More of this, please...! Though we need more AFFORDABLE HOUSING, not just "Market Rate".
Old #ShoppingPlazas could see new life as #housing in #Maine
With #VacantStorefronts becoming a common sight, municipalities are exploring redevelopment to meet growing housing needs.
Caroline LeCour
November 7, 2024
AUGUSTA, Maine — "On the hunt to create more housing stock in Maine, more municipalities are eyeing vacant retail #ShoppingMalls as the solution.
"After the former #KMart at the #AugustaPlaza closed its doors, many city leaders eyed the location for its potential.
"'The redevelopment of the K-Mart plaza has been a priority for the city and city council for over four years now,' Augusta Director of Economic Development Keith Luke said.
"Now, a new proposal is looking to re-develop the space into a hotel, retail space, and 60 market-rate apartments. Its something Luke says is needed in the city.
"'These are bringing quality market rate units to the city because we have a need in central Maine for housing at every level,' he said, 'It's hard not to envision it will be tremendously successful.'
"A similar proposal was approved in #KitteryMaine earlier this year, to re-develop the location of former outlet stores, partially into more than 100 apartments.
"To encourage this interest coming from municipalities, Republican Representative Richard Campbell introduced legislation last year to equip towns and cities when looking to re-zone from commercial to residential; something that can at times pose a challenge.
"'Most of the local zoning, residential is not allowed in those commercial zones,' Campbell said. 'What this does is encourages the towns to consider residential in the commercial, especially in the big box, mall zones.'
"Augusta's city council members are set to take up contract zoning requests for the Augusta Plaza proposal next week. City leaders hope to start construction next spring."
Read more:
https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/housing/old-shopping-plazas-could-see-new-life-housing-maine-augusta/97-c5f151c3-4513-4cd4-83ec-97207d416ea2
#MoreHousingLessMalls #AffordableHousing #MaineHousing #AugustaMaine
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