Jack Soley

From modular construction to opportunity zones to a formula to make it affordable to build middle-income housing, private developers are finding ways to build much-needed affordable and workforce housing.

Construction projects are in full swing, even going into winter, with projects in the residential, education and restaurant fields underway.

The block lease will rented at rates affordable for students and will help accommodate growth of the student population at the University of New England's Portland campus.

The units will be sold at market rates and the revenue generated by the project will be put into workforce housing development.

Avesta Housing this week dedicated Village Commons, a Scarborough affordable housing site with 31 homes designated for tenants ages 55 and older.