Developer presents 170-unit Bath Road housing plan at Wiscasset forum

A development team presented early plans for a 170-unit rental housing project at 257 Bath Road in Wiscasset during an informational meeting on October 7, 2026. The proposal, which includes one commercial space and recreational amenities, has not been submitted for approval and would require Planning Board review and compliance with state density rules. Residents raised concerns about traffic on Route One, parking, building scale, and wetland impacts, while others voiced support for addressing the region's housing shortage.

Key points

• The Woodard Assetto Kimball team presented a concept for 170 residential units, one commercial rental space, and amenities on a 38.2-acre parcel across from Birch Point Road, stressing that nothing is finalized and no approvals have been submitted.
• Several residents, including David Flynn of Old Bath Road, raised concerns about summer traffic congestion on Route One and the project's potential to worsen bottlenecks; the developer said Maine DOT traffic studies and possible off-site improvements would be part of permitting.
• Parking drew extended discussion, with the current plan at roughly one spot per unit; the developer said it may target a 1.25 ratio or add overflow parking, while cautioning that more asphalt reduces open space.
• A resident questioned whether the design fits the town's character, citing the four-story building and buildings close to the road; the developer defended the layout as consistent with traditional village patterns and walkability.
• Wiscasset school superintendent Kim Anderson and others spoke in support, citing local employees and families struggling to find housing; one resident called the site an eyesore and welcomed redevelopment.
• Officials clarified that a density ordinance tied to state law is still in process and is not on the November ballot; it would go before a town meeting at a date not yet determined.

Next steps

• The developer will pause further work until the town's density ordinance is in place, then decide whether to proceed with design and permitting.
• The team will return with examples of similar projects in comparable communities and continue public discussion as part of the approval process.
• Traffic analysis with Maine DOT, wetland delineation, and Planning Board review would follow if the project moves forward.

Read the full transcript