The Department of Agriculture says it’s clearing a backlog of 400 foreclosures and more than 800 delinquencies left by the Biden administration. But local housing advocates say the crisis was years in the making and that the USDA has always been slow to act when its borrowers default.
affordable housing
Waterville land trust renovates duplex to sell as affordable housing
The old house at 3 Carrean St. is the third one the Waterville Community Land Trust has bought and fixed up in the city’s South End over the last nine years to sell to low- and moderate-income buyers.
Maine lawmakers still betting on accessory dwelling units to help end housing crisis
Following the passage of a landmark law in 2022, a bill seeks to further encourage the construction of small housing units also known as in-law suites.
Maine takes first step toward more accurately tracking efforts to resolve housing crisis
A bill to require Maine cities and towns to report annual home construction data is headed for the House — but without bipartisan support or a mandate that all municipalities participate.
Gardiner breaks ground on 32-unit affordable housing project
The Iron Heights development is the latest in a string of affordable housing projects spearheaded by Mastway Development’s Matt Morrill.
Maine lawmakers consider raising taxes on home sales over $1M
A bill would increase the real estate transfer tax on some of the state’s most expensive properties to fund affordable housing initiatives. But it would also give some tax relief to first-time home buyers.
Mobile homeowners back bill to help them fight sales to investors
Maine lawmakers are weighing several bills designed to protect mobile homeowners, including one that would give residents the right of first refusal if their park comes up for sale.
Commissioners get early view of housing expansion in Waterville
When allocating nearly $24 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, the Kennebec County commissioners included affordable housing in Kennebec County, including Manor Gardens.
Maine mobile home owners are pushing back against private investors
Residents are buying their parks and proposing rent control ordinances to fend off cost increases that have been introduced after parks have sold to capital equity firms.
What 4 Maine mobile home residents say about park ownership
Residents of four mobile home parks share how they fought private investors — with varying degrees of success.