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FARMINGTON – Four neighboring business owners voiced concerns at the selectmen’s meeting tonight over plans to open a bar and restaurant.
Jon and Lois Bubier of Farmington want to open a 75-seat restaurant called The Company in December and were seeking a liquor license for the new, 2,100 square foot eating establishment at 103 Narrow Gauge Square.
John Moore, owner of the Narrow Gauge Cinemas across the large parking lot off Front Street to the Bubier’s new construction, said in the public hearing he had worries over having another restaurant/bar open up in the neighborhood.
“If it’s a drink-and-drown bar and it spills out into the parking lot, will you be willing to pull the license?” Moore asked selectmen, referring to the liquor license renewal process the board conducts each year. He also took issue with the plans that now include a 15-foot by 30-foot-long area for eating outside that wasn’t included in the original plan submitted to the planning board last week. The planners approved the Bubier’s plans that will have three office spaces upstairs on Front Street.
“I urge that it be sent back to the planning board,” Moore requested for further review. “I worry about the outside crowd spilling out into the parking lot.” Although Steve Kaiser, the town’s code enforcement officer, said a few planning board members contacted about the matter asked for another updated review of the plan for additional approval, “the standing approval is still good,” he said. “It’s just in the details. Things do change and they’ll need final approval of the board.”
Jon Bubier, also a selectman who stepped away from the board’s table to participate in the hearing process, said he is planning for an “upscale place with upscale food.” He’s already hired an experienced manager and “that didn’t come cheap. We’re not looking to serve a 50-cent PBR crowd.” He called the outside eating area “an accent” to the restaurant’s overall appeal.
“I want to be a good neighbor. If there are problems, pull the license,” Bubier said.
Janet Washburn who has a gallery space nearby said she is worried about the parking and traffic situation at the site. Calling the situation “dangerous” she asked “where are people going to park?”
If his restaurant is full, 75 patrons plus staff members means parking is needed for the afternoon and evening hours when its in operation over and above the 11 spaces in the plans. It’s expected the daytime office crowd upstairs will have left when those parking spaces will be needed.
Bubier said he’s reached a verbal agreement for more parking spaces but is not ready to publicly announce it because the deal is not signed yet.
Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Steve Bunker read aloud a portion of the ordinance regarding the many reasons to deny a liquor license, which include everything from increased police action to trash not being properly disposed of. The board voted 4 in favor of granting the license, with Bubier abstaining.
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In other matters, Sgt. Shane Cote of the Farmington Police Department has been promoted to Deputy Police Chief Shane Cote by a unanimous vote of selectmen. Police Chief Jack Peck said after a rigorous, two-and-half-month application process, Cote was his choice. The process, set by department policy and union contract adherence in which all the components are assigned points, included oral and written tests, record management study, seniority and education.
Cote, who earned his bachelor’s degree and received his master’s degree in August while working full time for the department as a night time supervisor over the last six of his 14 years on the Farmington force, is a dedicated officer, Peck told selectmen.
The deputy chief title is new to the department because the lieutenant’s position Peck held for years under the late Police Chief Richard Caton III, led to some confusion by the public, he said.
Selectman Drew Hufnagel, who worked with Cote as an officer with the Farmington department beginning a decade ago said, “I know he’ll do an excellent job.”
Congratulations Shane
Shane, CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve worked hard and done well. You deserve it.
He has done a great job with Ron’s Market. I wish him all the best in establishing a new restaurant. The Dugout and Front St have their own crowds and the Granary has been resting on its laurels for too long — went in there this summer, stood around near the bar for five minutes, didn’t get spoken to by the bartender so I just walked out. Competition is part of business and we have a true epicurean in Jon Bubier in town. I am looking forward to it. Welcome to the downtown. With all due respect to the people who raised concerns, what exactly are you thinking? There are laws, regulations and a healthy police force to deal with any problems that arise. Is there any place in Farmington that is actually “dangerous”? Please.
Looks like some good news for a change!
Congrats to Deputy Police Chief Cote…definitely a dedicated officer.
As well, the Bubier’s should be commended for their consistent re-investment of their business finances back into the community. Let’s take Jon on his word — “I want to be a good neighbor. If there are problems, pull the license” — mount that quote on the wall in the town office if you want, but another decent restaurant downtown will always be welcomed by many.
