New developer is asking for revisions on a plan to create condos at former Old Orchard Beach post office

A former post office in Old Orchard Beach has changed hands, and the new owner wants to change a redevelopment plan that would create condominiums.

In November, the Town Council approved a contract zone to allow Land Matters LLC to redevelop a long vacant former post office building at 60 Saco Ave. The contract zone approved a plan that would add two stories to the one-story building and create six condominiums. The property is located in the GB2 zone which allows for residential properties, but contract zone approval was needed to allow for a higher density than what is typically permissible.

The property at 60 Saco Ave. has been sold to Maka Builders LLC. which is asking the town to amend the contract zone to allow for some changes.

The original plan added two stories to the one-story brick building. The new plan would tear down the building and build three stories on the existing foundation.

“It’s evolved from that point… in fact I think this plan that we have in front of us is actually better,” said Engineer Eric Dube, representing Maka Builders LLC at Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting.

Councilor Kenneth Blow said he didn’t have any issue with the removal of the brick, he just wanted to be assured that it would be kept as six-unit residential building with no commercial or business space.

Councilor Michael Tousignant agreed that he wanted a guarantee that it would remain residential, as originally proposed. He also wanted to make sure that a stipulation prohibiting condo owners at 60 Saco Ave. from renting out units for less than 30 days was still in place, to assure the condominiums would not be used for short-term rentals.

Tousignant said he thought the proposed project was a “nice win for everyone.” He said while neighbors might not think the proposed design would fit in the landscape of the neighborhood, the project reflected the future of Old Orchard Beach. He said in ten years there will be more buildings like this, as people who purchase older “rundown and beat up” properties will need to rebuild to make enough money to buy the properties.

Council Chairman Shawn O’Neill, also said he was in support of the proposal, but he and Tousignant both questioned the necessity of a sidewalk proposed on the Fern Park Avenue side of the building, stating that it could encroach on on-street parking on the narrow road. The sidewalk was put in the original agreement to add a public benefit, a requirement of a contract zone. O’Neill asked Town Planner Jeffrey Hinderliter to suggested an alternative public benefit that the town council could review before making a final vote on the contract zone.

The Town Council will vote on the revised contract zone in July. The project still needs further approval from the planning board.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.