The “brand new” Wiscasset Neighborhood Association has formed around concerns about one use of space at St. Philip’s Church and another possible one, resident Peter Wells said. Referring to a potential dozen single room occupancy units upstairs at the Hodge Street church, Wells told the planning board Monday night: “We’re in support of ... affordable housing, but we’re not sure if that’s the right site or not.”

Last week, Maine State Housing Authority awarded Amistad a $916,000 grant to create the units. Responding via email Monday night to a question from Wiscasset Newspaper, Priest in Charge Tom Junkert reconfirmed the vestry has yet to vote on Amistad’s proposal. 

Responding to Wells’ questions and to Wiscasset Newspaper’s after the planning board meeting, Chair Karl Olson said no representatives had come to the board to ask about the town’s approval process. He told Wells he did not want to speculate before anything is submitted, “but with regard that underlying question, I think before they spend money on surveys or designs, they should get (at) the basic question, ‘Can it be done in this building, in this zone?’”

According to the grant application, the Portland-based Amistad “provides outreach to unhoused individuals, recovery supports, Rapid Rehousing programming, food services, and supported housing. We have been operating our recovery and outreach programs in Lincoln County since 2018 ...”

In a phone interview after Monday’s meeting, Wells said Wiscasset Neighborhood Association has about 35 members and started forming after Amistad got an earlier grant for its late winter, overnight warming shelter at the church.

Also Monday, no one from the public spoke at hearings on the town’s proposed rules on property maintenance, cannabis adult use business and medical licensing, town property improvements and wireless telecommunications facilities. Selectmen have eyed June town votes on the proposals.