by Winnie Hsiu
October 14, 2011 8:53 AM
Stoney Acres Investments LLC, under David Coulombe's supervision, is working toward opening a new storage facility in Vassalboro, Maine. He recently got the green light from city officials to move ahead with his plans. Coulombe is in the process of purchasing the property where a controversial topless coffee shop has been operating until recently.
Donald Crabtree purchased an old motel and remodeled it into a coffee shop. The coffee shop employed shirtless waiters and waitresses. Many of the city's residents were unhappy with having that business in their community.
In 2009, Crabtree attended a city planning board meeting to discuss expanding parking, extending the hours that his business was open, and adding a disc jockey. Within hours of returning home from the meeting, his business went up in flames. The state fire marshal concluded that it was an act of arson. Crabtree had spent $277,000 in the purchase and renovation of the former hotel. It was uninsured.
Raymond Bellavance Jr. of Augusta, was charged with two counts of arson for allegedly setting the fire to the coffee shop. Prosecutors state that Bellavance was jealous of his ex-girl friend having a relationship with the owner of the coffee shop so he set fire to the business.
After his business burned down, Crabtree put a building on the cement slab and got a permit for a residence. He set up the coffee shop in a separate portable building.
Earlier this year, the city informed Crabtree that his new business signs violated zoning rules. It was at that time that Crabtree decided to close his business.
David Coulombe is in the process of purchasing Crabtree's property. He stated that he anticipates opening a self storage facility on the property. The exiting building will be converted into storage units. There will also be one apartment that will help provide security to the storage facility. Coulombe received unanimous approval from the city's Planning Board for his plans.
The storage facility will have 24 units. Twelve will be on the front of the building and twelve will be on the back side. There will be two separate driveways providing drive-up access to the units.
Coulombe will incorporate the same design from his other self-storage buildings. The siding will be tan and the roof and doors will be a dark green.
Sources Used:
"Topless coffee site to become self-storage business." Morning Sentinel; 7 October 2011.
"Owner to close topless coffee shop in Vassalboro after notice of violations." Bangor Daily News; 07 May 2011.
"Man pleads not guilty to topless coffee shop fire." Bangor Daily News; 28 July 2010.
"Main topless coffee shop gutted by arson fire." MSNBC News; 03 June 2009.