Pike Industries’ prospects for building an asphalt plant in Westbrook have dimmed following an unfavorable code ruling and continued rezoning efforts by the city council.
Responding to a coalition of businesses and residents near Pike’s property who oppose its expansion, the city’s code enforcement officer ruled Friday that the company can continue to quarry on Spring Street, but can’t add rock-crushing, concrete or asphalt plants without a special exception, the American Journal reported. Both parties have 30 days to appeal the decision to the zoning board. The city council also moved forward Monday with efforts to rezone the area where Pike is located from industrial to light manufacturing, which would thwart the company’s expansion plans. Councilors voted to refer the issue to the planning board, the paper reported.
New Hampshire-based Pike has pitched a $114 million mixed-use development on Main Street to Westbrook city officials, but says the project hinges on construction of the Spring Street asphalt plant, see “Gravel co., city spar over redevelopment” from Jan. 19.
