On March 15, 2022 the Planning Board voted 5-0 in favor of approving the application of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust (CELT) for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Plan Review to expand institutional uses, philanthropic in nature, including organization meetings, educational programming, and events at Turkey Hill Farm, a 26-acre conservation property located at 120 Old Ocean House Road.

Philip Mathieu, Program Coordinator for CELT, reviewed the most recent updates incorporated in the application after the Planning Board raised concerns over waste water systems and potable water systems during the December 21, 2021 Planning Board meeting [Article].  Mathieu explained that the capacity calculations used to determine if the waste disposal system is adequate, were based on regular education standards which, "Have the highest demand for design flow."  In a letter from Robert B. Metcalf of Mitchell & Associates Landscape Architects, he confirms that the calculations were formed in consultation with Erik Lema, a certified site evaluator and later accepted by Cape Elizabeth Code  Enforcement Officer Benjamin McDougal  based on the existing house having only one to two occupants.  Mathieu stated, "This is a temporary solution while we work on five-year masterplan of the property."    Water service to the sinks and toilets will be coming from the barn.  Two alternative toilets will have liquid waste go to the existing septic system, while solid waste will be collected by the alternative toilets -- which are solar wooden outhouses.

In addition, Mathieu added that the proposal simplified the number of categories of use from the original proposal presented during the November16, 2021 Planning Board meeting [Article].  The revised proposal reduces the categories to educational programming and four non-educational events based on size.  For educational programming the maximum number of events will be 80 days per calendar year and no more than 50 participants for four hours or no more than 25 participants for eight hours.  Events will be categorized by size and will limit large events that are a maximum of 100 participants, to four times per year.