For decades, Southern Maine towns have been planning for growth, setting aside designated areas meant to accommodate new development in ways that respect and protect each town’s unique character. Now, just as this long-desired growth is beginning to take shape, some towns are considering measures to slow or restrict development in these very areas. This approach risks undermining the housing options our communities need—especially workforce housing, which provides local, affordable options for essential workers like teachers, healthcare professionals, and first responders.
As a developer focused on workforce housing, I believe that responsible growth within these designated areas is essential. Growth zones aren’t just about containing expansion; they are about thoughtful, planned development that supports a town’s evolving needs while preserving the aspects that make each community special.
The Purpose of Designated Growth Areas
Growth zones in Southern Maine were created to enable towns to meet housing demand, create jobs, and support economic development in a way that enhances local character rather than detracting from it. Concentrating development in these areas allows towns to welcome new residents and expand housing and infrastructure without impacting the qualities that define their character—whether that’s a sense of rural openness, historic charm, or a close-knit community feel.
Restricting development in growth zones now goes against this long-term vision, potentially halting projects that have been thoughtfully designed to complement and support the town’s goals.
The Need for Workforce Housing
Workforce housing is critical for the vitality and resilience of our communities. It provides market-rate, affordable options for essential workers—those who serve our community in healthcare, education, public safety, hospitality, and more. By enabling these individuals to live within the communities they serve, workforce housing strengthens community bonds, reduces strain on local infrastructure, and ensures that people have the opportunity to live and work in the same area.
Slowing down development in designated growth areas can make it harder for these workers to find housing options that fit their needs and budgets. Projects like mine, designed for growth zones, address this need directly by expanding housing options for the local workforce in a way that aligns with the town’s vision for managed, responsible growth.
Supporting Thoughtful Development and Town Character
The solution isn’t to halt growth in these designated areas; it’s to continue supporting responsible development that respects and reinforces each town’s character while meeting its housing and economic needs. When towns support projects in growth zones, they allow the creation of housing, infrastructure improvements, and job opportunities in a focused, well-planned way. In my own project, for instance, we’ve collaborated with other developers to enhance connectivity, ensuring that our development not only meets housing needs but also contributes to the local infrastructure and benefits the entire community.
A Path Forward for Southern Maine’s Growth Areas
Growth zones were established to guide development in a way that supports each town’s long-term vision. Slowing down or restricting this growth now could mean missing out on housing options that benefit our workforce, strengthen our economy, and enhance town character.
For Southern Maine towns, the time to act on this planned, carefully considered growth is now. By embracing development in growth areas, we can provide workforce housing that supports a vibrant, resilient, and welcoming future for our communities.
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