By Nate Jones

Staff Writer

Last week Scarborough Town Councilors agreed to delay voting on a zone change for the Scarborough Downs property, a move that could be the first step to develop the more than 200 acre parcel into a new “town center” that could provide millions in future tax dollars. 

“It seems to me the Scarborough Downs property is a hot topic right now, and this might be too quick,” Councilor Ronald Alqhuist said. “This is about process and we need to make it squeaky clean.”

The zone change was put on the council agenda three weeks after the council was introduced to the “Scarborough Downs Village” concept and price tag for the development – allowing slot machines to be incorporated into a new racino at the center of the proposed project. Councilor Sylvia Most said the only thing keeping [the Scarborough Downs Village project] from going to the planning board was its current Business 2 (B2) zoning, which specifically restricts the use of slot machines. Town Planner Dan Bacon said regardless of whether or not gambling is allowed on the parcel, a TVC zone better fit the goals of Scarborough’s comprehensive plan.

“It really says to the developer ‘If you’re serious about the development scheme you should be comfortable with TVC because B2 doesn’t fit what you’re talking about,’” Bacon said.

Unlike B2, TVC zoning allows senior housing, on street parking, limits large shopping centers and aims to create more of a village area, although it does not take a stance on gambling, Bacon said.

“It puts an extra means of control on the community,” Most said. “It came up fast but is actually a very smart move on our part.”

Town Manager Ron Owens encouraged the council to vote on the issue, even though he said changing the Scarborough Downs property from a B2 to a TVC zone could void a petition currently circulating the community to include a question ratifying slot machines in a B2 zone in the next November referendum. 

“[The zone change] will create some conflict,” he said. “We need more time to see what that petition says. This is just to place restrictions on the property that currently do not exist.

New England Expedition – the developer working with Scarborough Downs on the project – spokesperson Gene Beaudion said a zone change “would not have any affect” on the petition, as it did not specify which zone to allow slot machines in. 

“About 80 percent of responses [to the petition] have been positive,” he said. “Everybody’s confident we’ll get there.”

Councilor Michael Wood called the zone change “a proactive approach to protect the town,” but said he was worried about how making such a change so soon after the initial Scarborough Downs Village proposal could be perceived by members of the community. He compared sensitive nature of the project to the proposed $1 million Black Point Park rejected by voters last November.  

“We worked really hard to let people know we were just going to do some improvements,” he said. “None of that mattered. I hear all the time how the town is meeting in a back alley and building a park back there.”

Town Council Chairman Jeffrey Messer said although the zone change was one of many hurdles the Scarborough Downs project would have to overcome -– he said even if voters approve the use of slot machines in November, the state legislature would still have to approve the project – it would be wise for the council to wait on making any decision. 

“This may give folks the perception, albeit inaccurate, we support [the Scarborough Downs Village project],” he said. “Perception is reality.”

Bacon said a zone change for the Scarborough Downs property could be back on the Council’s agenda late next month.