Planning board approves 20‑unit development at 688–712 Main Street

The Westbrook Planning Board on Tuesday approved a village‑review site plan allowing two multifamily buildings totaling 20 residential units and a commercial space at 688–712 Main Street. The motion adopting staff findings and conditions passed by unanimous roll call.

The applicant, represented by Andy Morrow of BH2M, told the board the design team rerouted sewer flows so wastewater from the new buildings runs through the 712 Main Street parcel to a grinder pump and a 2½‑inch force main to Main Street. Morrow said the team also reduced the depth of Building A to provide a 12.5‑foot setback from an existing retaining wall so the city and property owners can access and maintain the wall without an easement. "Long story short, stormwater has been addressed," Morrow said, describing an underground detention system sized for 2‑, 10‑ and 25‑year events and a bypass that routes upstream watershed flows to Main Street.

During public comment, abutter Gary Manugen said he opposed the project, citing loss of backyard privacy and increased traffic. "I don't approve of it… I feel like I'm invaded my privacy," Manugen said. Staff and the applicant responded that the retaining‑wall solution eliminates the need for a maintenance easement and that the project meets the City Center District parking standard (one parking spot per residential unit).

Board members pressed for clarity on buffering and elevations; staff confirmed the wall reaches about 9 feet at its highest point adjacent to the building and that the revised plans include guardrail and a fire‑truck turnaround requested by the fire chief. The board adopted the findings and conditions in the staff memo dated 05/29/2026 and approved the application.

Next steps: the applicant must submit the final plan set reflecting agreed conditions and satisfy remaining staff comments before the plans are signed and recorded.