York Beach, ME ?

[Bella the Ball 360]

This question was inspired by a thread from another board. For those of us who go to York Beach in the summer I was just wondering ...what is wrong with the city government there? The down town has become very yucky. Other than Goldenrod and a couple of places like Shelton's gifts the rest of the place could be Hampton. There are fortune tellers and stores that sell drug paraphinalia(sp?). I heard from someone who wanted to purchase Pop's that the town was very picky as to what they will let be developed. JUdging from what they have not developed and what they allow in I have to wonder what they are picky about?
When you look at Ogunquit and Kennebunkport the difference is vast. I cannot believe that York would not want to look like those cities to attract tourists rather than what it is? Quaint it ain't!

 

[merrily]

Here's an article you might find interesting from the local paper.



Thursday, April 27, 2006
Developer shares his vision for zoo property

By JASON GRAY
Democrat Staff Writer
jgray@fosters.com

YORK BEACH, Maine — When thinking of York's Wild Kingdom, imagine a world class architectural masterpiece — a work of art people will enjoy for the next 150 years.

Most who visit the amusement park and zoo might not think of it as such, but that is one of the visions of developer Oscar Plotkin, third-generation owner of Berkshire USA.

In his first public appearance in town, Plotkin spoke with ease to a crowd of 100 or so York and area residents who packed a room at the Union Bluff Hotel Wednesday night.

Plotkin has signed a purchase-and-sales agreement with the owners of York's Wild Kingdom for the zoo property and the 83 acres it sits upon, and is investigating if it is feasible to develop and revitalize the property.

"I think the downtown of York Beach is a little tired, it needs some work," Plotkin told the audience, adding of his company, "We don't go and say what we will do. We ask the community for permission."

One of Plotkin's ideas is to build some form of a retail center on Route 1, and some form of residential development near York Beach downtown. He has pledged to keep Wild Kingdom in some manner, since it is held dear by many residents past and present.

He said he wants to build something "positive" the community will "be proud of."

After fielding questions about his intentions for Wild Kingdom, Plotkin said it would likely be reconfigured and updated, noting the possibility the park could be made even larger.

One of the issues facing Plotkin's proposal is local zoning, which currently does not allow for residential development and retail shops. He hopes the town can "rethink" some changes to zoning, which he described as "prohibitive" and limiting to development. He said he does not believe it represents what residents want.

Cliff Estes countered current zoning does represent what the people want.

"You're scaring me a little bit," Estes said. "Our zoning is not what we don't want, it's what we want."

If he cannot build residential units, Plotkin said he might create a large recreational location. He also has interest in the land abutting Wild Kingdom, suggesting if there was a sale, those 200 acres could ultimately be involved in the project.

Susan Shaw noted there is a need for more part-time jobs, as well as activities for children.

"There's nothing in this town for work," Shaw said. Regarding youngsters she added, "What do they do? Nothing."

Mary Norton seconded the need for more activities for youths. She said she watches her seven grandchildren "like a hawk" to make sure they don't get into trouble — a comment that garnered many chuckles.

Greg Filias said a retail center with a supermarket would be good for town because there would be more competition for Hannaford's.

If there were another supermarket, he suggested fewer people would have to drive to Portsmouth to buy groceries. That remark drew cheers and applause.

"I appreciate your vision and foresight for a town that needs vision and foresight," Filias said.

Mark Gay, York Beach Fire Department captain, suggested Filias run for the Planning Board. He added he hopes Wild Kingdom stays where it is, since York was — and still is — a resort town, and since the fire station is across the street.

Some residents worried the Route 1 retail shops would look like Kittery or Wells, which they apparently felt has a negative design. Plotkin said any retail shops would be tastefully done.

The only dissenter to York's Wild Kingdom, at least the zoo portion, was Ana Gray, a "friend of animals." She suggested a "super-duper" movie theater should be built to serve as a better means for entertainment, rather than "gawking at animals."

Her comments garnered a number of moans and mutterings from some of those in the crowded room.

The lone selectman at the event was Dwight Bardwell. After the event concluded, many residents flocked to Bardwell — easy to find in a bright red shirt — like moths to a flame.

Plotkin said he and Berkshire representatives will continue to have meetings and forums with the town throughout the process, possibly again in a month. He believes a conceptual plan, based on what the town wants, could be developed in a year.

