Architect presents partial demolition and expansion at 4 Leeward Lane; planners schedule May 11 hearing

The Kennebunk Planning Board on April 27 accepted as complete an application that would remove the top two floors of an existing residence at 4 Leeward Lane, retain the first floor, and expand living area by 30 percent, a project presented by architect John Einsiedler.

Einsiedler said the building is not in the floodplain but is within the 100-foot AE-zone setback and that he believes the current flood line is correct: "the building is not in the floodplain and the flood line is current." He described removing a 41-square-foot shed and adding a 36-square-foot entry on the south side, and said he would remove approximately 200 square feet of pavers and add about 150 square feet back. Board members pressed for an updated coastal wetland delineation (last done in 2005) and for clarity on lot coverage; Secretary Janice Vance noted lot coverage in the application exceeded 30 percent, above the 20 percent standard for the zone.

Members asked whether the property experienced flooding during the 2023–24 storms; Einsiedler said "not that he knew of" and that he has not seen water damage at the site. Robert Metcalf confirmed the garage is under the building and the basement is a crawl space; Einsiedler indicated the foundation footprint will not expand. Einsiedler also said he had consulted Brian Paul in the Code Office and provided additional calculations to the Town Planner for inclusion on the site plan.

Janice Vance moved and Robert Metcalf seconded a motion to consider the special exception application complete; the board voted 5-0 to approve completeness and set a public hearing for May 11, 2026. The board asked the applicant to update the plan to show shed removal and accurate square-foot calculations for lot coverage before the hearing.

Next steps: the Planning Board will hear public comment on May 11 and then consider final action.