Scarborough housing committee backs exploring housing on Tibbetts Road town land

Scarborough's Housing Alliance met Sept. 23 and voted to explore subdividing part of the town-owned Tibbetts Road property for future housing, while the rest of the parcel would go to the Scarborough Land Trust for conservation. The committee also heard that a state grant for a town housing assessment is expected to be awarded in October, and discussed whether the town can give local residents preference for new affordable units.

Key points

• The committee voted to consider subdividing a portion of the Tibbetts Road town property for future housing development, described as affordable or workforce housing. Bill Shanahan made the motion and it carried with no opposition stated.
• Steve Zamorowski said the town expects to learn in October whether it will receive a state service provider grant, applied for through the Greater Portland Council of Governments, to fund a housing assessment. He said the process is not competitive and he expects funding.
• Zamorowski said the town's affordable housing initiative fund now holds about $900,000 after adding roughly $100,000.
• Bill Shanahan raised a concern that the town cannot give local residents preference for affordable or workforce housing, and members discussed seeking an explanation for residents or lobbying for changes.
• Zamorowski reported that The Downs has returned to a residential focus with a proposal for 27 lots, 24 of them single family, and that the Town Council is advancing a ban on data centers with strong support.
• No members of the public spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.

Next steps

• Zamorowski will raise the Tibbetts Road housing concept with the land board and plans to speak with Andrew ahead of the meeting so the Land Trust is not blindsided.
• The committee will revisit the Tibbetts Road property and the housing assessment at its next meeting.
• Members plan to research local preference rules for affordable housing, possibly consulting attorneys or housing practitioners, and consider an education piece for residents.

Read the full transcript