AUGUSTA, Maine- Augusta is tackling its pressing need for affordable housing with a new initiative focused on senior citizens.
According to CBS 13, the Augusta Housing Authority is leading the effort with plans for a 34-unit apartment building located behind Malta Street. This development aims to cater specifically to seniors on fixed incomes, offering apartments at affordable rates estimated to range between $900 and $1,000 per month. These units will be reserved for seniors earning 60% or less of the area’s median income.
The project comes in response to Augusta’s severe affordable housing shortage, particularly for seniors. With vacancy rates near zero percent, the demand for affordable senior housing is critical. City officials and the Augusta Housing Authority cite a city-commissioned study from 2021, which revealed a need for over 800 affordable housing units in the area, with a significant portion designated for seniors seeking downsizing opportunities.
Funding for the Malta Street project, totaling approximately $20 million from the state’s supplemental budget, represents a substantial commitment to addressing Augusta’s housing challenges. This financial support is expected to fund additional projects in the near future, strengthening the city’s affordable housing inventory.
Looking ahead, Augusta officials are also exploring the redevelopment potential of the former police station on Union Street as another route to expand affordable housing options within the city.
While the 34-unit development on Malta Street marks progress, it showcases the ongoing need for further initiatives and funding sources to fully meet the housing needs of Augusta’s senior population as well as the state of Maine.
