep Al in mind as a willing participant.”

In an interview, Yebba said he was still optimistic over the project’s future.

“There is a process to get to a decision,” said Yebba. “To the extent we can all work together, I think we can get to an appropriate end.”

Yebba said his company, Bostonbased Berenson Associates, which owns the nearby Freeport Village Station retail complex, is close to purchasing the property from Denney Block Freeport LLC, but the sale has not yet been completed.

jswinconeck@timesrecord.com

DEVELOPER AL YEBBA said his company, Boston-based Berenson Associates, which owns the nearby Freeport Village Station retail complex, is close to purchasing the property from Denney Block Freeport LLC, but the sale has not yet been completed.