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March 2, 2011

Bridgton nixes big-box, fast-food bans

By The Mainebiz News Staff

Residents in Bridgton have voted against two petitions that would have banned fast-food restaurants and big-box stores.

Residents yesterday voted 931-472 against an article that would have amended the town's site plan ordinance to block fast-food or formula restaurants, and voted 963-432 against another article that would have limited retail developments to less than 30,000 square feet, according to the Sun Journal. Last year, a proposal to open a McDonald's on Route 302 prompted the citizen's initiative that led to yesterday's referendum, and some residents expressed concern that chain restaurants and stores would negatively affect the character of the town. Residents who opposed the bans, however, told the Portland Press Herald that the article targeting big-box stores was poorly worded, and would have barred the expansion of any retailer, including a local car dealership hoping to grow. Other residents said banning chain restaurants would discourage investment in the town.

Scott Finlayson, who organized the petition drive, told the Press Herald he was disappointed with the results, but said it drove people to consider developing a comprehensive plan for the town. The town has already begun soliciting for people to serve on a comprehensive plan committee.

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