From new housing developments, rent control news, election updates, and more - the RHA wants to keep our members informed of the latest local headlines. Read up on the latest headlines & news articles from the past few weeks below and stay tuned for weekly recaps every Friday.
● October 5: “South Portland gives initial approval to allowing more in-law apartments”
Earlier this week, South Portland City Council initially approved a proposal for in-law apartments to become permitted in all single-family residential zones. The council voted 4-0 to approve in an initial vote, with a second, final vote expected in November.
“Councilors praised the proposal as a significant step toward increasing housing options for people of all ages, from young professionals to older adults.”
Read the full article here.
● October 4: “Affordable housing plan underway for people with disabilities in Scarborough”
A new affordable housing project for Mainers with physical disabilities may be underway, following a vote from town councilors on whether or not to grant the housing allowances. The potential project would be located in Scarborough’s planned Town Centre, and would feature 50 ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant units, along with additional assistive and smart technology. Rents for the apartments would “range from $1,200 to $2,200 per month.”
Read the full article here.
● October 4: “Maine’s gubernatorial candidates debate: Their answers on the housing crisis”
Maine gubernatorial candidates (incumbent Janet Mills (D), former governor Paul LePage (R) and Sam Hunkler (I)) recently held their first televised debate on Tuesday, October 4, in Lewiston. Candidates discussed homelessness and housing, with WABI5 summarizing their talking points in a recent article.
Read the full article here and watch the debate here.
● October 4: “Falmouth council explores workforce housing”
The Falmouth Town Council will begin looking into the need for affordable workforce housing, following community input and input from councilors. A recent “Visions and Values” project was cited as the starter for discussion, along with data from MaineHousing. The Visions and Values report stated that “60% of residents support more affordable housing for lower- and middle-income residents,” whereas “20% of residents felt strongly that Falmouth should aim exclusively on preserving and enhancing existing home values.” Councilors will continue to discuss environmental considerations and zoning in the weeks to come.
Read the full article here.
● October 3: “Bangor will consider strengthening tenants’ rights to combat rent increases”
In Bangor, the City Council’s government operations committee is scheduled to consider an ordinance next week at its Monday night meeting that would require rental housing providers “to give 60 days’ notice for any rent increases, cap application fees and reaffirm anti-discrimination protections for renters.” The ordinance does not currently include implementing a rent control ordinance or capping rent increases.
Read the full article here.
● October 1: “MaineHousing halts rental assistance program”
MaineHousing is pausing new applications for its rental assistance program as the organization waits to hear from the federal government if a request for $55 million in additional funding for the program is approved. The emergency rental assistance program started in March of 2021 and was initially projected to last “at least through December 2022,” but MaineHousing cited that an “unanticipated tick in demand” created the need to pause the program as it awaits the approval of additional funding.
Read the full article here.
