WATERVILLE $ A man who wants to transform the old Gilman Street School into affordable family housing says he must rehabilitate it to historic standards.

Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative, of Portland, told city councilors Tuesday that he plans to apply for historic tax credits as part of his project to develop the vacant facility.

"The building has to look like it did in its heyday," Bunker said.

Bunker went before councilors to request they refer his request to change the terms of the current zone to the Planning Board. changing the terms would allow for the development.

Councilors voted 7-0 to refer the matter to planners for review.

"This is just to get it before the Planning Board so a public hearing can be held," said Councilor Thomas R.W. Longstaff, D-Ward 6, who sponsored the resolution.
Planners will make a recommendation to the council, which would make the final decision on changes to the zone terms.

Bunker and his partners, Jim Hatch and Richard Berman, said he plans to build about 33 affordable housing units in the building.