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Central Maine Power says Knights Hill substation needs modernization; board advises variances first
Summary
Central Maine Power presented a sketch plan to modernize a Knights Hill Road substation in Bridgton, noting the site does not meet current lot‑size and setback standards. CMP was advised to seek dimensional variances at the appeals board before procuring equipment.
Central Maine Power representatives told the Bridgton Planning Board they plan to demolish and rebuild the Knights Hill Road substation to meet current engineering standards, but that the existing parcel does not meet local dimensional requirements and will require variances.
"The substation... doesn't meet current standards," James Morin, representing CMP, said, describing an existing roughly 40×40 facility on a 100×100 parcel that falls short of the town's minimum lot-size and setback requirements. CMP said it will use a temporary mobile substation on an adjacent pad while it demolishes and rebuilds a larger, modern open‑air substation with steel structures and concrete foundations.
Board members and CMP staff discussed whether a gravel pad expansion and added impervious surface would be considered a "structure" under town ordinance; members cautioned CMP to seek variances from the appeals board (on lot coverage and setbacks) before purchasing major equipment. CMP indicated it intends to pursue variances and to coordinate with town staff and the appeals board; the company also said the rebuilt substation should not be louder than the current facility and that it will work to protect the snowmobile trail crossing the property during construction.
