Bentley’s seeks new camp sites

Bentley’s seeks new camp sites

http://blog.kennebunkpost.com/2011/12/22/bentleys-seeks-new-camp-sites.aspx

By Kristy Wagner

Staff Writer

 The tough economy has been no match for Bentley’s Saloon and Campground in Arundel.

The seasonal spot’s owner, Bentley Warren III, recently approached the planning board about developing 90 to 95 new recreational vehicle sites and 35 to 40 tent sites to accommodate the campground’s growing clientele. 
 

The new recreational vehicle sites would include full water, sewage and electrical services.

“We just want to expand what we need for our use,” Warren said in a phone interview. 

Warren currently is out west traveling on his motorcycle.

“Our customer base is bigger since we got the zoning change and we could have the occupancy for what we needed originally,” he said. “Now we can have the demand for more campsites and tent sites and things like that.” 

Warren obtained a zoning change from the planning board in July to increase the capacity of the saloon from 180 people to 423 on the condition that indoor capacity be limited to 212 and outdoor capacity be limited to the remaining 211 patrons. The planning board in November 2010 granted Warren’s request to classify his establishment as a tavern instead of as a restaurant. 

“Reclassifying his restaurant as a tavern basically gave him quite a bit more space,” said Town Planner Tad Redway. 

Redway said Warren’s most recent request to add lots to his campground isn’t something that can be granted right away. 

“What he was proposing to do he couldn’t do,” Redway said.

He said a zoning change is necessary for Warren to install the new campsites and vehicle sites.

Redway said Warren would stretch his campground onto residential land, which is not zoned for business or camping. The land in need of a zoning change is owned by Warren. 

Warren said he remains optimistic and hopes his expansion will not only help his business but also the business of the whole town.

“Since the town really seems to be for business now I figure it helps the tax base for the residents,” Warren said. 

read more...