If you think about what make Maine such a special place, you probably think of our coast, the mountains, the North Maine Woods and our lakes and streams. You also probably think of our traditional town centers and farms.
Those are places where more people used to live than do today. Farm homesteads often had multiple generations living together, under one roof or more. Our downtowns often had apartments upstairs, and the traditional triple-deckers in mill towns were generally homes to three families of Maine workers.
These places we love are often illegal under current zoning ordinances and building codes. A column published by this newspaper Sunday reminded me that we need to preserve what makes Maine such a great place (“Maine Voices: Calls for aggressive housing development miss bigger picture,” Oct. 15). What the author misses is that, without allowing for additional housing options – ones that Maine’s communities traditionally allowed – we will lose those people and institutions that do so.
We may also actually drift farther into a pattern of sprawl that can be avoided by proactively planning to meet our housing needs.
There’s little doubt that Maine is struggling with housing costs and availability. People who want to stay here often can’t find a place to live that they can afford on their salaries. Potential new residents may choose somewhere else to live because it’s so hard to find good homes right now.
While it may not take a big study to tell us that, the recent state report helps us identify the specifics of that challenge, so we can plan for solutions.
On the other hand, unrestrained development challenges Maine’s character. Our farms and forests are threatened by many things. One of the largest challenges is the ongoing sprawl of single-family homes on large lots that current zoning often encourages. This land-use pattern adds to long car trips and social isolation, at a time when we can afford little of either.
The best way to address this development pattern is to plan more homes in our traditional downtowns, as well as in newly designated areas that will become new downtowns. Communities should be proactive in their responses to the housing challenge, outlining the way in which they want to legalize the types of housing that Mainers used to live in.
Some may say the solution is to stop welcoming new residents to the state. Even if that were possible, discouraging new residents is bad for Maine. People who want to come to Maine will contribute to the state’s economy and institutions. Pulling up the drawbridge is not the solution. In addition, unless you are Wabanaki, your ancestors likely moved here at some point.
Addressing the housing challenge – while preserving community character – is not a pipe dream. It’s smart growth. Everyone who is interested in these issues should get involved in local and regional planning efforts, as well as with Maine’s great nonprofits working in this area. Take GrowSmart Maine, a statewide organization that works on these issues in all our communities. It welcomes new members to access our resources to help plan for an affordable and sustainable future. Its annual summit will be in Waterville on Oct. 19, with a focus on “Creating Places for Connecting People.” Both in-person and virtual options are available for attendees.
We can provide both a range of housing options and preserve Maine’s character. Without planning for more housing, we risk being left with a shell of a state – attractive for tourists and the independently wealthy, but devoid of the range of people that are also a key part of our character.
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