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Saco Planning Board unanimously approves site plan for 7-unit workforce housing at 12 School Street
Summary
The Planning Board approved findings, conditions and final site plan review for a 7-unit workforce housing project at 12 School Street, including a purchase-and-sale agreement reserving two units for municipal employees, by unanimous 4–0 votes.
The Saco Planning Board on a 4–0 vote approved the site plan for a seven-unit workforce housing project at 12 School Street and adopted the staff-recommended findings of fact and conditions of approval. The board’s votes, taken in sequence, adopted the findings of fact, adopted conditions of approval and granted site plan approval for the project.
The project, proposed by Quality Housing Coalition, would convert an existing structure into seven rental units marketed as workforce housing. City and applicant documents presented during the meeting state the project includes a contract with the city that will dedicate two units for municipal or school department employees and keep those two units at the same affordability level as the other units.
Why it matters: The board and staff described the project as advancing city goals for infill workforce housing and using an existing building rather than greenfield development. Board members emphasized the municipal workforce housing commitment as a key component of the city’s decision to transfer the property and support the developer.
Supporting details: Dan Black, CFO of Quality Housing Coalition, told the board the applicant submitted a MaineHousing grant application for rural affordable rental funds; the team filed by the application deadline but will not receive readiness points. City staff confirmed the municipal-unit requirement will be written into the purchase-and-sale agreement and deed restrictions that are part of the city’s transaction paperwork. Economic Development Director Tracy Dischards said council approved terms requiring two units to remain for city or school staff and that the purchase-and-sale agreement and deed will reflect that requirement.
Board action and votes: Planning Board member Jim Moeller moved to adopt the findings of fact and later moved to adopt the conditions of approval. Matt DiCiani seconded both motions. The board then voted 4–0 to grant site plan approval. Votes were recorded as: Matt DiCiani — yes; Jim Moeller — yes; Jeff Brochu — yes; Joyce Larry Clark (acting chair) — yes.
What’s next: The approvals completed the Planning Board review stage; staff and the developer will complete the purchase-and-sale, final permitting and construction preparations. The board noted details about how the two municipal units will be allocated and managed will be finalized in the city’s agreement with the buyer, not in the site-plan conditions.
Ending: The board approved the application with no recorded dissent and closed the item after the votes.
