Topsham planning board approves waivers and accepts pre-application for 32 Skyhigh Drive affordable housing

The Topsham Planning Board voted unanimously to approve waiver requests and accept the pre-application for a proposed adaptive-reuse project at 32 Skyhigh Drive, which would convert the existing lodge into 18 rental units while keeping a service business on the ground floor.

At a meeting where Clerk Patty took roll, Planning Board member Larry Bran moved to waive requirements in Chapter 191-2.2C (C2B and C2L) so the applicants could present a pre-application; the board approved the waiver and then voted to find the May 29, 2026 pre-application submission sufficiently complete for the board to identify issues and constraints for a future formal subdivision application. Planning Board member Ronald (Ron) Basson seconded the completeness motion; recorded votes were unanimous among members present (Tim Denham recused for the item).

Applicant representatives Oscar Wilkerson and Travis Latilia, who identified themselves as working with Green Mars Real Estate Services (Portland), told the board they plan to adaptively reuse the historic ski-lodge building to create 18 workforce/affordable rental units on upper floors while retaining mixed-use service space on the first floor. "We are looking to redevelop the property at 32 Skyhigh Drive," Wilkerson said, adding the team sees state-level funding opportunities to support the work. The applicants described limited exterior changes, improvements to gravel parking and driveway surfaces, an ADA upgrade, and a new north-side driveway for fire access. They also said they will upgrade the septic system to handle additional wastewater flows generated by the new units.

During board questions applicants showed the location of the existing septic (on the downhill side of the property) and described plans for two new septic drainage areas and stormwater measures. The applicants said they aim to minimize disturbance and to use buffers where possible; they told the board they do not expect to seek further waivers at later review stages.

A board member asked about the first-floor use being "legally nonconforming"; the applicants confirmed the existing service-business tenancy is grandfathered under local code and that the proposed plan accounts for parking and septic flows under that use category.

After the vote the board invited brief public comment. Neighbor Bruce Bagwell of 16 Skyhigh Drive, who lives adjacent to the site, told the board he and his household worry the project would change the residential character, increase density, and strain local water and road infrastructure. "That's a rather large increase in density of families," Bagwell said, adding concerns about wells, traffic on a narrow local road and the distance to grocery and services. His wife later said she agreed with his points.

The board recorded that applicants are expected to return with a preliminary subdivision application for further review. The planning board meeting then closed.