Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Affordable Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board approves 10-unit supportive housing project at 48–52 Waterville Road after public questions
Summary
Community Housing of Maine received final approval to build a 10-unit supportive multi-family building at 48–52 Waterville Road; the applicant said units will target households at 60% of area median income and provide wraparound services, while a resident raised safety and tax-exemption concerns.
The Reading Planning Board granted final approval to a 10-unit, three-story supportive housing building proposed for 48–52 Waterville Road by Community Housing of Maine.
Briola Kates, director of Community Housing of Maine, told the board her organization operates 87 properties across the state and would act as developer, owner and property manager for the project — its first in Skowhegan/Reading. Kates said the property will aim to serve tenants at about 60% of area median income and will be supported by service-provider partners offering wraparound services focused primarily on women and children.
Nicole, a civil engineer with Tighe & Bond Engineering, described the final plan as largely unchanged from the preliminary site-plan review and noted a minor addition: a concrete equipment pad for future heating systems. She outlined proposed site utilities (new domestic and fire water services, sanitary sewer, underground electrical and telecom), a rain garden for stormwater management and landscaping to respect neighboring properties. Nicole said a proposed stair from the French Street frontage was not feasible given the roughly 12-foot grade change (about 20 risers) and would have required major embankment work and retaining-wall replacement.
During public comment, resident Ryan Wing asked who would own the property and who the tenants would be. Kates replied that the organization would be the owner and manager, that the project is not Section 8 housing but would rely on grant funding to keep rents affordable, and that the organization would partner with service providers to help tenants succeed. On tax status, Kates said the owner is a 501(c)(3) and that requests for property tax exemption vary by municipality and sometimes involve payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs).
Wing and other neighbors voiced concerns about neighborhood turnover, safety and the loss of tax-paying properties. Kates acknowledged those concerns and emphasized the group’s history of active property management and coordination with service providers.
The board heard that the fire chief had been notified and raised no initial concerns and that the staff review committee had discussed the project at length. A motion to approve the site plan was made and seconded; the board approved the project by voice vote and advised applicants that documents would be signed at the meeting’s end.
