Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1225698
7 W W W. M E R E D A .O R G We help businesses of all sizes and industries write their own success stories Talk to our team today to see how we can help you drive the success of your business and achieve your growth goals. Franchised Hotel $16,000,000 Acquisition Financing Apartment Complex $39,000,000 Construction & Permanent Financing Upscale Franchised Hotel $28,000,000 Construction & Permanent Financing Office Building & Parking Garage $17,000,000 Acquisition Financing Daryl Wentworth, SVP Director Middle Market Banking 207-771-1216 dwentworth@barharbor.bank Joe Delano, SVP Relationship Manager 207-771-1217 jdelano@barharbor.bank Sam McGee, SVP Relationship Manager 207-667-4927 smcgee@barharbor.bank Adam Robertson, SVP Relationship Manager 207-945-5244 arobertson@barharbor.bank Andrea Cianche e Maker speaks at MEREDA's 2020 Forecast Conference to expedite judicial reviews of municipal land use decisions. In the next session, MEREDA submitted and passed legislation simplifying local sub- division review of certain types of projects, removing the need for a duplicate state site plan review, where a host municipality already has a site plan review process in place. When interests align, MEREDA also regularly collaborates with other organiza- tions to help them achieve their priority policy agendas. MEREDA has been a stead- fast supporter of the Maine Historic Tax Credit, working with Maine Preservation, CEI, Greater Portland Landmarks, and GrowSmart Maine to secure continuation of this program. MEREDA is also supporting the recent efforts led by the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition to enact a Maine affordable housing tax credit — intended to increase development of much-needed affordable housing units. On the Lookout Though always proactive, MEREDA remains constantly vigilant in identifying and oppos- ing legislation that would be detrimental to the interests of Maine's real estate sector. Recently, MEREDA negotiated for more reasonable fee increases for the State Fire Marshal's plan review, and for the state's Voluntary Remedial Action Plan program, which enables beneficial reuse of formerly- contaminated properties. While these are good programs that deserve solid funding, MEREDA was able to contain the increases below the initial proposals. Every legislative session presents new opportunities and threats for the real estate and development community in Maine. The diversity and attention of its Public Policy Committee helps MEREDA to remain abreast of and engaged with legislative issues throughout the year. With a demonstrated policy track record, MEREDA members rest assured that they can count on the associa- tion to energetically advance and protect the interests of Maine's real estate sector at the Capitol in Augusta. e diversity and attention of the Public Policy Committee helps MEREDA to remain engaged.