Thomaston — The Planning Board began consideration Feb. 20 of a proposal for a new 22,970-square-foot structure at Rockland Ford.
The new building will be built further back on the property, so that business can continue during development, according to engineer Curtis Neufeld of Sitelines, PA. The property will expand into the lot where Cigaret Shopper is now, next to Wasses'.
Chairman Joanne Richards asked about the labeling on the conceptual site plan drawing. "I noticed you put proposed 'Yankee Ford' on this drawing," she said.
Wes Thames of Priority Real Estate Group, which will be managing the project, explained that there are three Ford dealerships all owned by the same group of people.
"There's Yankee Ford in South Portland, Tucker Ford in Brunswick and then Rockland Ford here," Thames said, adding that they had talked about branding them all with the same name for advertising purposes.
"It would be nice to have something other than Rockland Ford in Thomaston," joked Code Enforcement Officer Bill Wasson, with the board in agreement.
Owner Tony Esposito took over the business in March 2016 from Joseph Manning, who had owned it since 1994.
The Planning Board invited Neufeld and Thames to return for further review of the proposal at its next meeting, March 20. Thames said construction will begin as soon as approval is granted, and the plan is to have the project completed before fall.
In other business, the board approved a request by William Rapp of Tenants Harbor for a fast-food takeout stand at 212 New County Road, near The Zack Shack.
To be named Up In Smoke, the new venue will feature various smoked foods. Rapp said he plans to make it a mobile trailer that can also cater special events.
Although the details have not been worked out yet, Rapp said he will probably be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. five days a week.