 

[pixiemomma]

We vacationed in York Beach last year. We had visited Bar Harbor two years prior. I didn't really notice the things you were talking about (Ie fotune tellers and drug paraphanalia) but we spent alot of time out of town. (Salem, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, the town with the amusement park)

There were not enough places to eat Y.B. There reallly wasn't much to do other than the little arcade on the peir and the beach. I like the location, right over the Mass. border, and I feel all of coastal Maine is quite lovely but we would not vacation in Y.B. again.

 

[AllyandJack]

I love York Beach. I haven't gone as much since The Quarterdeck in Kittery closed though. So sad.

Anyway.....they need to fix the parking meters on the beach. Last time I was there, the only spots had broken meters. I shoved .50 in it before I realized it was broken. Of course, I get a ticket for $5., which will turn into $15. if I don't pay it in 2 days. I go to the police station and someone with a bad attitude directs me to drop it into a bin. They refused to give me a receipt. About 8 months later, I get a notice from my credit union that a $15. lien was placed against my car by the Town of York, Maine! I fought it and won by describing the inside of the police station and how I paid.

But, yeah, there needs to be some changes made to that whole area because I won't go back up there. I'll go to Old Orchard or drive down the Cape. I can save the $5. "parking fee" and use it for gas to drive to a better beach.

 

[nealymouse]

I know what you are saying about York. I grew up there. My Grandfather built and owned the Fun-o-Rama.
I like Short Sands because its still a safe place to let my girls walk into town while im on the beach (girls 13 and 16).

I have noticed it is becoming a bit run down and did also read that artical that was in the paper a few days ago about what they want to do to the Animal park.

York will always be in my Heart and I do hate seeing it go to the wayside.

 

[nealymouse]

I love York Beach. I haven't gone as much since The Quarterdeck in Kittery closed though. So sad.

Anyway.....they need to fix the parking meters on the beach. Last time I was there, the only spots had broken meters. I shoved .50 in it before I realized it was broken. Of course, I get a ticket for $5., which will turn into $15. if I don't pay it in 2 days. I go to the police station and someone with a bad attitude directs me to drop it into a bin. They refused to give me a receipt. About 8 months later, I get a notice from my credit union that a $15. lien was placed against my car by the Town of York, Maine! I fought it and won by describing the inside of the police station and how I paid.

But, yeah, there needs to be some changes made to that whole area because I won't go back up there. I'll go to Old Orchard or drive down the Cape. I can save the $5. "parking fee" and use it for gas to drive to a better beach.

Sort of the same thing happend to me. I filled the meter, went back 30 minunts before I had to fill it again and already has a ticket. I went to the Police station and they said not to pay the fine they would time it to see if it was off and mail me a bill if it was me.

2 weeks later I got a letter saying the meter was off and had no fine.

 

[djkeenan]

I remember when they first installed parking meters at Short Sands and then along Long Sands. They have always been poorly maintained. Tickets bring a much better return on investment and I swear they try to run the town off parking tickets!

Up in Wells a developer came in and built "Summer Village" a community of second home/cottages. What a great deal for the town: tremendous increase in the tax base but no kids in the schools. If they took some of the acreage at animal kingdom and put in a development like that I'd put my name on the list to buy one. Wouldn't that be great: walking distance to the Goldenrod!

 

[nealymouse]

Walking distance to the Goldenrod would be like a dream come true LOL.
Now be honest have you EVER had better salt water taffy ??

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

I love York Beach. I haven't gone as much since The Quarterdeck in Kittery closed though. So sad.

Anyway.....they need to fix the parking meters on the beach. Last time I was there, the only spots had broken meters. I shoved .50 in it before I realized it was broken. Of course, I get a ticket for $5., which will turn into $15. if I don't pay it in 2 days. I go to the police station and someone with a bad attitude directs me to drop it into a bin. They refused to give me a receipt. About 8 months later, I get a notice from my credit union that a $15. lien was placed against my car by the Town of York, Maine! I fought it and won by describing the inside of the police station and how I paid.

But, yeah, there needs to be some changes made to that whole area because I won't go back up there. I'll go to Old Orchard or drive down the Cape. I can save the $5. "parking fee" and use it for gas to drive to a better beach.

Quarterdeck in Kittery is NOT gone or at least it is now being rebuilt to a more modern design!! They tore the old one down and now are rebuilding and it looks very similar.

 

[AllyandJack]

Quarterdeck in Kittery is NOT gone or at least it is now being rebuilt to a more modern design!! They tore the old one down and now are rebuilding and it looks very similar.

