Kennebunk planning board backs 5-year extension of bicycle impact fee

Chris Osterrieder, the town’s community development director and town engineer, told the Planning Board on March 23 that staff is seeking a five-year extension of the 20-year bicycle facility impact-fee ordinance (Article 14, Section 10.E) so the town can complete remaining bicycle facility work without increasing permit requirements.

Osterrieder said the per-permit bicycle impact fee would remain $827. He told the board there is roughly $470,000 in reserve funds and that completing the two remaining streets would cost about $1 million; staff will pursue a partnership with the Maine Department of Transportation to cover the remaining gap rather than multiply permits to reach the target revenue.

The extension request drew support from board members. Janice Vance moved that the Planning Board recommend the impact-fee amendment to the Select Board with a positive recommendation; Richard Smith seconded. The board approved the motion by a show-of-hands vote, 4–0.

Why it matters: the extension would keep the original intent of the bicycle facility program intact, allow the town to pursue outside partnerships to finish the remaining work, and avoid an immediate, large increase in permit activity that staff said would otherwise be necessary to fully fund the streets.

What’s next: The Planning Board’s positive recommendation goes to the Select Board for its consideration. Staff said the town will continue to explore DOT partnership opportunities and monitor whether the proposed five-year window is sufficient to complete the remaining streets.