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Planning Board approves seasonal event center at 35 Caribou Road
Summary
The Presque Isle Planning Board on Sept. 18 approved a site plan for Aaron Whitaker (d/b/a County Events) to operate a seasonal tent‑based event center at 35 Caribou Road, contingent on addressing staff concerns and completing the site‑plan application. The vote was unanimous.
The Presque Isle Planning Board voted Sept. 18 to approve a site plan for Aaron Whitaker, doing business as County Events, to operate a seasonal event center at 35 Caribou Road.
Whitaker told the board the operation would run May through October and primarily host weddings and occasional business events under tents. He said he will build a 40‑by‑50‑foot storage shed to house extra tents, chairs and tables used during the season. Whitaker said he initially planned to provide porta‑potties and carry in water but has since obtained a permit for a holding tank, plans to dig a well and intends to install a septic system at a later date.
Board members discussed access and parking. Whitaker said vehicles now would park on the grass for about 200 vehicles and that he plans to place gravel down in the future; he also said he is arranging gravel for the driveway to reduce mud. He said signage is not planned immediately but that he would check with code enforcement about size and permits if signs are proposed later.
Staff member Tim St. Peter told the board staff had reviewed the site plan and that reviewer Dana Fowler raised concerns that have been addressed. Jayne Farrin asked about incomplete answers on the site plan application; Whitaker apologized for marking several items “n/a” and agreed to meet with St. Peter to complete the application.
Richard Engels moved to approve the site plan for 35 Caribou Road with the condition that Mr. Whitaker address the concerns identified in Dana Fowler’s email and complete the site plan application in coordination with Tim St. Peter. Dave Perry seconded the motion and the vote was unanimous.
The property is classified as a Place of Assembly and is a permitted use in the Agricultural Farming/Forestry Zone (AFFZ); board members did not identify zoning barriers to the proposal. The next procedural step is for Whitaker to follow up with staff to finalize the outstanding application items and any remaining permit details.
