Mainebiz

V O L . X X X I N O. X I I I J U N E 1 6 , 2 0 2 5 12 L E W I S T O N / A U B U R N / W E S T E R N M A I N E F O C U S A ndroscoggin County's two largest cities are experiencing a housing shortage similar to every other major employment center in the state, due to escalating construction costs and erratic economic policy com- ing out of Washington. We recently talked with city planners, housing advocates and developers in both cities to learn how they're manag- ing the challenge. Glen Holmes, Auburn's director of business and community development, says that the shortage is not related to city policies, zoning or land availability. "Auburn has plenty of land and it is affordable, so that is not an issue. It's the economy and the uncertainty in the world. We've seen a slow down in new projects even in the last five months," he says. David Hediger, Auburn's director of planning and permitting, says that "developers want certainty." And while some municipalities in the state have constricted development with cumber- some approvals processes, Hediger says that's not the case in Auburn. "Zoning isn't the main barrier," he says. "Construction costs and taxes are also a concern. We're open for develop- ment. We've already made changes to zoning to allow for more units, and eased requirements for setbacks and parking. "It only takes 30 to 90 days for approvals in Auburn, so that process is not a big deterrent to development. Auburn is very easy to work with." Holmes adds: "Two years ago, in the month of May, we issued more building permits than Portland had in an entire year." In Lewiston, Nate Libby, director of economic and community devel- opment, says Auburn's sister city is equally pro-development. "We are hungry for investment and very motivated to get to yes," he says. Libby represented Lewiston for 10 years in the state Legislature and was instrumental in shaping historic tax credit policy. Having also grown up in Skowhegan and graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, he understands some of Maine's challenges. "e housing market is tight," he says. "We see 20 to 40 applications for every apartment listing." Long commutes e squeeze has resulted in roughly half of workers in both cities commut- ing close to two hours daily from their homes in more rural areas where the market can be slightly less restricted and housing is more affordable. P H O T O / T I N A F I S C H E R R E N D E R I N G / C O U R T E S Y D E V E L O P E R S C O L L A BO R AT I V E Auburn has been selected as one of five sites across Maine to host a Housing First project to house chronically homeless individuals. The complex will provide 24/7 onsite support services to residents. Great Falls Construction is building 18 market-rate apartments at 186 Main St. in Auburn. The building will also have two ground-floor commercial spots, one of which is being marketed as potential restaurant space. Despite escalating costs, development continues as L/A addresses housing shortage Lewiston _ Auburn punches above its weight B y T i n a F i s c h e r

• Cover