By Renee Worthing

Staff Writer

“Bethesda House,” a 41-unit affordable housing development proposed for Shape Drive in Kennebunk is expected to break ground later this year. 

The Housing Partnership, a non-profit organization based in Portsmouth, N.H., was awarded an allocation of tax credits from the Maine State Housing Authority (MSHA) to help fund the $6 million development, Project Manager Diane Hartley said. 

Hartley also said a grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, will result in a reduced interest rate for the developer. 

The Kennebunk Planning Board approved the development last fall, but Kennebunk Town Planner Judy Bernstein said building permits have not yet been filed. 

The Housing Partnership Executive Director Dick Ingram said the two- and three-bedroom units will be located just off Route 1, south of Stop ‘N Shop.

“There will be about 10 or 12 individual buildings with walking trails,” he said. “We are looking at a first-class affordable development.”

“It’s a very nice layout,” Bernstein said. “They did a nice job.”

Hartley said the seven-acre development will feature townhouses and apartments with walking trails connecting residents to nearby shopping. She said nine of the units would be fully handicapped accessible.

She said the proposed rent, including heat and hot water, may be between $650 and $820. The development will also have on-site laundry facilities, a community room and a leasing office. 

Hartley said Dover, N.H.-based MB Management Company manages all of The Housing Partnership properties, and will have a presence at the leasing office at Bethesda House.

An on-site resident services coordinator will also be available at Bethesda House to “help connect residents with other outside services they may need,” Hartley said.

“As soon as construction begins, we’ll put a sign up and those interested in renting can call MB Management,” Hartley said.

The Housing Partnership has constructed more than 220 housing affordable units in southern York County and Rockingham and Strafford Counties in New Hampshire, Hartley said. 

It also offers “Homeward Bound,” a first time homebuyers program with a focus on budgeting and the home buying process.