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 week below.
November 14: Portland discusses challenges in providing shelter for asylum seekers
On Monday night, Portland City Councilors “discussed the challenges the city is having in providing shelter for asylum-seekers.” Interim City Manager Danielle West says one factor is Portland’s temporary and transitional housing options. The Emergency Rental Assistance Program has provided assistance to 870 people in Portland.
Read the full article here.
November 15: Jones Street Secures Nearly $180M for 3 Properties
Boston-based real estate investment firm, Jones Street Investment Partners,recently secured $179M in financing to construct three multifamily communities in both Maine and New Hampshire. One of the properties in Maine, Seacoast Residences, will be a 282-unit multifamily luxury community in Kittery.
Read the full article here.
November 16: South Portland votes against contributing funding to asylum-seeker housing
On Tuesday, South Portland City Council voted 3-2 “against providing $500,000 in city American Rescue Plan Act funding to help nonprofit Avesta Housing” in the purchase of a 48-unit housing development reserved for asylum seekers. Avesta Housing intends to purchase the Winchester Woods complex for $16 million, securing funding from MaineHousing, Cumberland County, and Portland. South Portland’s contribution would have provided half of the remaining $1 million needed.
Read the full article here.
November 17: 'We need a word stronger than crisis because that’s where we’re at'
News Center Maine covered the 2022 Housing Policy Conference hosted by The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition on Thursday, November 17. Maine lawmakers and housing experts from the public and private sector attended the conference working to address the housing crisis Maine is currently facing.
Read the full article here.