Really? I read somewhere that is was bought out by that clam shack place across the street. They had the BEST breakfast buffet.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Really? I read somewhere that is was bought out by that clam shack place across the street. They had the BEST breakfast buffet.

You mean Ell's ? That place is supposed to be very good but I have not eaten there. I know there is always a crowd. I wonder if they bought the Quarterdeck name along with the property. I know that Ell's does a big business and mabye they are going to expand. I think Weathervane needs some competition...they are going down hill in a big way too.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Here's an article you might find interesting from the local paper.



Thursday, April 27, 2006
Developer shares his vision for zoo property

By JASON GRAY
Democrat Staff Writer
jgray@fosters.com

YORK BEACH, Maine — When thinking of York's Wild Kingdom, imagine a world class architectural masterpiece — a work of art people will enjoy for the next 150 years.

Most who visit the amusement park and zoo might not think of it as such, but that is one of the visions of developer Oscar Plotkin, third-generation owner of Berkshire USA.

In his first public appearance in town, Plotkin spoke with ease to a crowd of 100 or so York and area residents who packed a room at the Union Bluff Hotel Wednesday night.

Plotkin has signed a purchase-and-sales agreement with the owners of York's Wild Kingdom for the zoo property and the 83 acres it sits upon, and is investigating if it is feasible to develop and revitalize the property.

"I think the downtown of York Beach is a little tired, it needs some work," Plotkin told the audience, adding of his company, "We don't go and say what we will do. We ask the community for permission."

One of Plotkin's ideas is to build some form of a retail center on Route 1, and some form of residential development near York Beach downtown. He has pledged to keep Wild Kingdom in some manner, since it is held dear by many residents past and present.

He said he wants to build something "positive" the community will "be proud of."

After fielding questions about his intentions for Wild Kingdom, Plotkin said it would likely be reconfigured and updated, noting the possibility the park could be made even larger.

One of the issues facing Plotkin's proposal is local zoning, which currently does not allow for residential development and retail shops. He hopes the town can "rethink" some changes to zoning, which he described as "prohibitive" and limiting to development. He said he does not believe it represents what residents want.

Cliff Estes countered current zoning does represent what the people want.

"You're scaring me a little bit," Estes said. "Our zoning is not what we don't want, it's what we want."

If he cannot build residential units, Plotkin said he might create a large recreational location. He also has interest in the land abutting Wild Kingdom, suggesting if there was a sale, those 200 acres could ultimately be involved in the project.

Susan Shaw noted there is a need for more part-time jobs, as well as activities for children.

"There's nothing in this town for work," Shaw said. Regarding youngsters she added, "What do they do? Nothing."

Mary Norton seconded the need for more activities for youths. She said she watches her seven grandchildren "like a hawk" to make sure they don't get into trouble — a comment that garnered many chuckles.

Greg Filias said a retail center with a supermarket would be good for town because there would be more competition for Hannaford's.

If there were another supermarket, he suggested fewer people would have to drive to Portsmouth to buy groceries. That remark drew cheers and applause.

"I appreciate your vision and foresight for a town that needs vision and foresight," Filias said.

Mark Gay, York Beach Fire Department captain, suggested Filias run for the Planning Board. He added he hopes Wild Kingdom stays where it is, since York was — and still is — a resort town, and since the fire station is across the street.

Some residents worried the Route 1 retail shops would look like Kittery or Wells, which they apparently felt has a negative design. Plotkin said any retail shops would be tastefully done.

The only dissenter to York's Wild Kingdom, at least the zoo portion, was Ana Gray, a "friend of animals." She suggested a "super-duper" movie theater should be built to serve as a better means for entertainment, rather than "gawking at animals."

Her comments garnered a number of moans and mutterings from some of those in the crowded room.

The lone selectman at the event was Dwight Bardwell. After the event concluded, many residents flocked to Bardwell — easy to find in a bright red shirt — like moths to a flame.

Plotkin said he and Berkshire representatives will continue to have meetings and forums with the town throughout the process, possibly again in a month. He believes a conceptual plan, based on what the town wants, could be developed in a year.

Very interesting...but what about Pop's. That is an eyesore if I ever saw one! I too love York and spent many weekends and summer vacations there. Nubble Light is so beautiful and then you go to Short sands and ....what a let down in comparison to the other areas in ME. I agree on the dining too. There is NO where to eat that is attractive.

 

[djkeenan]

No place has better salt water taffy than the Goldenrod!