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Neighbors tell planning board Grandview plan will worsen traffic, flooding and environmental impacts
Summary
During public comment, multiple nearby residents expressed strong concerns about traffic increases, repeated flooding, loss of trees and neighborhood character if the Grandview Avenue development proceeds; developers and staff responded with traffic modeling, stormwater design and landscaping revisions as mitigation.
Several neighbors told the Planning Board on July 21 they oppose the Grandview Avenue proposal or want stronger protections and mitigation measures if the project proceeds.
Nori Kasdoy, who said she lives at 555 Grandview, told the board: “Traffic is going to be a disaster,” and described recent construction nearby and an existing child‑care facility that she said would increase congestion and create safety risks. Kasdoy also asked whether new rentals would have a management plan; the applicant replied that Developers Collaborative will have a management subsidiary for the multifamily portion.
Brian Ames, a nearby resident, urged the board to revisit building setbacks and landscaping for the multifamily building near Grandview Avenue, saying the current plan risks an “imposing” edge on the street and asking what will happen with Lot 16 (the larger open space) and whether existing trees from the former Perry nursery can be preserved or relocated.
Kelly Hashi recounted repeated flooding and property damage in her neighborhood after other developments and said the removal of trees worsened wind and water intrusion; she said residents had to invest in gutters and repairs and said she opposed the plan on environmental and quality‑of‑life grounds.
Developers responded during the applicant reply that stormwater systems will be designed to DEP/Bangor standards — including grassed infiltration areas and underground storage for the multifamily parcel — and that the project’s designs include sidewalks, crosswalks and a paratransit pull‑off to improve pedestrian access. The applicant also said staff have reviewed and given feedback on the design and that the final landscaping plan will be revised to avoid conflicts with utilities and preserve 75‑foot wetland buffers as a condition of approval.
What to watch: neighbors said they will monitor construction and run‑time stormwater performance carefully; staff noted the board’s approval requires DEP and Army Corps wetland permits and that code enforcement and the city’s stormwater program monitor construction for compliance.
