AUGUSTA – A bill to provide funding for the redevelopment of the former Island Nursing Home, now known as HomePort, into affordable senior housing, sponsored by Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, received approval from the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee and was enacted in the House and Senate Monday.
"Senior housing in Hancock County is desperately needed,” said Eaton. “This effort has been in the works for well over a year, and the funding in this bill will go a long way to support this project.”
As amended, LD 1106 proposes a one-time appropriation of $250,000 to the Maine State Housing Authority to support the redevelopment. This funding will support renovations, which are expected to cost roughly $2 million, and will also help leverage additional private and federal investments. The bill also specifies that the apartments cannot be rented to tenants whose income exceeds 80% of the area median income.
The Island Nursing Home first opened in 1983 with 50 skilled and residential care beds and expanded to 70 beds in the late 1990s. It closed in October 2021 and tried to reopen as a residential care facility, but ultimately did not due to significant barriers.
Eaton introduced the bill at the request of the Hon. Skip Greenlaw, who serves as vice president of the board of directors for the Island Nursing Home. In his testimony, Greenlaw stated that work was underway to convert two patient rooms into an apartment, and they anticipate a total of 23 units.
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
Eaton is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents the communities of Brooklin, Deer Isle, Eagle Island Township, Frenchboro, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan’s Island, Tremont, Isle au Haut and Vinalhaven. She serves as a member of the Marine Resources Committee and the Transportation Committee.
Contact:
Brian Lee (Eaton) | 305-965-2744