The historic house at 8 College Ave. in Gorham. Robert Lowell / American Journal
Conversion of a burned-out house to an eight-unit apartment building met another delay Monday, weeks after clearing Gorham Historic Preservation Commission hurdles.
Andrew Earle of Earle Enterprises in Windham is seeking town approval to make over 8 College Ave. Earle previously said he hopes to have the apartments ready for fall occupancy.
Earle could not be reached for comment by the American Journal deadline Wednesday.
The Planning Board Monday discussed Earle’s request and postponed for the second time pending more information about runoff from the property.
A neighbor, Lenora Trussell of State Street, raised a concern at the meeting about runoff water.
“I already have a huge water problem from that property,” Trussell said.
Charlie Burnham of Atlantic Resource Consultants, representing Earle, said plans call for a system to reduce runoff water and infiltrate the ground faster.
Molly Butler Bailey, who was elected Planning Board chairperson in April, said she wanted to see more information about the runoff.
The transformation of the landmark built in 1803 is estimated to cost upwards of $1 million. The village property is located in the Gorham Historic District near the University of Southern Maine campus.
The historic preservation commission previously approved raising the house’s roof a few feet for a third story and trusses are stacked and waiting beside the driveway. The commission also approved a replacement ell a little taller than the original that was razed.
The house was extensively damaged by fire in 2016 and has been boarded up since. Earle bought the property from Great Falls Construction.
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