AUGUSTA - Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, introduced a bill to address Maine's housing shortage before the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Thursday. LD 1694, An Act To Create the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, establishes the Community Redevelopment Land Bank to facilitate the redevelopment of abandoned and environmentally hazardous properties, and convert them into productive use.
"Maines housing crisis can be seen in every part of our state," said Sachs. "The lack of affordable housing impacts everyone, from people with young children to older Mainers living on fixed incomes. We need to create 20,000 affordable homes to meet this demand. This bill tackles the problems confronted by municipalities when addressing the barriers to redeveloping and rebuilding those properties. This legislation is not for a someday solution. It establishes tools to help our local communities identify redevelopment goals now, and actively helps them plan for and meet those challenges."
In addition to addressing Maines inadequate housing stock, LD 1694 gives municipalities the opportunity to redevelop properties sustainably while keeping Maines climate goals at the center of their redevelopment plans.
"If we are going to tackle climate change and use our resources wisely, we need to focus on developing housing in places where we have existing infrastructure - whether that's our small crossroads, village centers or bigger downtowns," said Sachs. "At the same time, we can support local municipalities by leveraging federal funds, strengthening regional planning organizations and coordinating statewide resources to solve problems for communities in all corners of our state. I'm excited to bring forward LD 1694 as a viable solution to a statewide issue."
Sachs, who is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives, represents Freeport and part of Pownal. She serves as a member of the Legislatures Taxation Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Sachs], c. 812-1111