PROP has added 9 condominium units to Westbrook’s historic Frenchtown neighborhood, to provide new home ownership opportunities. The revitalization includes substantial rehab of three adjacent apartment buildings, to be sold as owner-occupied multi-family apartments, and a children’s playground and green space.

For information about affordable home ownership opportunities through PROP call 874-1140, ext.329. For affordable rentals, call ext. 337.

PROP Responds to Affordable Housing Crisis

We have long been concerned about the inadequate supply of affordable housing in Cumberland County and Greater Portland, in particular. It was our concern that led us to enter the field of housing development nine years ago, and we have created many new rental units in Portland and Westbrook since that time. Now, with the most critical need ever for additional urban housing , we are involved in developing several innovative, low-impact projects. Our efforts will result in 52 new units of mixed income rental housing in the two cities by 2004, with another 19 units planned during 2005. The projects we are working on include:

• Scattered site in-fill housing: In partnership with the City of Portland, we are developing small lots within existing neighborhoods -- 1 to 4 buildings, depending on size of lot -- on the peninsula. We have added 12 3-bedroom apartments since 2002 and all are rented at this time.
• St. Dominic’s Project, Portland: We have received joint approval, with Portland West, to create 12 units of mixed income family rental housing in the former girls’ school adjacent to St. Dominic’s church. The Irish Heritage Center has taken on the role of preserving the church sanctuary as a community building and cultural center. The apartments are scheduled for February, 2004 completion.
• Parkside Neighborhood Center & Housing, Portland: We plan to break ground on this ambitious project at the corner of Mellen & Grant Streets in Spring, 2004. The housing portion will be 16 units of 2 and 3 bedroom rental housing in Maine's most densely populated neighborhood.
• Affordable owner occupied/rental housing, Westbrook: We have sold 7 of our Westbrook condominiums to first-time homeowners and another is ready for sale. Five more are in rehab. Target for completion: 2004.

The Need for Housing

• Maine has the seventh oldest housing stock in the country. 31% was built before 1939. We are last in the nation in apartment production.
• 48% of renters in Cumberland County live in Portland; the city has 17, 121 rental households. An estimated additional 4,500 to 6,500 units are needed in the Portland area.
• Greater Portland created 23,000 new jobs during the 1990s, yet only 3,000 new rentals.
• A family earning $35,000 a year can afford a home priced at around $100,000. The average selling price of a home in Portland is $147,321.
• Portland pays up to $25,000 per month to area motels to house the overflow of families for whom there is no room at city shelters.

Source: CITE Housing Committee, 2001 Our housing initiatives are moving forward thanks to the effort of staff and Board members on the Ad Hoc Housing Committee: Jeff Porter, Leo Hurtubise, Ed Suslovic, Larry Anton and Betsy Sawyer-Manter.

PROP's Parkside Project

Neighborhood Center & Affordable Housing

Partnerships to Celebrate

Communities Promoting Health