Planning Board reviews 30-unit affordable housing plan at 15-19 Cedar Street

The Portland Planning Board held its ninth workshop to review a major site plan for a five-story, 30-unit affordable residential building at 15 and 19 Cedar Street. The project, developed by Avesta Housing Corporation, is designed to replace housing lost to the Boys and Girls Club expansion. The board scheduled a public hearing for July 14, 2026, after requesting additional renderings and clarifications on parking and rooftop features.

Key points

• The proposed 26,086-square-foot building will contain 30 units, all deed-restricted as affordable housing for households earning 60% or less of the area median income.
• Applicant representatives stated the project provides more replacement units than required by the demolition of the adjacent Boys and Girls Club facility.
• A public commenter raised concerns about the transparency of the housing replacement assessment and the competition for tax credits between this project and a nearby shelter development.
• Staff and the applicant discussed the reconfiguration of on-street parking on Cedar Street to accommodate fire marshal requirements while maintaining parking capacity.
• The board noted that the applicant has already provided revised plans addressing landscaping, stormwater, and architectural materials.

Next steps

• The applicant will provide additional renderings showing street views and rooftop screening for the next meeting.
• The board will hold a public hearing on the application on July 14, 2026.
• Staff will work with the applicant to establish a deadline for submitting the final package prior to the hearing.

Read the full transcript