Simmons: Housing would leave room for other uses

Sun, 08/04/2024 - 8:45am

SUSAN JOHNS

File photo

A letter is coming Lincoln County’s way asking that Wiscasset be considered for a grant town officials said could lay the groundwork for developers to build and own housing off Old Ferry Road. Seeking the letter of intent for a grant request, Wiscasset Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky told selectmen July 30, having over 100 new housing units could dramatically impact the local marketplace.

Selectmen supported the letter’s submission 5-0. They stressed the funding would not put Wiscasset on a path to being a landlord; instead, the town would request developers’ proposals. And before that step are others, starting with pursuing the grant that will help determine what would work on that acreage Maine Yankee once owned.

Some towns go as far as getting a would-be project permit-ready, Chrostowsky said.

That really attracts developers, Selectman James Andretta said.

On a question from State Rep. and past selectman Ed Polewarczyk, Simmons said the about 300 acres are not all being eyed for housing. “We’re talking about using a portion of it. It’s a multi-use thing. So there would be those (other) opportunities ...”

Chrostowsky reiterated his recent statement that the development would try to incorporate several parcels where businesses in clean energy and technology could go. And Selectmen’s Chair Sarah Whitfield, chair of the town’s comprehensive plan committee, said the look at this land would hopefully dovetail with the new comp plan.

Chrostowsky said the town’s request should definitely qualify for one of the grants the county is looking to award from the $1.5 million left from its American Rescue Plan Act funds. Wiscasset’s grant could go to analyzing the site and doing some design work, he said.

“I think you can easily put 110 (housing) units (there), if it was designed properly. That’s why it is really imperative to have a consultant come in and help us with that ... We need to find out what the lay of the land is, and what could be built on the land ...”

Chrostowsky said affordable housing in this case does not mean affordable for those on lower incomes only; the main push would be for workforce housing, including for local or other government workers, Simmons and Chrostowsky said. That could be “people with a middle class income, who need a house,” Chrostowsky said.