Maine’s goal of building 84,000 housing units by 2030 might seem a stretch, but the good news is Maine is outpacing much of New England when it comes to housing growth.
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Even as we see projects slowed or stalled, the pace of development continues in Maine.
One place where there’s been significant development in the past several years is the Downs in Scarborough.
The redevelopment of the former Scarborough Downs racetrack presented an opportunity: The surrounding town of Scarborough had already seen significant development (it’s now the fastest growing town in Maine), but the Downs accelerated the growth.
There are already 700 new housing units (out of a projected 2,000), in addition to businesses ranging from Costco to Allagash Brewing to IDEXX Laboratories, which has a research center in the Innovation District. Companies in the Downs have created 1,500 permanent jobs.
To talk about the growth, Staff Writer Tina Fischer caught up with Roccy Risbara, whose firm led development of the Downs. It’s a wide-ranging interview and the first time Mainebiz readers have had a chance to hear Risbara’s views on the Downs and its economic impact. Risbara also addresses criticism of the Downs.
Elsewhere in the issue, Senior Writer Laurie Schreiber looks at a range of manufacturing sites that have grown or been built in recent years. As one business leader tells Laurie, “We’re looking to the future.”
“Contractors are under more pressure than ever to deliver projects faster and with less disruption,” says one CEO.
Maine’s goal of building 84,000 housing units by 2030 might seem a stretch, but the good news is Maine is outpacing much of New England when it comes to housing growth.
Measuring against New England states through the first five months of 2026, only Massachusetts recorded more building permits than Maine. After the Bay State (4,487) were Maine (2,723), Connecticut (2,083), New Hampshire (1,846), Rhode Island (917) and Vermont (610).
To talk about the growth, Staff Writer Tina Fischer caught up with Roccy Risbara, whose firm led development of the Downs. It’s a wide-ranging interview and the first time Mainebiz readers have had a chance to hear Risbara’s views on the Downs and its economic impact. Risbara also addresses criticism of the Downs.
Elsewhere in the issue, Senior Writer Laurie Schreiber looks at a range of manufacturing sites that have grown or been built in recent years. As one business leader tells Laurie, “We’re looking to the future.”
“Contractors are under more pressure than ever to deliver projects faster and with less disruption,” says one CEO.
Maine’s goal of building 84,000 housing units by 2030 might seem a stretch, but the good news is Maine is outpacing much of New England when it comes to housing growth.
Measuring against New England states through the first five months of 2026, only Massachusetts recorded more building permits than Maine. After the Bay State (4,487) were Maine (2,723), Connecticut (2,083), New Hampshire (1,846), Rhode Island (917) and Vermont (610).