Southport United Methodist Church's affordable housing project is a go. Sept. 2, the planning board conditionally approved a 10-parcel subdivision. The conditions are Lot 1 shall be deed restricted against any further development and one of the 10 subdivision parcels must comply with Southport's affordable housing land use ordinance.

With the permit secured, church trustees will move forward with creating the subdivision. Bruce Harris is the church's legal representative and spoke on their behalf during the application process. He told the Boothbay Register there is still a long way to go before any homes are built.

He estimated, at the earliest, construction wouldn't start until summer 2027. "We still need to build a road to the subdivision. There's hiring a contractor, and bringing in electricity. This must be done before we start selling lots," he said. Southport UMC Trustee Smith Climo said, "Once all the final costs are known, we will divide them by nine and set a price for lots."

The church's affordable housing project began with a gift from the Winslow family. In 2023, Marge and Eliot Winslow gifted over 20 acres to the church with an intent of providing community outreach. The church debated among its members about possible outreach options. A consensus was reached to divide the property into 10 tracts suitable for affordable housing.

In other action, the planning board approved two wharves and weirs applications. Alex Rioux of Rioux and Sons Construction represented both applicants. Katja Baker requested a 4-foot-by-106-foot permanent pier with a 3-foot-by-34-foot seasonal ramp and a 10-foot-by-15-foot seasonal float.

Christian Moen received approval for a 60-foot permanent pier with a 40-foot ramp and a 16-foot-by-12-foot float.

The board meets next at 5 p.m. Oct. 7 in the town hall.