The Center is working with three towns in western Maine to identify “code repair strategies” related to building and development that could help address a shortage of available middle-income housing.  

The towns of Bethel, Greenwood, and Woodstock are collaborating with Principle Planning to produce case studies of desirable housing development scenarios; test those scenarios against existing building and development ordinances; and recommend strategies to repair codes and reduce barriers to development of quality middle-income housing. 

Like many Northern Forest communities, the Mahoosuc region is facing pressure from second home buyers and conversion of permanent residences into short-term vacation rentals. This project is part of the Mahoosuc Way sustainable tourism initiative – a collaborative effort to manage the impacts of a robust outdoor recreation tourism economy on local community and environmental resources.