In addition to being a member of the Harpswell Housing Committee and a member of the original Affordable Housing Working Group, I am also an architect. When I moved to Orr’s Island 16 years ago and wanted to get involved, I became a volunteer emergency medical technician and joined the Harpswell Aging at Home repairs team. These two volunteer organizations allowed me to see firsthand the needs of our older population as we aided them during critical times or worked to make their homes warmer, safer and drier!
As an architect, I come to the housing problem from a slightly different perspective. When I look at older homes, I see the potential to convert them into duplexes with a separate, accessible living area for the homeowners on the first floor and a second-level rental apartment.
This could give the homeowners not only income but also someone who might help with maintenance and chores, or be there in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a modification of the home or the addition of an accessory dwelling unit, this could be a win-win for the homeowner and start Harpswell on the road to providing needed attainable housing.
Harpswell has an urgent need to develop moderately priced housing for the many that work and provide services here. I’d hate to see us lose any of the existing housing stock that, with some creative reworking, might allow our older residents to “age in place” and provide someone who otherwise couldn’t afford it a home in our community!
The comprehensive plan, with its section on housing, is a document that charts a path toward providing desperately needed housing. I urge you to seriously consider voting yes!
Steve Normand, Orr’s Island
