Chris Marshall

GreenMars development recently received approvals to build an 87-unit apartment building on an empty lot at 221 Congress St., in the East End. But company principal Chris Marshall told Mainebiz the project is sidelined until the city alters the Inclusionary Zoning fee, or if there are subsidies that could help make the project an affordable build.

Maine’s modular construction industry, considered essential to helping meet the state’s critical housing needs, hit a regulatory roadblock this month in the Legislature, with the failure of LD 2229.

Maine’s modular construction industry hit a regulatory roadblock this month, which is expected to derail hundreds of planned housing units. A temporary funding allocation may rescue a handful of projects.

GreenMars is developing a 130-unit condominium project in Portland that will offer buyers the option of also purchasing an attached accessory dwelling unit to generate rental income.

A new pocket community of 21 affordable condominiums are priced well below the average home price for the region. The standalone condos at Wilbur’s Woods are listed at $325,000 for households that earn less than $105,360 annually.

The subject was ‘The Housing Crisis: Can we Crack the Code?’ which featured industry experts from architects and municipal and regional planners to developers, builders and bankers. 

There are a number of neighborhoods being built around the state which represent a twist on the condominium concept; where homeowners share the development’s property — but not walls — with neighbors. Residents enjoy the convenience of a traditional HOA, with a bit more privacy.