By Suzanne Hodgson
Staff Writer

Bentley’s, an Arundel bar and restaurant popular with motorcyclists, is looking to expand  its occupancy level.
The restaurant hopes to increase occupancy from 180 people to 950 people in time for summer by expanding the parking area and septic system capacity.
The Arundel Planning Board was unconvinced the large occupancy upgrade was consistent with the town’s Comprehensive Plan.
Albert Frick, expansion project manager, said the saloon currently is approved to hold 180 customers, although the fire marshal has recommended a 213-patron limit in the past. The building hopes to increase capacity to 237 in the 4,000-quare-foot interior and 710 in the 11,000-square-foot fenced area outdoors.
“Frankly, I thought you were coming back to us with a change in ordinance,” said Planning Board Chairman John derKinderen.
Currently, Bentley’s is permitted to operate as a restaurant, which means it must have seating available for the majority of its customers. According to Arundel Town Planner Tad Redway, problems arise because Bentley’s sits in the Community Commercial South district where the closest allowed businesses are restaurants and food service groups.  
 “It’s a pub where pubs aren’t allowed, [it]doesn’t mean the pub shuts down, just limits the expansion on the area,” Redway said.
Under this land permit use, Bentley’s can only expand up to 50 percent of its occupancy level, or 360 people.
Bentley’s is trying to use a conditional use permit for a restaurant to allow the 950-patron occupancy.
“The first issue that must be answered is how do you confine to the ordinance,” Redway said. “The board says if you are a restaurant, show us that you can seat people because that is what the restaurant definition says.”
Bentley’s new plan for increased occupancy includes better parking, enclosing a larger portion of the property and expanding the septic system to handle more restrooms and  patrons.
During a presentation to the board, Bentley’s security staff said they were prepared for more patrons. The bar hosts summer gatherings similar in size to the occupancy limit it currently is requesting.
These large gatherings are issued a mass-gathering permit by selectmen that address the potential impacts of the event, including adequate parking, police and sanitation.  
Bentley’s also has hired a police officer to help with security on large gathering weekends.
“I have some serious issues here, I almost feel bad you went this far without the board deciding if this is an appropriate use,” said Planning Board Member Tom McGinn.
Claire Unsinn, a member of the Maine Citizens Against Loud Motorcycles and Kennebunk resident, spoke against motorcyclists at the meeting during the discussion.
“We want our town back. We want to be able to enjoy our homes and yards in a peaceful manner. We want to go to bed at night knowing we won’t be awakened by motorcycle noise,” Unsinn said at the meeting.
She acknowledged Bentley’s has raised money for many causes and has attempted to address the noise issue by putting up signs that read “Respect the community,” “Leave the area quietly” and “No loud pipes.”
Bentley’s will return to the board with an updated plan that may address a change to the permitted use in the area.

Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.