SACO — As the city contemplates a contract zone for a housing development at the site of the former Bayview Convent, some question whether the city is getting a good deal.

The proposed contract zone will allow the developer, Estates at Bay View, LLC, to build a housing development with up to 14 lots on the site of the former convent and would allow some lots that are smaller than the required 7,500 square feet. The suggested plan has three lots which are reduced to 5,900 square feet and nine lots which have been reduced to 7,200 square feet.

Additionally, the proposed agreement would reduce side and rear setbacks from 15 feet to five feet, with a minimum of 12 feet between buildings. Minimum setbacks on the south side of the property will be maintained at 15 feet. Front yard setbacks for buildings on Seaside Avenue and Bayview Avenue will be reduced from 25 feet to 15 feet.

As part of the contract zone deal, The Estates at Bay View would contribute $100,000 within 60 days after closing for the construction of a sidewalk along Bay View Road, from the westerly side of Seaside Avenue to Ferry Beach State Park.

The developer would also give the city the rights to the beach and would construct a public bathroom.

The proposed agreement will also give the city a 3.6 acre parcel of resource protection land on the west side of Seaside Avenue for passive recreational use and municipal parking.

Attorney David Ordway, representing The Estates at Bay View, summarized a letter from the board of directors at Bayview Condominiums, which neighbors the proposed development.

The letter stated that the best use of the land is for single family homes, the developer has addressed concerns of neighbors and the proposed contract zone provides generous items that the city may not be able to get through a different developer.

The proposed development would also mean destroying the former Bay View Convent Building. Both Real Estate broker Karen Rich and Developer Tim Swenson said that it would be too cost prohibitive to rehabilitate the building for modern use.

“Although the building has been meticulously maintained, it’s not up to 2010 standards,” said Rich.

Rich said the building had asbestos floors and few bathrooms, and Swenson added the building had small rooms and large hallways and it would have to be gutted in order to be reused.

Sister Claire Lambert, of the Good Shepherd Parish, said that over the years, the convent was recognized for its hospitality, as it housed guests and made provisions so the public could enjoy the beach.

Lambert said that the sisters supported the Estates at Bay View and the proposed development.

“We see it as very much keeping with who we are in terms of wanting to extend hospitality,” said Lambert.

Seaside Avenue resident George Roth said that he thought the suggested contract zone was a result of poor negotiations by the city. He said the city was giving the developer the opportunity for $3 to $5 million more in revenue for $100,000 in return.

The city can’t do anything with the piece of resource protected land it would get from the agreement, he said.

“You’re not giving the city anything by giving them resource protected land other than a liability,” said Roth.

Lawyer David Lourie, who is representing three clients who live near the development, said that when other developers find out the city zoning can be bought cheaply, they will make offers.

Mona D’Angelo, who built a subdivision near the proposed area 25 years ago, said the proposed agreement was based on six weeks out of the year, when the beach is used.

“I love the sisters. I love them like my own sister. I want them to have their money, they need it,” she said. “But at the same time I think you should think carefully.”

She said that if the city allowed this developer to have 5,900-square-foot lots, “it might be coming to your neighborhood next.”

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