Property Devine Capital LLC is proposing 216 market rate rental units in 9 buildings at Route 111 and Andrews Road in Biddeford. The project would require a contract zone to be allowed in the highway business zone. Courtesy Image
BIDDEFORD — A property developer is proposing to build 216 market rate apartment units on about 44 acres at Route 111 and Andrews Road in Biddeford.
Some members of the City Council in an early February workshop indicated they would like to see more two- and three-bedroom units than initially contemplated in the proposal outlined by Ben Devine of Devine Capital LLC and the company’s attorney on the project, Bill Fletcher.
The topic of affordability was also raised, and while Devine noted the apartments he hopes to build are market rate, he indicated the company would make a financial contribution to the city to help it leverage funds for affordable housing. When questioned, Devine said the company contributed $500,000 to affordable housing efforts in connection with a similar project in Scarborough and $250,000 in connection with a 144-unit Freeport project.
“We want to work with you, and we know affordable housing is a huge issue in front of us, not only in Biddeford but throughout Maine,” said Devine. He said he and the other developers of the project are not looking for tax increment financing enhancements or subsidies and that financing for the project is in place. He said the company keeps the properties it develops. He said the monthly rental fees in the Freeport and Scarborough properties range from $1,500 to $2,300, depending on the size of the unit.
Devine said business partners involved the development proposal are The Simon Konover Company of West Hartford, Connecticut, and KGI Properties LLC of Providence, Rhode Island.
As currently configured, each of the nine residential buildings would have an equal number of studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units, Devine said.
The workshop was a precursor to a planned application for a contract zone that would allow the apartments to be built in the B2 highway business zone — residences are not currently allowed there; the contract also looks for density modifications.
The 44-acre property is comprised of two lots, each owned by New Life Christian Church, and are located at 588 and 590 Alfred St. (Route 111). Devine, a Mainer who has been involved in real estate development for 30 years, said his company has had the parcels under contract for about a year.
“As a developer, the biggest enemy is time,” said Devine “That’s very important to us and we’d rather have a quick no than a long maybe. Costs are absolutely crazy right now.” Costs associated with the company’s Freeport project were 25 percent higher than the Scarborough project undertaken two years previously, he said.
Each unit in the three-story buildings would have outdoor space, stainless appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, a common area in each building and offices for use by residents. The development would include onsite staffed marketing and property management, a pool, outdoor barbecue area, club house, a game room, and a gym.
“We’ll probably put in more offices because so many are working at home,” said Devine.
Councilor Amy Clearwater said she was looking for some flexibility.
“We need kids in our schools, studios don’t do us any favors in terms of that,” she said. “You’d have my vote if this had a daycare on site,” along with other family friendly amenities. “I think there is a lot of merit to this project, and I think we just have to figure out what level of flexibility you have, so we can come up with what would help us move the needle most,” Clearwater said.
Councilor Doris Ortis took note of the plan for an onsite community garden and said she looked forward to continuing conversations about other possibilities, like bike routes, and perhaps rooftop green space — and the apartment size mix.
“If we can come to some agreement on more 2- and 3-bedrooms, I’d feel more comfortable with that,” said Ortiz.
City Manager Jim Bennett said the next step is likely a City Council executive session, “to figure out what it is you think about this project and give us some direction to provide guidance back to the team.”
“This is very deserving of our consideration,” said Mayor Alan Casavant, noting the council would contemplate it further. “I think there will be a market for that type of project.”
The development company has not yet formally applied for a contract zone, which would require Planning Board and City Council approval, followed by the standard approval and permitting process. Under the company’s proposed timeline, construction would commence in the spring of 2023, with a November 2023 occupancy target.
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