A View of the Proposed Condominiums for 155 Sheridan Street, Munjoy Hill.

Last night Portland’s Planning Board approved a proposal for a four story condominium building at 155 Sheridan Street on Munjoy Hill.   The building will be composed of 14 one-bedroom units and 5 two-bedroom units.  Parking for 19 vehicles will be located on the first floor of the building which exceeds the city’s requirement.

The subdivision review was delayed while the Fort Sumner Park Overlay ordinance was crafted by the planning office and approved by the city council earlier this year.  The ordinance protects the historic Park from the construction of buildings that would impede the view from the Park.  It came about from pressure exerted on the city from the Friends of Fort Sumner Park, led by Carolyn Young. The developer did not file an application until the ordinance had been approved by the city.

Because of the sharp grade, extensive site work needs to be done.  There will be a retaining wall and the landscaping on the property will be extensive according to Will Savage, of Acorn Engineering.  Savage and architect Ryan Senatore, are familiar with the implications having worked on the nearby Munjoy Heights condominiums.  There will be a green rooftop and one workforce unit on the third floor.  Patrick Venne, consultant, said that the MHNO president supported this development – “for what that’s worth.”   Upon questioning by Brandon Mazer, Venne also said that the 19 units were decided upon – in part – to avoid having to create a second workforce unit under the city’s Inclusionary Zoning ordinance.

The planning board decided to require the developer to extend the construction  of a sidewalk, up to $25,000.,  rather than require him to install utilities underground – a much more expensive proposition that the sidewalk construction.  The developer agreed not to install street trees and donate those funds in lieu to the street tree fund – the proceeds which could possibly go to fund landscaping for the Fort Sumner Park that it borders.

Venne said that a spring 2018 construction start date is probable.