WESTBROOK – An agreement has been reached between Westbrook’s planning department and the developer of the Presumpscot Estates condominium project for the building of promised, but delayed, amenities.

The original developer of the project, situated off Cumberland Street, proposed a series of amenities for the development, including a clubhouse, pool, tennis and basketball courts, and dock on the Presumpscot River for use by the condominium owners.

However, after missing the deadline for the completion of the amenities in July 2013, Chase Custom Homes, which is now the developer, first sought Planning Board approval to eliminate the amenities. After meetings with the few residents of the development, who voiced their displeasure, a plan moved forward to “phase-in” the projects as units were built.

Since Chase Custom Homes was not the original developer of the project, the company’s attorney, Richard Abbondanza, said Chase was not aware of the specific completion timeline until after it had passed.

In an unusual step, the city’s planning department stepped in to help organize the phasing plan, which was also overhauled after a Planning Board meeting on April 1, in which residents requested that the pool be built first.

The amended conditions of approval stipulate that prior to Oct. 1 of this year, the developer will construct a swimming pool, a seasonal dock along the Presumpscot and a recreational field.

According to the agreement, if the work is not completed, no further building permits would be issued.

After four years, only four units have been built, with another four lots sold, out of a planned 39.

The next project required will be the construction of a clubhouse and a sidewalk connecting the pool and other amenities, prior to Nov. 1, 2015.


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