ROCKPORT — VIP Tires and Service, represented by Maine Central Properties, LLC, of Auburn, is asking the Rockport Planning Board permission to construct a 10,069-square-foot tire store on Route 1 land near the Rockport/Rockland town line. The board meets Thursday, April 25, to consider the application.

The 4.6 acre site at 1075 Commercial Street (Route 1) is currently home to a former restaurant (at one point, it was a Denny’s Restaurant before closing). The existing building was constructed in 1993, and is to be used, and expanded, in the proposed VIP store. The expansion is to extent into the existing parking lot, with additional parking created. Total number of parking spaces is to be 53.

The site sits within the town’s 906 Mixed Residential and Commercial zone. Maximum building size in that zone is 6,000 square feet. 

“The portion of the existing building to be renovated encompasses 5,145 square feet,” according to plans filed at the Rockport Town Office. “A proposed service bay addition adds 4,475 square feet. As the 906 zone has a maximum building footprint standard of 6,000 square feet, a connector complying with the ordinance is proposed. The building expansion will extend to the north, into the existing parking area.”