A 19-acre parcel about four miles north of downtown Bangor is the planned site for an affordable housing development of 30 tiny homes.
The project’s preliminary site plan was approved unanimously by the planning board in December.
The parcel, owned by applicant John Karnes of Bangor-based R&K Construction & Property Management, is at the southern end of Pushaw Road. The 400-square-foot units will be situated along a loop road in the parcel’s interior. There will be shared parking between every two homes, a private road, a separate mail building and a private well system.
Karnes was represented in the application by Rayshelly Lizotte, a civil engineer and co-owner of Bangor-based Artifex Architects & Engineers.
Each tiny home lot will be a minimum of 1,000 square feet. The total area of the tiny home park is 2.34 acres, with the remaining property being retained by the owner. The plan includes a recreation area of 15,129 square feet, or approximately 15% of the park area.
The homes are intended to be leased for a minimum of six months.
The 400-square-foot building footprint includes a small porch with downcast lighting in the ceiling.
The project received a letter from First National Bank that certifies the applicant’s financial capability.
“First National Bank is familiar with the development and operation of tiny home communities, having financed similar parks in the past,” wrote James Strout, a commercial loan officer with the bank. “We have seen firsthand how well-designed projects of this nature can expand access to safe, affordable housing while strengthening the fabric of the surrounding community. The Pushaw Subdivision and Tiny Home Park aligns with those same principles, responsible development, attainable housing options and long-term community benefit.”
The project requires one more planning board meeting for final subdivision approval.
“I think it’s a great project,” said Reese Perkins, the board’s chair. “It’s exciting to see.”