By Ward Peck
Editor
    A concept for an “empty-nester” oriented condominium complex in a Cape Elizabeth residential neighborhood may soon come before the town’s planning board following unanimous approval by the Town Council to extend the sewer service area on the town’s zoning map.
    Developers seeking to extend public sewer service outside of designated areas must get approval from the Town Council. The developer of the condominium project, Joel Fitzpatrick, sought the approval before proceeding with a proposed design and permitting process.
    The site is a 30-acre parcel on Eastman Road known as the Jordan Farm and is made up of a farmhouse, fields and woods surrounding a smaller lot located at 60 Eastman Road. Eastman is a through road that connects Sawyer Road with Spurwink Avenue across from the Purpoodock Golf Club. The parcel is adjacent to several tracts of conserved open space.
    Currently, sewer service on Eastman Road stops 1,200 feet short of the site and would need to be extended.
    Several councilors focused on whether residents along the new section of sewer who have septic systems would have an opportunity to connect to public sewer.
    Town Manager Michael McGovern said the town is currently having discussions with the developer about the details of cost sharing, but a general agreement has been reached that there would be opportunity for residents to connect.
    McGovern said the town would ensure that taxpayers would not foot the bill for such connections and the sewer extension would be “a revenue generator from day one.”
    The development itself is still in a concept phase and needs to go through an extensive planning process requiring hearing, permits and conditions.
    When the project will be submitted to the planning board is unclear. According to Town Planner Maureen O’Meara, the next planning board meeting scheduled for March 20 has been canceled “due to a lack of projects that are ready for review.” The next meeting is April 17.