January 9: Portland City Council gets first look at proposed Roux Institute rezoning
On Monday, the Portland City Council got its first look at proposed zoning changes at the former site of the B&M Baked Beans factory. The proposed changes “could make way for a graduate school and research center that would include academic buildings, retail space, a hotel and student housing.” In addition, 175 to 250 new residential units would be expected in the first five years, adding 650 units over the next two decades.
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January 11: South Portland pushes ahead with rent control proposal
On Tuesday night, the South Portland City Council indicated support for a rent control proposal. The ordinance would “cap annual rent increases at 10% for landlords or companies that own more than 15 rental units in the city." A detailed final draft is coming in the next few weeks.
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January 11: Developers, climate leaders hope new Portland complex can be model for the future
A new condo project in Portland, Solaris: Eco-Lux Condos, is hoping to usher in and provide a new focus on housing sustainability. The seven-unit project is home to a rooftop solar farm which will offset 50% of the building’s electric usage. Jeff Marks, Executive Director of ClimateWork Maine, said, “This is exactly the type of innovative building needed when we think about new construction in Maine.”
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January 12: Gov. Janet Mills proposes a record $10 billion biennial budget for Maine
On Wednesday, Governor Janet Mills unveiled her state spending proposal for the next two years. The proposal includes increased funding for “education, health care, childcare, housing, and transportation.” In addition, the budget allocated new funds for housing with “$30 million to expand affordable rental housing options through low-income tax credits and the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program.”
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January 12: Bangor officials discuss distribution of pandemic relief funds
Bangor City Council met this week to outline how to allocate its pandemic relief funds. $20 million in federal funds were granted to Bangor through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). City Councilor Clare Davitt said that at least $5 million of the funds would go toward housing.
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