A recent zoning change in Antrim could enable construction of a new mixed-tier housing development near the Antrim Post Office.

In February, Antrim resident Dave Cutter approached the Planning Board with a conceptual design for a cluster housing development on his 2.6-acre parcel of land behind the post office.  At the time, the Planning Board said that if Antrim’s proposed zoning amendment passed, Cutter could potentially receive approval for the project. 

In March, Antrim voters approved Article 2, the Connected Village Overlay District. Previously, Antrim zoning required two-acre building lots for single-family homes. The new overlay district allows property owners in Antrim Village to create housing in nonconforming lots in the village, particularly on smaller lots where it was not permitted by previous ordinance. 

The goal of the zoning change was to facilitate the creation of smaller, more affordable and potentially more energy-efficient homes of varied price ranges and sizes for Antrim residents, with convenient access to the downtown. 

The article states that “the overlay district would allow for the voluntary creation of small lots and compact neighborhood adjacent to the downtown.”

The preliminary design for Cutter’s project, created by architect Len Pagano,  includes a total of 17 housing units, including four duplexes, around a common space. The development would include housing at several different price points, with no units over 1,792 square feet. The plan includes traditional Cape and Colonial style homes. 

In total, the proposed development would include 22,352 square feet of total finished space,  including basements and  garages. The smallest unit is 864 square feet or 24- by 24-ffeet, while the largest houses are 28- by 38-foot Colonials of 1,792 square feet apiece. 

“We include different types of dwelling units for different buyers,” Pagano said at a meeting with the Antrim Planning Board. “We have three townhouse duplexes, three Cape houses with garage or sunrooms, and three two-story Colonials. Everything is modestly sized. We offer a varied palate of building types for different types of buyers.” 

Pagano said the plan is a “traditional cul-de-sac design” which would be accessed through the town parking lot at the post office. The residences would be built around the edges of the lot, with open space in the middle. The plan calls for a new road to be built from the town lot to the proposed neighborhood. 

The Planning Board was universally in favor of the design. Member Lynn Rosansky said that “having diversity in housing is great.”

Planning Board member Ken Rubin said the design “aligns with the vision we are trying to accomplish  for Antrim.” 

Planning Board member John Anderson said that bringing more residents into the downtown is a win-win for the town.

“It’s right in the downtown area. Having permanent residents there will increase people utilizing the downtown, and that’s what we’re trying to do,” Anderson said. 

Pagano said the Cutter would like to include some affordable housing units.

“Dave wants to produce this is at a reasonable amount and have some affordable housing,” he said. 

The units would all be on town water and sewer. 

The proposal would be the first housing project in Antrim to take advantage of the new new zoning change.