AUGUSTA - Following the Maine House and Senate's advancement of zoning reform legislation last week, Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, has released a statement applauding the Legislatures historic work to address the statewide housing crisis:
"This winter, Bangor was rocked by the loss of three lives in a preventable disaster when a fire in a condemned building killed unhoused members of our community seeking shelter. It broke my heart that such a tragedy could happen in our city. After that horrific event, I knew that our top priority as legislators needed to be addressing the complex and pervasive housing shortage facing our state. I was happy to see LD 2003 pass in the Legislature. This bill is the comprehensive plan that we need and I am committed to working with the folks in our community to finally make real strides in addressing our housing crisis."
LD 2003 would allow Maine property owners to build accessory dwelling units in residential areas and allow up to two units on a lot zoned for single-family housing. For larger communities with designated growth areas, up to four units could be allowed. Local rules around setbacks, height and dimensional requirements would still have to be met for all projects.
These efforts are expected to increase the number of affordable units in the state of Maine, empowering Mainers to contribute solutions to the housing crisis in their own backyards. In addition, the bill would require the state to provide municipalities with grants and technical assistance as they revise zoning regulations for the modern day and update ordinances at the local level around important housing-related issues.
Supica is serving her first term in the Maine House of Representatives and represents District 126, part of Bangor. She sits on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Supica], c. 812-1111