Cape Elizabeth's condo project getting under way in a big way
By Ann S. Kim akim@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
CAPE ELIZABETH - From his vantage point, Rick Wheeler could see the development taking shape. An excavator and a dump truck worked amid swaths of goldenrod below him. Behind him, a rock drill was creating openings for the dynamite that would blast away the hill where he stood.
Workers create a holding pond as site preparation begins Tuesday on Eastman Meadows, a 40-acre project off Eastman Road near the Purpoodock Club in Cape Elizabeth.
Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
Workers prepare to blast for a road at the Eastman Meadows site, Cape Elizabeth’s first new condominium development in 20 years.
Gordon Chibroski/Staff Photographer
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"This is the new road," said Wheeler, of Windham-based McGoldrick Bros. Blasting. "It's going to be flat."
The recession put the Eastman Meadows project on hold, but the site for the condominium project is now a flurry of activity. With five of the 46 units sold, developer Joel Fitzpatrick was able to break ground this month.
"This has been approved for a year and a half," he said. "I've been waiting to pull the trigger."
Eastman Meadows -- aimed at residents 55 and older -- is the first condominium project in Cape Elizabeth in at least 20 years. Condominiums are also part of the plan -- at a later phase -- for Cottage Brook, another development that has gotten under way recently.
Fitzpatrick's development is not restricted to older buyers. But the single-level units are clearly marketed to baby boomers and empty nesters.
The condos, ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 square feet, have two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Features like dens, screened-in rooms and sun porches can be added.
Prices begin at $349,000 and can top $400,000, depending on the options.
The 40-acre development is located off Eastman Road, near the Purpoodock Club. The site had previously been farmland.
Crews are now putting in the private road -- Tanager Road -- and the sewer. They'll then turn their attention to the first five condos and a model unit.
Fitzpatrick expects the first residents to move in about January or February.
Three of the first buyers already live in town, another is from South Portland and the fifth is from out of state.
The development's plan calls for building in four phases. The timetable for completion isn't yet certain.
"I can tell you what I hope for, which is three to five years, two to five, maybe," Fitzpatrick said. "Who knows? It depends on the sales. Things are pretty unpredictable these days."
Cape Elizabeth is already home to 297 condominiums, according to Town Planner Maureen O'Meara. Most were built in the 1980s and are located in the northeastern part of town, east of Route 77 and north of Town Hall, she said.
Staff Writer Ann S. Kim can be contacted at 791-6383 or at:
akim@pressherald.com
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11 COMMENTS
homeboy said...
Sad that a wealthy town like Cape Elizabeth couldn't have preserved a little bit more of its' farmland...
July 29, 2010 at 7:48 AM Report abuse
SL said...
homeboy...don't worry, much of that land will be preserved as many units will not be built. For that cost plus fees.
July 29, 2010 at 8:01 AM Report abuse
CEMan said...
Homeboy, this has not been farmland in my 30+ years in town. We have so little growth in CE, anything is a blessing.
July 29, 2010 at 8:48 AM Report abuse
dHJ1ZWNhcGVy said...
I agree with CEMan growth is good for a town. This developement sounds like it is just what is needed for the upcoming Baby Boomer Generation.
July 29, 2010 at 9:32 AM Report abuse
truecaper said...
Cheers to the town for approving this development. CEMan you sound like a wise person
July 29, 2010 at 9:42 AM Report abuse
SilentK_ said...
Watch the GreenBelt!!!
July 29, 2010 at 9:43 AM Report abuse
Redbird said...
The reason Cape Elizabeth is still such a lovely and desirable place to live (resulting in those spectacularly stable property values) is that it's been successful at keeping this kind of "progress" at bay for so long. I am sorry to see it creeping in. (Sorry, Mr. Fitzpatrick. Some places should stay off limits.)
July 29, 2010 at 11:13 AM Report abuse
LarrySellers said...
Oh no! Development in Maine? How can we allow such evil to occur in our backyards? Hey all you John Muir wingnuts, Pinchot won the battle! And Redbird, as a progressive socialist (e.g. environmentalist) what is your vision of progress? Let me guess, you live your life how YOU want and to hell with everyone else? Ayuh, that sounds like real progress!
July 29, 2010 at 10:19 PM Report abuse
spike said...
We baby boomers want 55 and older .We have had the kids and mowing the lawn now we just want to kick back and RELAX and another place just like it in Florida for the winter!!!!
July 30, 2010 at 10:23 AM Report abuse
VlRTdGV2ZQ%3D%3D said...
To all the avid pro-development people, a word of caution: Burlington will never be what it once was: green. Overdevelopment here has ruined the town, and there have been many efforts to stave it off, always fought by moneyed business and development interests without much foresight or vision for what happens down the road. Proceed with caution: err on the side of preservation of farmlands--they are what's needed, now more than ever. Condos are several million dollars a dozen. And in this economy people aren't able to sell the homes they're in, or obtain mortgages, to be able to move into the new places being built. He's sold five, huh? Well that's not speaking to me of "high demand." The whole plan sounds unwise to me. Preserve those un-subdivided parcels of land, now, while you still can. I use to enjoy pastoral scenery. Now I've got company lawn-mowers to listen to for a few hours every week. Sound delightful to you?
August 23, 2010 at 2:23 AM Report abuse
VTSteve said...
Sorry folks: I thought I'd put in my screenname. It's easier to retype than what appears with my comment just above, if you respond to me: VTSteve. Wishing all you Mainers well!
August 23, 2010 at 2:33 AM Report abuse