Planning Board reviews affordable housing and mixed-use projects in hybrid meeting

The Portland Planning Board held a hybrid workshop to review a major site plan for a 33-unit affordable housing development at 1871 Forest Avenue and a seven-story mixed-use building at 221 Congress Street. Staff and applicants presented details on zoning waivers, site design, and transit improvements, while public commenters expressed support for housing and raised concerns about parking, traffic, and neighborhood impacts. The board discussed specific design elements, including setbacks and bicycle parking, before moving to the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Key points

• Staff presented a major site plan for Avesta Housing Development Corporation to build a four-story, 33-unit affordable housing building at 1871 Forest Avenue under the Home for Good program.
• The applicant requested waivers for parking, bicycle parking, and build-to-zone setbacks, citing overhead utility lines and limited site space.
• Public commenters, including neighbors and housing advocates, generally supported the Forest Avenue project but raised concerns about privacy, noise, and the informal path to the nearby Hannaford store.
• The board reviewed a major site plan for a seven-story, 87-unit mixed-use building at 221 Congress Street, which includes ground-floor retail and is subject to inclusionary zoning requirements.
• Public comment on the Congress Street project was mixed, with some residents supporting the density and others expressing concerns about parking, traffic, and the building's impact on the historic neighborhood.
• The board discussed the need for coordination with Metro for off-site transit improvements and the potential impact of future changes to inclusionary zoning rules on the Congress Street project.

Next steps

• The applicant for 1871 Forest Avenue will consider adding more bicycle parking based on board feedback.
• The board will review the grading implications of widening the sidewalk at 1871 Forest Avenue to potentially address the build-to-zone exemption.
• The applicant for 221 Congress Street will coordinate with Metro regarding off-site transit improvements as a condition of approval.
• The board will continue to review the 221 Congress Street application, including questions about construction management and parking.

Read the full transcript