Scarborough Town Hall. Maxen Ryder
Well Built Rotundi, LLC’s proposed redevelopment of the existing structure at 4 Highland Ave. was discussed by the Scarborough Planning Board Dec. 11 The project was back before the board after being tabled in June.
The applicant is requesting site plan review to convert the existing structure at 4 Highland Ave. from a single-family into two, two-bedroom units. The project also has a second phase to construct two townhomes with six bedroom live and work units on the eastern side of the property.
In considering the project, the town’s Historic Preservation Implementation Committee was involve, said Erick Sanderson, Scarborough planning director “Part of it is historic preservation of a structure that’s identified in the town zoning ordinance as historically significant,” he said, and noted that the Historic Preservation Implementation Committee had reviewed the project and expressed support with the condition that internal features, such as fireplaces, are preserved. The project’s parking arrangements were also an area of interest for the board.
The architectural design team provided detailed insights into the proposed development’s two phases. The existing house would remain with interior modifications. The dwelling, exceeding 3,000 square feet, would be divided into two four-bedroom units. The second phase would be the construction of two new buildings, each accommodating 1,188 square foot one-bedroom live-work units.
Landscaping plans feature trees and shrubbery along Highland Avenuse, strategically placed benches, and additional open spaces. There will be benches near the back, three sets of units, as well as additional open space and benches in the middle area. The proposed parking exceeded town ordinance requirements, providing 18 spaces, including one handicap and electric vehicle charging spots.
There were some concerns about the project. Sean Butler, owner of the property at 5 Highland Ave., said he disagreed with the speed study and site visibility. “It’s not uncommon for me to have to lay on my horn for people not to hit me pulling out of my driveway,” Butler said, highlighting concerns about pedestrian safety along the Eastern Trail bike route. He suggested adding “a 10 foot section of guardrail to slow people down, maybe that’s something the board can look into.”
Butler also addressed mailbox placement, “The postmaster wants all the mailboxes on that particular side of the street,” and suggested a reevaluation of mailbox locations. He challenged some calculations presented, particularly pertaining to parking and zoning regulations.
Jessica Hollbrook, representing the Historic Preservation Implementation Committee, affirmed the committee’s stance on preservation. “The committee felt that there was enough of the main building which is what was unique and interesting about that property at the time was to be preserved,” Hollbrook said. She emphasized the need to maintain interior features such as staircases and fireplaces.
In response to community concerns, the applicant discussed two options for addressing site distance issues: securing an easement or moving the proposed driveway location. Butler highlighted, “We do currently achieve the site distance. We will look into obtaining an easement, however, we don’t know at this time the availability or the feasibility of that in terms of price, etc.” The chair acknowledged the need for resolution, stating, “I think we need to resolve this issue before we go forward with approving this.”
A concern over potential tree removal at the proposed entrance was raised and suggestion was to come up with alternatives that preserve most of the trees. Planning Board Chair Rachel Hendrickson said, “Please come back to us and certainly work with the staff on resolving this. I think you’ve got essentially a good project here, sorry there’s these little glitches that really do need to be handled.”
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