Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 15 A U G U S T 1 9 , 2 0 2 4 G R E AT E R B A N G O R / N O R T H E R N M A I N E "I'm not some big-time developer," the former professional basketball player says during an interview in the living room of one of the model units, all of which have open-floor plans. "I've lived in Bangor my entire adult life and I want what's good for Bangor." Some residents didn't believe that at first, putting up signs reading "No to Development" and "Who is making Hell 4 Us" with a drawing of Satan's red face. While she laughs about it now, Ellis believes that not-in-my-backyard voices may prompt other developers to stay outside of Bangor and look at neigh- boring towns. at's putting greater pressure on local organizations includ- ing BangorHousing and Penquis to do more; both have senior housing projects in the works. Senior housing in focus BangorHousing, a quasi-governmental agency that provides living space for low- to moderate-income households, has a portfolio of 846 affordable and market rate apartments in 11 develop- ments throughout Bangor. e agency also administers the federal Housing Choice Voucher program in Bangor and four surrounding towns. New properties include Blueberry Ridge, an affordable housing develop- ment for residents age 55 and older that opened in October 2023. Since January, all 32 units have been occupied. e apartments, just under 600 square feet, cost $969 per month to rent, including free Wi-Fi, coin-oper- ated washers and driers, a community room and full-time maintenance staff. Eligibility to live there requires hav- ing an income that does not exceed 60% of the area gross median income — which translates into $39,780 for one person or $45,420 for two people Two other projects in the works, called Sunridge Senior Housing and Sunridge Senior Housing II, will add another 100 affordable housing units for the same demographic, with construc- tion on the first communities to start this fall and the application on the sec- ond due in September. By adding more senior housing, "it really enables older persons to move into a smaller space and have amenities they wouldn't have if they owned a home," says Cindy Witas, BangorHousing's development director. at, in turn, frees up homes for younger buyers to pur- chase and rentals for others. "We really feel like when we house an older person that had previously been a homeowner, it's allowing three families to move forward," she notes. With 567 units of public housing in need of renovations that will have to be done in stages, BangorHousing is in discussions with MaineHousing on how to structure those projects. e agency is also using $2 million in federal funds to turn its adminis- tration building into an Opportunity Center to house the agency's resident services. e facility will also offer training and education to people who live in public housing, and day care provided by the Boys and Girls Club of Bangor. By opening educational opportunities for parents, the long- term goal is to help move families out of poverty. "Providing housing is so much more for us than providing physical space," Witas underscores. "BangorHousing wants to provide a home that allows people to live their best life." Building senior housing is also a priority for Penquis, a Bangor-based nonprofit agency with 40 units under construction on the Milford Street Extension north of downtown. Known as Milford Place, the com- plex will consist of a three-story building on nearly two acres of one-bedroom units ranging from 675 to 700 square feet each. Penquis is working on the project with TAC Architectural Group Inc. and Dunbar & Brown Construction, both of which are based in Bangor. Using the University of Maine's 3D printing technology, Penquis also intends to construct a whole neigh- borhood of nine bio-based 3D homes funded with federal money. Penquis plans to submit a site application for the plan in the next few weeks. Once the agency gets the green light, the homes can be built "in as little as a couple of days," says Jason Bird, Penquis's housing development director. "is has a tremendous opportunity to produce housing faster and cheaper that's still quality and adaptable." 'Dance of efficiency' Back at the Maine Woods Townhomes, dwellings are filling up almost as fast as they're going up. "We've got the dance of efficiency going right now, where as soon as we've got a frame, we've got the plumbing and the electric being done," Ellis reports. "As soon as they're done, the insula- tor comes in," she says. "As soon as he's done, we've got the sheet rocker in there. As soon as he's out, we've got the painter in there … e efficiency allows you to make it affordable — you're not waiting three months for the painter to show up. We've done this for a long while, so we've got built-in relationships with really good contractors. When we call, they show up." Expecting this development to be her last, she says, "I've made my investment in Bangor, and I think Bangor will see the fruits of that investment for many years to come." Renee Cordes, Mainebiz senior writer, can be reached at rcordes @ mainebiz.biz C O U N S E L O R S A T L A W r u d m a n w i n c h e l l . c o m BANGOR 84 Harlow St. (207) 947.4501 ELLSWORTH 140 High St. (207) 374.5833 At Rudman Winchell, we understand the challenges you face, whether it's navigating complex business regulations, resolving disputes, managing employment issues, or planning your family's future. Our friendly and approachable attorneys are here to guide you through these critical moments with expertise and care. Discover Neighborly Legal Support, Rooted in Maine Experience Down-to-Earth Legal Solutions with Warmth and Care Embrace the charm and expertise of Maine's Trusted Advisors. P H O T O / J I M N E U G E R Emily Ellis, developer of Maine Woods Townhomes, shows a model dwelling at 21 Wildwood Drive. We've got the dance of efficiency going on right now. — Emily Ellis Maine Woods Townhomes F O C U S

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