The Gorham Planning Board is set to evaluate a proposal for a substantial residential and commercial development on the site of the former Gorham Country Club during a meeting on November 3, 2023. The Gorham Fairways project, located off McLellan Road, seeks preliminary and site plan approval for Phases 1-5, which include a total of 515 housing units featuring a combination of single-family homes, condominiums, and apartments.
This latest iteration of the development plan is smaller than an earlier proposal submitted earlier this year. The project aims to construct various housing types over multiple years on a 100.5-acre parcel, which was once a golf course. The site is strategically positioned along McLellan Road, connecting South Street (Route 114) and Brackett Road, which runs between Saco Street and the roundabout on New Portland Road.
The developer, Nick Troiano of South Portland-based Troiano Properties, has outlined the latest details in a letter dated October 9 to Town Planner Carol Eyerman. This letter was submitted by Dan Riley of Sebago Technics, the engineering firm representing Troiano. At this time, there has been no response from Riley regarding inquiries about the pricing of the housing units for potential tenants or buyers.
The proposed housing units encompass 75 single-family homes in Phase 1, 72 condominiums across six buildings in Phase 2, 80 units in four buildings in Phase 3, 96 two-bedroom apartments in four buildings in Phase 4, and 192 apartments in eight buildings in Phase 5. Notably, Phase 3 will also include commercial lots and a clubhouse featuring a pool.
The single-family lots will be situated on the southern and eastern sides of the development, along the scenic slopes of the Stroudwater River. Despite being zoned in the South Gorham Crossroads District, which supports high-density housing, single-family homes are typically not permitted. To facilitate this development, the Gorham Town Council granted Troiano a contract zone in March, allowing the sale of single-family lots to fund the extension of sewer and water services along Brackett Road.
Internal roads within the development will remain private but will be constructed according to municipal standards. The developer has proposed to conserve 20 acres of land along the Stroudwater River as part of the project.
The Planning Board will conduct the public hearing at 7 p.m. on November 3, at the Municipal Center located at 75 South St.. Opponents of the Gorham Fairways development express concerns that the size of the project may overwhelm local services, disrupt wildlife habitats, and exacerbate traffic on nearby roads, which are already under pressure from commuter traffic.
As the meeting approaches, the community remains divided on the potential impact of this significant development on the town of Gorham.
