Planning Board accepts 29 York Street subdivision amendment as complete, schedules Feb. 9 hearing

The Kennebunk Planning Board voted 5-0 on Jan. 12 to accept as complete an amendment to the subdivision at 29 York Street and scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 9, 2026.

Town Engineer Chris Osterrieder told the board the application process has been active since September and that supplemental work will be required to meet the standards in his Jan. 6 memo. Bill Walsh of Walsh Engineering said the applicants “tried to make every attempt to clean up the subdivision,” acknowledged that some elements could have been handled better and said the firm provided calculations and photos showing proposed locations for trash receptacles at the curb edge after Casella inspected the site and confirmed there is a turnaround.

Member Robert Metcalf urged that snow be cleared so trash can be taken out on pickup days and to avoid creating hazards. Vice Chair Richard Smith asked whether Walsh accepted the minor grading changes recommended by staff; Walsh did not oppose the changes identified in Osterrieder’s memo.

Secretary Janice Vance moved and R. Smith seconded a motion that the subdivision amendment application is complete; the motion passed on a show-of-hands vote, 5 in favor, 0 opposed. Planner Hannah Watson recommended scheduling the public hearing for Feb. 9. The board indicated it will follow the minor subdivision final approval procedures for next steps and requested the applicant provide the supplemental materials noted by staff before final review.

The amendment includes a request for changes after approval and a reduction in the landscaped buffer requirement under the Zoning Ordinance (Art. 10, Sec. 10(D)). The application was submitted Nov. 10, 2025. The Planning Board’s completeness finding does not constitute final approval; the board will consider public comment and required technical revisions at the Feb. 9 hearing.