If traffic safety is a concern, then I’d suggest the town start looking at making Front Street and Main Street alternate one-way streets. That means pedestrians would only have to look one way to cross. It could also lead to the further redevelopment of Front Street.
How come the electrical contractor on the job, who is benefitting financially from the project did not step away from voting. Looks like a conflict of interest. But looks like the project in general has received a lot of special treatment. IE: parking ordinance, street setbacks and selectman personal interest. These boards need to be consistent, This project is a BIG red flag!!
Good to raise concerns- but let’s give Jon a chance here. He cares about the town of Farmington, has a stake in the community, and he seems to have considered the issues. I appreciate the questions, but let’s not stifle a business venture that will bring more patrons to downtown because of what “might happen”. I believe if issues should arise, Jon will do what’s needed.
Congrats to Shane- well deserved!!
Mr Moore, they will probably be spilling out into your parking lot and spending money at your business…I would look at that as a good thing. Also, finding a place to park is not “dangerous”. Finally, I hope the “upscale food” is actually good and not just priced like it’s good like a certain nearby restaurant.
Congrats Shane – you deserve it.
I appreciate that the town officials of Farmington want to expand downtown business opportunities – but apparently the “select”men aren’t so select as yet ANOTHER bar has been approved. Better still,even though Mr. Bubier has been working on this venture for months, there is virtually no parking (hmm, wasn’t it just last week that the Bulldog reported selectmen questioning the amount of parking for Mr. Moore’s new proposed building? I guess the word “select” has a whole bunch of meanings here) I suppose people could park at The Dugout and knock back a few, wobble to the new Bubier place and have a few more, and then stagger on to the Front Street Tavern to wind up the night. Since the police already respond to calls in the area frequently, at least it won’t be out of their way. Let’s just hope that when they come with blue lights flashing, they can find a place to park.
Come on, everyone complains because we are losing businesses and here is a known business couple that want to invest back into the community. Tell them to come to Wilton we would love to have them. Why don’t you try working with the new business ie: discount movie tickets like they do (or used to) at the Granary, make a deal to showcase ingredients and merchandise from local shops. Work together for change. I guess those people who believe you can’t have a liquor license without having bar fights and pub crawls haven’t been to a decent restaurant. Good luck to the Bubiers I look forward to going to the new restaurant.
Since parking is such a concern in Farmington, how come it does not seem to be an issue here? There is a 75 seat restaurant and 3 office spaces with employees and or customers and only 11 parking spaces. Where is everyone going to park? Are they going to take the spaces that have already been alotted to existing businesses? What about the money and committment that these existing businesses have contributed to the downtown?
I guess i won’t have to worry about parking at this new restaurant because I am one of the 50cent PBR customers and proud of it!!
Actually “Concerned” I asked the question if my involvement was a conflict of interest and I was advised it was not. If you watch the video you will clearly hear me say that I was the electrician on the project to the media and public to make sure it was brought out, as I was advised to do. It is refreshing that you keep up on the happenings in our great town.
I am so tired of people crying about parking in this town. God forbid you have to park a little farther away and walk your lazy butt to where you are going. Many may be surprised by the benefits of simply walking a little more everyday. While issues such as parking need to be considered, it seems that many of the downtown elites are more concerned with parking than they are about bringing business to the area. Whats wrong with parking in one of the large public lots that are rarely full and take a nice short walk to get some dinner? Or is walking a hundred yards too “dangerous”?
I think this is a welcomed opportunity. It’s nice to see a local business growing and I can imagine Jon and Lois doing a wonderful job. And we’re complaining about parking? Really? Farmington is a pretty darn small town, try looking for a parking spot in Portland at the very least, if things are to grow, parking is the least of our concerns. I am not afraid of a walk.
Congratulations Shane, good to see folks who know the town in charge.
“If traffic safety is a concern, then I’d suggest the town start looking at making Front Street and Main Street alternate one-way streets. That means pedestrians would only have to look one way to cross. It could also lead to the further redevelopment of Front Street.”
You ain’t from around here, are you?
What ever became of the whole Farmington Construction parking lot lease/broken contract with the town.I wonder if Mr Bubier is planning on that parking Hmmmmmm? What a deathtrap to pull out of.
