With over 1 million new square feet of industrial and retail space in development throughout Auburn, the city’s mayor, Jason Levesque, on Tuesday said he’s looking for the addition of 2,000 market-rate homes there over the next five to seven years.
During his biennial “state of the city” address, Levesque said Auburn is already seeing development that includes a new Target store and a Chipotle restaurant on Center Street, the Holy Donut shop on Minot Avenue, expansion and hiring at other companies, and record growth in home building and rehabilitation.
“You can’t miss the transformation when you drive around town these days,” he said.
In addition, the city completed a new Anniversary Park in New Auburn Village Center, the riverfront area between Mill and Broad streets.
“While we have accomplished so much, much remains to be done,” he continued. “We still have problems within our city; from generational poverty, to food insecurity, to a lack of affordable and equitable housing, to an above-average property tax rate.”
The most efficient solution to the problems, he said, is to promote growth and allow for more investment, specifically in terms of the construction and sale of more market-rate homes.
“And when I say more, I mean about 2,000 more homes, over the next five to seven years,” he said.
Auburn’s population is around 24,000, spread out over nearly 70 square miles — bigger than the combined land area of Portland, South Portland, Westbrook and Cape Elizabeth, he noted.
About half of the city’s land is undeveloped or under-developed.
“We have the space, the perfect location within the state, and the infrastructure to comfortably handle an additional 2,000 new market-rate homes,” he continued.
The city also has the infrastructure and public safety staff to handle an influx of residents, he said.
The new homes, he said, would result in several advantages:
• Taxes would go down by approximately 20%.
• New industry and commerce would locate in Auburn, further enhancing quality of life and decreasing reliance on residential property taxes.
• Existing businesses would have more employees and customers.
He continued, “My promise to those looking to invest in Auburn: Come here with an open mind. Know that you will find willing and welcoming partners at city hall.”
Surging development and a desire to lure more businesses and residents to Auburn are drivers behind a reinvigorated economic development focus, which included restructuring the city’s economic development department last fall.
The new structure is intended to help streamline development projects.