SACO – The city of Saco has approved a contract zone that will allow a high-density housing development in a former church property after first addressing parking concerns.

Hardypond Development Company is in a purchase agreement to acquire the former Notre Dame de Lourdes church property on Cutts Avenue, and has plans for a three phase project that would renovate the former church into housing, tear down the adjacent rectory and create two more apartment buildings on the property.

The developer plans to create up to 80 market rate apartments, each 700- to 800-square-feet, with some geared toward seniors. The proposal would also establish 44 on-site parking spaces.

In order for the proposal to move forward, a contract zone was needed to allow for high density housing and smaller setbacks than current zoning allows. 

City zoning allows a property of that size in that location to house 18 standard or 27 senior apartments.

The city council approved a contract zone, but amended it so that the developer, when the third phase was complete, would need to secure 25 off-site parking spaces or three Zipcar or other shared-use vehicles.

Councilor Nathan Johnston said, though it was allowed by current zoning in that area, he didn’t think 44 parking spaces was enough for 80 apartments, and there was “the assumption that no one would ever have a guest.”

Councilor Eric Cote said the developer had a “nice reputation” with similar redevelopment projects, but he thought an 80 unit project would create parking problems. He said he thought a smaller-scale project would be more suited for the property.

“This is like downtown New York City here,” he said of the proposal.

Councilor Kevin Roche noted that adequate parking was a point of contention during discussions for the redevelopment of a building on Saco Island known as Mill Building #4.

“The reality is people are driving,” he said. 

Now that the contract zone is approved, the proposal will have to be vetted by the planning board before the project can go to fruition.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.