Waterville church controversy ends with council vote

Zoning

Published
March 4, 2025

Waterville church controversy ends with council vote

The Waterville City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve zoning changes to church property that enable the church to raze two buildings and expand its parking lot, thus leading to an expected dismissal of a church lawsuit against the city.
Published
February 20, 2025

First Church of Waterville files federal lawsuit against the city

Church leaders say the city has stymied its religious land use by failing to let it remove two buildings from its property.
Published
February 5, 2025

Waterville City Council allows church zoning changes

One city councilor who voted against the proposal said it sets a bad precedent on housing. Another vote is needed.
Published
February 5, 2025

Why the dream of a starter home in Maine is slipping out of reach

Young people can’t find or afford houses in their communities. Families can’t move out of places they’ve outgrown. The cycle is stuck. Can it be fixed?
Published
January 28, 2025

City Council could decide First Church of Waterville zoning next week

The Planning Board voted 4-1 on Tuesday night to recommend that the City Council approve revisions to the zoning contract for 3, 5 and 7 Park St.

Published
November 20, 2024

Waterville City Council rejects request to rezone church property

Councilors recommended officials with the First Church Of Waterville meet with the city solicitor to map out a restructured contract zone that would meet the needs of both the church and its neighbors.
Published
October 23, 2024

Waterville church’s rezoning request headed back to City Council

The First Church of Waterville again asked the Planning Board to recommend to the City Council that it rezone its property at 3, 5 and 7 Park St., but the board rejected the request to seek a restructuring of the existing zone to reflect the needs of an abutting property owner.
Published
September 23, 2024

Jay Planning Board to consider applications for shoreland zoning, floodplain permits for OSB mill

The Planning Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Oct. 1 at the Jay Town Office to discuss the applications.
Published
September 22, 2024

Can luxury apartments actually help solve Maine’s housing crisis?

Despite pervasive 'supply skepticism,' the evidence suggests the answer is yes: As the number of homes grows in an area, prices tend to fall and lower-cost units get freed up. But advocates say it takes time – and there are many hurdles.
Published
September 10, 2024

Update: Waterville Planning Board seeks advice of city attorney in further delay of church rezoning request

The Waterville Planning Board spent nearly an hour Tuesday night discussing the First Church of Waterville's request that the city rezone properties off Park Street, but the board was not ready to make a recommendation to the City Council.

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