By David Nosnik, Vice Chair Sustainability Committee with contributions from Paul Breen, Secretary Sustainability Committee.
Ogunquit, our beautiful place by the sea, renowned for its scenic beauty and vibrant tourism, faces a pressing housing challenge. With over 70% of its housing stock classified as vacant due to seasonal use, the town struggles to provide affordable, year-round housing for its residents and workforce . As housing costs soar and availability dwindles, innovative solutions are imperative. See maine.gov
The Promise of Modular Construction
As originally reported by fox23maine.com modular homes, constructed off-site and assembled on location, offer a promising avenue to address housing shortages efficiently and sustainably. These homes can be built faster and often at a lower cost than traditional construction methods. In Maine, companies like KBS Builders have been instrumental in producing high-quality modular homes, although regulatory hurdles have limited their full potential .
Success Stories in Maine
Other Maine communities have begun to embrace modular housing as a viable solution. For instance, a recent project in Yarmouth saw the swift approval and planned construction of 18 affordable modular apartments, demonstrating the feasibility and community support for such initiatives . These developments not only provide much-needed housing but also stimulate local economies and offer sustainable living options. See more information at mainebiz.biz
Applying Lessons to Ogunquit
Given Ogunquit’s unique challenges, including a high percentage of seasonal homes and limited year-round housing, modular construction could be a strategic solution. By adopting modular housing, Ogunquit can quickly expand its housing stock, offer affordable options to residents, and maintain the town’s aesthetic and environmental standards.
Moving Forward
To implement modular housing effectively, Ogunquit must address existing regulatory barriers and collaborate with stakeholders, including developers, residents, and policymakers. By learning from other Maine communities and leveraging the benefits of modular construction, Ogunquit can take significant strides toward resolving its housing crisis and ensuring a sustainable future for all its residents.
For more information on modular housing solutions and their impact in Maine, visit News Center Maine.
Picture credit: Riverside Homes, Inc at Creative Commons
