Planning board recommends council approve 16-unit contract zone at 4 New Colony Drive

The Old Orchard Beach Planning Board voted to recommend the Town Council approve a contract zone to allow 16 detached single-family residential units at 4 New Colony Drive, following a presentation and board discussion on March 12, 2026.

A representative for the applicant (Solan Development) described a mix of house types intended to keep prices lower than nearby lot-only sales; the design presented options mostly consisting of one-floor plans with basements and several variations on bedroom layouts. The board and staff discussed infrastructure concerns, including sewer capacity and a nearby pump station, and staff reported those issues have been addressed or are being upgraded. A minor typographical error in staff materials was noted and corrected in discussion (the unit count was clarified as 16, not 18).

During the review the applicant’s representative explained the proposal’s approach to keeping costs down by offering several standard house plans and having owners maintain their lots. Board members moved that the contract zone is consistent with the comprehensive plan and that conditions sufficient to achieve the ordinance purposes would be required. The board carried motions to find the proposal consistent with the comprehensive plan and to recommend the council approve the contract zone.

Next steps: the Planning Board’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Town Council for final consideration and any required permitting and conditions. The transcript indicates the board’s recommendation passed in the meeting; the council will review the board’s record and conditions as part of its approval process.