KENNEBUNK – On May 11, Archetype Architects of Portland presented a sketch plan to the Kennebunk Planning Board for a multifamily subdivision at 22, 24, 26 and 28 Water Street. A sketch plan is the first step in bringing a development proposal to the town. The purpose is to get feedback from the board on the main conceptual elements of a project before making a formal application.
The proposed development would consist of three three-story townhouse buildings totaling 22 two-bedroom units. It would be located across the street from Riverside Condominiums.
The developer is requesting a waiver from the 50-foot setback normally required for the perimeter of multifamily developments. According to the architects, the reduction would allow the developer to move the front of the project closer to the street, creating consistent frontage with other properties on Water Street. And relief from the 50-foot requirement in the rear would free up courtyard space between the buildings and push parking to the rear. It would also allow the developer to avoid filling a small wetland on the south end of the properties.
The four single-family homes on the properties would be demolished. One of these dates to the eighteenth century and was moved from Summer Street to its current location in the late nineteenth century. The other three date to the late nineteenth century when Water Street transitioned from an industrial to a residential neighborhood.
Preliminary design sketches included pitched rooflines, front doors facing Water Street and preservation of the street trees – all elements in harmony with the existing streetscape.
The presenter emphasized that this development is ideally located for easy access to the downtown, is on water and sewer and is consistent with the housing needs of the town as documented in the Kennebunk Comprehensive Plan and the Housing Needs Plan that was published in 2024.
The feedback from the planning board was largely positive in terms of the overall design. Two members asked about the possibility of preserving and relocating the four homes on the site because of their historical significance to the town.
Members also expressed concern about the possible fill of the small wetland on the south end of the property, asking for more technical information on the relationship of that wetland to the larger one across the street.
They also expressed reservations about reducing the required 50-foot buffers at either end of the development because of the impact the reduction would have on the abutting properties.
Finally, the board asked whether these units would qualify as affordable housing. The spokeswoman responded that construction costs not yet estimated would be an important determinant.
As of this writing, no follow-up meeting or site walk has been scheduled. Interested parties should check the Kennebunk Planning Board meeting agendas on the town website or call the community development office for further information.
A recording of the meeting can be viewed at:
https://kennebunk-me.cablecast.tv/show/354?site=1&query=Planning+Board
