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Planning Board reviews sketch plan for conversion at 439 Main Street; applicant cites affordable housing provisions
Summary
A sketch-plan workshop examined converting an existing commercial condominium into seven rental units at 439 Main Street; board discussion focused on density, parking, trash access and affordability requirements under section 230-703.
The Saco Planning Board held a sketch-plan workshop for a proposal to convert an existing condominium building at 439 Main Street into seven rental dwelling units marketed under the city’s affordable housing provisions. The item was a non-binding sketch review; no formal vote was taken.
Applicant Austin Fagan of BH2M (representing J Brown Investments) described the site as roughly 28,000 square feet, said the building currently benefits from a surplus of parking (about 31 spaces where 12 are required), and said four of the seven units would be marketed at an affordable rate to meet the ordinance’s density allowance. The applicant noted minor exterior revisions are possible, including stair alterations, an added dumpster with a private hauler for trash and continued use of an existing cluster mailbox for deliveries.
Board discussion and staff comments: City Planner Emily Cole Prescott told the board the sketch plan is in the medium-density residential district and that staff had confirmed the density calculation and applicability of the city’s affordable-housing provisions (section 230-703). Board members asked about parking and snow storage, dumpster location and turning maneuvers for refuse vehicles, unit mix (two‑bedroom and one‑bedroom units) and whether the property is separated from any remaining condominium interests on the original 1987 plan. The applicant said the parcel has been broken out and is separate from the other original condo parcels and that Maine Water will be contacted about capacity and the proposed sprinkler system as the project advances beyond sketch review.
Why it matters: The conversion would add affordable rental housing in a walkable area of the city and uses an existing building rather than new construction. Board members indicated they prefer to review the full site plan when a quorum can provide detailed comment.
What’s next: Staff told the board the applicant must hold a neighborhood meeting (required for residential conversions) and then submit a site-plan application. The applicant will follow up with Maine Water and provide more detail on dumpster layout and any photometrics or exterior lighting plans before formal application.
Ending: The board took no vote on the sketch plan and postponed detailed review until a full application and neighborhood meeting are complete.
