Portland Planning Board approves Habitat for Humanity 9‑lot conservation subdivision at 57 Castine Ave amid drainage concerns

The Portland Planning Board on Feb. 10 approved a major site plan and subdivision that will convert a 5.3‑acre parcel at 57 Castine Avenue into a nine‑lot conservation residential development (CRD) with nine single‑family homes and shared open space, an application filed by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland.

Sean King, the city planner assigned to the project, told the board the CRD proposal preserves natural features while allowing reduced dimensional standards in exchange for common open space. King said the applicant revised plans after the planning‑board workshop on Nov. 4, 2025 to shrink the disturbance area within a 100‑foot stream buffer, add an open‑bottom culvert designed for major flood events, mitigate wetland impacts with vegetated swales, stabilize slopes and provide private driveways for two vehicles per lot. He said the board’s approval is conditional on completing serviceability letters from utilities, granting easements for city maintenance and access, and satisfying required DEP and ERPA permits before final plat submission.

Travis, a representative of Northeast Civil Solutions…