AUGUSTA – The Legislature’s Housing and Economic Development Committee voted last week to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, that would redevelop vacant school buildings into housing.
There are around 24 school properties currently vacant statewide. As amended, LD 2164, would provide ongoing funding of $5 million and technical assistance to communities to help them convert unused school buildings into much-needed housing, including units that will be dedicated to affordable housing.
“This bill makes smart, practical investments in our communities and reutilizes infrastructure that already exists,” said Gere. “Converting vacant schools into housing is a common sense approach to creating affordable and attainable housing. Kennebunk is a great example, where years ago three former school buildings were converted into affordable apartments. As many Maine communities are in the process of making important decisions on next steps for these publicly-owned assets, this bill will help provide housing that is desperately needed.”
During the public hearing, the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority testified in support and stated they have the tools and expertise to help communities overcome the hurdles of vacant school redevelopment. This includes navigating complex environmental, regulatory and financial requirements. What they need is the funding to do this work.
MaineHousing, GrowSmart Maine, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and other economic and real estate development organizations all expressed their support of the proposal.
The bill faces votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Rep. Traci Gere is serving her third term in the Maine House and represents Kennebunkport and a portion of Kennebunk and Biddeford. She is the House chair of the Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Gere) | 305-965-2744