Staff Writer

Since the beginning of 2008, plans for the 80-unit Olde Port Village — a subdivision between North and School streets — have been on the Kennebunkport Planning Board’s agenda nine times. 

During the seventh public hearing on Feb. 4, property abutter Andrea Mabee was the only resident to make comments regarding the proposed recreation facility and multiplex unit included in the subdivision. 

“The recreation building, also been called accessory building, has a great room designed to accommodate large parties of 50 or more people has the possibility for causing safety issue and excess noise,” Mabee said. “This is the largest development in history and will change our town forever.”

In previous meetings, the planning board has outlined restrictions for use of the recreation building that would prohibit large parties or use by the general public, said Bob Metcalf of Mitchell & Associates Landscape Architecture. 

CDMK Developer Tom Macone said the recreation facility “pretty much polices itself.”

“There is no room [in the building] to have a party whatsoever,” Macone said. “It is the ability to have an activity center [with recreation such as a pool] that they are not able to have around their house.”

The proposed recreation facility was an effort to minimize the impact on the environment, leaving as much open space as possible, Macone said. He referenced a meeting between engineers, environmental protection officials and the Army Corp of Engineers during which the guest speaker cited Olde Port Village plans as an example for low impact development.

“All towns are the same. They want development and growth, but want to minimize the impact. This is a well thought out low impact development,” Macone said. 

Planning Board Chairman David Kling said the board is still waiting on a letter from Police Chief Joe Bruni confirming his acceptance of adequate fire and emergency access and lighting, as well as requesting timing of construction from the developer before making their final decision.

Kling also asked Macone to add further language to the condominium declaration to prohibit further development without town approval, as well as defining a voting process for condominium owners to make decisions regarding the subdivision.

Mabee expressed concern about a four-unit multiplex proposed behind her house on North Street, likening it to a 12,000-square-foot apartment building “in her back yard.” Mabee previously submitted letters from several real estate agents who indicated such a development would decrease the overall value of the Mabee’s home. 

“My contention has been and still is if you want to hide [it from North Street traffic] why is it OK to have the multiplex in our back yard? We will see it and we will hear it. It’s detrimental to our financial investments, and if multiplexes are acceptable in Kennebunkport, then everyone in town should see it, not just the Mabees,” she said. 

Macone said after considering land mass and set backs he decreased the number of units he originally planned for that location. 

With the preservation of existing trees and addition of evergreen trees and a retaining wall, Metcalf said vegetation will create a buffer of nearly 100 feet between the subdivision and Mabee’s property. 

“It’s not a rental case with high activity, it’s a four season type development with people who are ‘snow birds’ that are here during summer and gone during the winter. It’s not a high, intense use,” Metcalf said. 

Discussion of the proposed Olde Port Village will continue at the next planning board meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18.