Bangor Planning Board approves Arby’s drive‑through renovation at Bangor Mall Boulevard with lighting and traffic conditions

The Bangor Planning Board voted Feb. 3 to grant a land development permit and conditional-use approval for the renovation of a vacant 4,128-square-foot building at 57 Bangor Mall Boulevard into an Arby’s restaurant with a drive-through.

Tanner Reif, project manager with Design and Engineering representing owner Jason Cole, told the board the proposal would reuse the existing building footprint and electrical service, reduce access points from three to two, provide 49 parking spaces (including two ADA spaces), add curb and pavement modifications, install a new 1.5-inch water service and gas service, and place an underground grease interceptor on site. "So we're here to request ... conditional use and minor site development for the renovation of an existing vacant 4,100 square foot commercial building to a new Arby's restaurant with drive through," Reif said during his presentation.

Staff asked the board to include conditions in the decision. Planning staff requested an approved Maine DOT traffic movement permit before construction and asked for modified plans showing on-site light poles to eliminate illumination from poles on the adjacent property. Public commenter Amber Cardi questioned who would maintain the private drive serving the site, saying it has been a long-standing issue. City engineer Jefferson Davis responded that the drive is private and that abutting landowners are responsible for maintenance; the city does not maintain private drives unless a formal agreement exists.

During deliberations, Member Janet Jonas said she did not feel the applicant had yet met the lighting standard and voted 'no' on that particular finding, though board members and the solicitor advised resolving lighting matters through conditions to clarify the record. The final motion to grant the permit listed three conditions: evidence of an approved Maine DOT traffic movement permit prior to construction; that proposed building-mounted light fixtures meet city standards (§1-65-81 and §1-65-114e); and that modified plans showing new on-site light poles and full-cutoff, downward-facing fixtures be submitted to the planning division within 30 days.

The board approved the decision by roll call. Members were recorded as voting yes on the final grant of the permit; the chair advised the applicant to contact code enforcement for guidance on next steps.

What happens next: The applicant must secure the required DOT permit and submit the revised lighting plans within the timeframe specified in the decision before construction may begin.