July 9: Hospital to housing: Former site of Northern Light Mercy nears a rebirth 

The former Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland will be the site of 260 new apartments that started preleasing this week. The apartments range from affordable apartments to luxury townhouses. The first residents are expected to move in this October.   

Read the full article here. 

July 10: Kennebunk Savings Bank plans to donate land for affordable housing 

Kennebunk Savings Bank plans to donate 12 acres of land to Avesta Housing for affordable housing for older residents. Kennebunk residents will vote on approving the contract zone likely in November. Avesta Housing plans to construct a 70-unit community on the land. 

Read the full article here. 

July 11: Advocates praise Housing First program created under Mills budget 

On Tuesday, Governor Mills signed a new bill that includes a “Housing First” budget. Funding will help create 12 to 15 “site-based Housing First buildings across Maine,” with the first 10 operating possibly in the next five years. 

Read the full article here. 

July 13: For development of multifamily housing, Maine is still on pace for a good year 

Last year was a 20-year peak for the number of building permits issued and the number of housing units approved in Maine. Maine is predicted to approve 72 building structures totaling over 1,150 multifamily units this year. 

Read the full article here.