Local resident and developer Laurie Bachelder secured conditional approval for her Deacon Hayes subdivision at the September 13 Planning Board meeting. On the site of the historic Deacon Hayes House, Bachelder will erect four 3-unit townhouses. The project is the first and largest of its kind in North Yarmouth.
There has been strong pushback from residents in the neighborhood. All but one abutter signed a letter of protest.
Adjacent property owners Sol and Alicia Dostillio have raised multiple issues to the Planning Board regarding the project, including questions about process and adherence to North Yarmouth’s Land Use Ordinance (LUO).
Bachelder stated her plan abides by the LUO. Bachelder said she had reached out to the Dostillo’s to resolve concerns. However, Alicia denies this claim, asserting they were the ones who have requested to meet. Dostillos received a message after first public hearing from Bachelder stating it was too late to make any changes to the project.
Demolition of the property began on September 16, with the removal of properties iconic pines along Parsonage Road.
On September 19, Dostillos filed an appeal with the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), hoping to halt or delay the project. During the Planning Board meeting, Sol alerted the Planning Board of an error on the Deacon Hayes deed.
A demolition permit was issued in June, but no building permits have been applied for this project. Only two permits remain available for this calendar year. Bachelder could apply for one additional permit through the affordable housing provision in the LUO.
Crews removed the house addition portion of the house on Monday afternoon.
North Yarmouth does not have an historical house ordinance, so there are no formal provisions to protect structures such as the Deacon Hayes House. It is up to individual owners to invest in any preservation measures.