What’s happening with Home Start’s project at 18 Central Ave?

On January 19, 2024, the dumpsters were in place, ready to begin the first stage of demolition of our affordable housing project at 18 Central Avenue as soon as the City conveyed the property to Home Start.

At the last minute, however, we received some surprising - and challenging – news that forced the closing to be put on hold After a unanimous US Supreme Court ruling last year, the Maine Legislature amended state law to say former owners of property taken for unpaid taxes now must be given the opportunity to request that the property be sold on the open market. If the former owners make such a request, cities and towns must pay them whatever funds are left over after the delinquent taxes and costs of selling the property are deducted.

Prior to this Supreme Court ruling, the City was set to follow the longstanding Maine practice of selling tax-acquired property for the amount of back taxes and related costs. This often allowed non-profits like Home Start the opportunity to buy land that otherwise would be too pricey.

Ten days ago, the former owners of 18 Central Avenue requested that this market sale process be followed. We expect the property will be listed within the next week. While Home Start is disappointed that it will likely have to pay considerably more to acquire the property, our Board is hopeful Home Start will be the ultimate purchaser.

Any buyer of this property will face practical issues, including hazardous waste removal and the high cost of building on the island.  After more than two years working on this project, Home Start has mapped a plan to deal with those costly problems. For that reason, we’re optimistic that Home Start will be able to purchase the property for a reasonable sum and move ahead with our original plan to build three units of year-round affordable rental housing, so desperately needed on Peaks.

No one saw this obstacle in the path, but Home Start is undaunted.  A generous Island benefactor has stepped up to offer substantial financial help with purchasing the property. We would be so grateful if others would donate as well. Please contact any Board member if you can help in any way.

We truly appreciate the support of the Peaks community and certainly will keep you posted once we know the listing price and determine our purchase strategies.

The Home Start Board, 21 March 2024