The Portland Planning Board is close to approving an “affordable housing” complex on city land targeted towards “diverse families and individuals” proposed by pro-immigrant non-profit ProsperityME.
[RELATED: Lewiston and Portland to Gain 129 Affordable Housing Units Thanks to $13M State Subsidy…]
“It helps our workforce to be able to stay here and to fulfill an important part in building the local economy,” said Portland Director of Housing and Economic Development Greg Watson, speaking with CBS13.
He also told the outlet that the Portland Planning Board is on the verge of approving the development, despite concerns from some residents that it will add further congestion to the already congested Brighton Avenue.
The housing project would aim to provide 100 units of “mixed income” housing, catering to households making between 30-80 percent of the local median income. It is set to be located on city land on the Barron Center campus at 1125 Brighton
Avenue.
ProsperityME announced the planned “Prosperity Place” project in May. It is set to be built in collaboration with Developers Collaborative.
The non-profit touted the project as a “BIPOC-led initiative.” (BIPOC is an acronym for Black, Indigenous and People of Color).
The development is set to provide intergenerational housing, immigrant focused programs, financial literacy, workforce training, and housing support.
Watson told CBS13 that developers expect to negotiate their lease of city land with the City Council at their August 11 meeting. If approved, the project would begin construction next summer with plans to open in fall 2027.
ProsperityME does not say that non-immigrants will be prohibited from living in the building, but the combination of providing immigrant programs and the mention of “diverse families and individuals” suggests that the housing complex is intended for use by immigrants.
CBS13’s report heavily implied that the project would prioritize immigrant residents.
“More affordable housing could be on the way in Portland. But this development would serve immigrant and refugee families,” said the outlet.
According to their most recent available Form 990 tax filings, ProsperityME received $3,601,260 in taxpayer-funded grants.
