June 27: South Portland, state agree to provide transitional housing for asylum seekers
A temporary shelter will be set up at the Howard Johnson Hotel by MaineHousing and Catholic Charities. Three hundred sixty-seven homeless people will be moved into the Howard Johnson Hotel from five hotels across South Portland. The state of Maine has agreed to fund services through June 30, 2024. The agreement is estimated to cost “$4.5 million to $5 million in all.”
Read the full article here.
June 28: Developer of Portland's new asylum seeker shelter also building Brunswick apartments
Construction is underway on a 60-unit apartment building in Brunswick being built by Developers Collaborative. The new community is designated for asylum seekers, with MaineHousing covering the rent.
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June 28: 'We need help:' Asylum seekers share frustrations after months living in Portland Expo
On Wednesday, asylum seekers at the Portland Expo protested current living conditions. The City of Portland leaders spoke with protestors for over an hour and a half inside the Expo.
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June 28: Lewiston Housing hopes to turn Ramada Hotel into transitional housing
Lewiston Housing is considering purchasing the Ramada Hotel with plans to convert it into a transitional housing project. The projected project would create approximately 117 affordable housing units. MaineHousing intends to help fund the project “with a $3.7 million grant from the state.”
Read the full article here.
June 29: Proposal to exempt smaller landlords from Portland rent control qualifies for ballot
A third citizen-initiated referendum is likely to be on the November ballot. The proposal will exclude landlords with nine or fewer units from the rent control ordinance in Portland.
Read the full article here.
June 29: Maine's Accessory Dwelling Unit Law Requires Prompt Community Planning
Maine towns and cities faced a July 1st deadline to write rezoning laws for accessory dwelling units – such as in-law apartments. The legislature passed, and the governor signed, emergency legislation extending the deadline. Listen to learn why the extension was deemed necessary, why ADUs remain controversial, and what the law aims to accomplish – from hoping to make a dent in the affordable housing crisis, to possibly changing communities.
Read the full article here.
July 1: Electric vehicle charging is an obstacle for NH renters and landlords
NH Landlords & Tenants grapple with the increased need for EV charging stations at rental properties.
Read the full article here.
