Plans For New Senior Apartments Unveiled

I_{n this plan, Main St. is at left and Mayflower Drive is along the bottom. Mousam River Commons is in the upper right.}

By Zendelle Bouchard
This week, the public got its first look at a new three-story 44-unit senior apartment building being planned, when Sanford Housing Authority came before the Site Plan Review Committee on June 20. The new development, dubbed Mousam River Commons, will be located next to the Maples, with access from Mayflower Dr.

The building is described as a “congregate care facility” because there will be a community kitchen and resident service coordinator on site. Other amenities of the property will include raised garden beds for residents, and four pickleball courts.

The facility is planned to be built on the back part of the former Springvale Nurseries property, which the City of Sanford is selling to SHA. The new fire station is still planned for the front part of the lot. Acting Planning Director Jamie Cole said the City has a purchase-and-sale agreement on the former Courtney Cleaners property (now home to Mikini Embroidery) next door as well.

There was some discussion about whether a second entrance point will be required for Mousam River Commons. Mr. Cole pointed out that if Mayflower Drive were blocked for any reason, there would be no way for emergency vehicles to access the new building, the Maples or Mayflower Place.
This project will come before the Planning Board in July. If approved, the SHA will seek financing from Maine Housing. SHA Director Diane Small said they hope to break ground in the spring of 2024.