Somehow the businesses on Broadway and Main Streets manage to survive without a designated parking space for each and every patron and employee, so why the big issue with a new (taxable) business planning to open without its own Walmart-sized lot? There are plenty of parking spaces to accommodate restaurant patrons in the downtown Farmington area, especially in the early evening after office work and court lets out.
Jon has proven to be a reputable man and will continue to be a responsible businessman as well. I, for one, will welcome his new business venture. And neighboring local businesses, come on … look forward and don’t disparage your potential common customers. There’s plenty of room — and parking — for everyone.
Excuse me…I am from the back woods and I dont know what Bubier means by 50 cent “PBR customers?Can someone please explain to me what that stands for then maybe I can say I am proud to be one too! Sounds he is saying low class ppl??
Parking a little farther away and walking my lazy butt to where its going works for me because I have my health, but my secretary is disabled by severe arthritis. Parking even a little farther away does not work for her, especially in the wintertime. The Town of Farmington needs to come up with a procedure for exempting the frail elderly and disabled from enforcement of its downtown parking ordinance. I understand, the town has a parking problem, but surely it can spare a few spaces here and there for the elderly and disabled. If a car has a legitimate handicapped plate or decal in the window, let it park where it needs to park and leave it alone.
I do not want to have to move my business out of downtown Farmington, but if the town remains unwilling to exempt the elderly and disabled from enforcement of this ordinance, Wilton, here we come…
I think it’s just that we are accustomed to being able to park close to the business we’re visiting. It will take a little while to change this mindset, although if one is hoping to attract the elderly and infirm, there have to be SOME places nearby. If you have ever gone to a popular film at the Narrow Gauge Cinema on a weekend night, you must be aware that the entire (and I mean entire) parking lot is “full to bursting” already.
Ed you from around here?
The elderly and or disabled should definitely have close spots to park…or if they are with a healthy family member or friend maybe that person could drop them off close to where they are going and then go get the car and pick them up in front of the building when it’s time to go…I know I do that kind of thing all the time for my elderly family members
Sounds like he should of built a parking garage instead of a restaurant where their are already five in a struggling economy. Best of luck..
“0.one way street idea is stupid on October 28th, 2010 at 6:37 am:
Ed you from around here?”
Yes, I am and yes, the idea is real stupid! Read back a little further, you’ll see who I was quoting.
Anyone ever visit a coastal town in the summer and tried to park anywhere close to a restaurant?
If this is the biggest worry the people of Farmington have to worry about consider yourselves lucky, so funny.
Cant wait to order a $6 Stella in a clean glass without the threat of being ruffied, eat a decent meal come home happy I didnt have to go to Front Street. Police really need to check that place out – I’ve seen some horrible things down there.
if it werent for the “50 cent PBR customers” his store would go out of business!!
I think folks who are concerned about anything negative or “bad” because of this new business oughta take a minute and sit down with Mr. Bubier. I’m sure one would find he is more then willing to hear anyones concerns and how/if/or what folks can do to address them if there is any. You don’t think he has thought of all the problems or what nots that may arise from this? I for one commend Mr. Bubier for this new business. From what I hear he is doing a fine job at his other business and is very active and involved in the community. From what I hear on the streets and other business owners he is a very classy guy, hard worker, and would give the shirt off his back to help someone if needed. To me, I would rather have a local person have the courage to invest 150,00 – 200,000 dollars in a business in my hometown then to take it out to a different county or state. You don’t think the town of Wilton or Skowhegan or some other town would JUMP at the bit and welcome this with open arms? Heck they may even give him a tax break or do what ever it took to help him open up a business like this!!! Mr. Bubier- I for one would like to commend you and say you are living the American dream, doing what you have worked hard for and achieving your goals. I thank you for investing in this small town in such a down economic time and dare I say also adding 15-20 jobs in the area. Please do not let the negative comments get to you and continue pushing thru with your dream and goals. While their may be nay sayers and folks who don’t understand all the hard work, headaches and countless nights staying awake trying to please every single person, I can tell you from one business person to another….I think your doing a great job and there are more folks standing tall and proud of the idea that your doing this then there of the folks who are talking negative of this. Keep it up and I look forward to visiting this new establishment once its up and running.
I for one, a handicapped person, look forward to a clean
decent place to eat in Farmington that has enough seating room for family to go with me.
Thanks Bubiers!