Rockland Council to Vote on Top Option for McLain Housing Project
- Brina Stairs
- May 6
- 5 min read
Updated: May 7
Developer Kevin Bunker said he will give the group of artists at neighboring Lincoln Street Center an opportunity to buy the building they occupy.
The Rockland City Council is expected to vote Monday, May 12, to give the option on the former McLain School to a joint venture by two housing developers with strong track records in the community.
Developers Collaborative and Lake City Holdings submitted a joint proposal that includes up to 44 units of affordable workforce housing for families. Developers Collaborative is the developer of the 49-unit Peasley Park apartments on Maverick Street in Rockland that is nearing completion. Lake City is the developer of the nine-unit Criehaven Lofts apartments above Loyal Biscuit on Main Street in Rockland.
This proposal also includes use of the adjacent Lincoln Street Center, which the developers have an option to buy.
Kevin Bunker, founder of Developers Collaborative, spoke before the City Council at its May 5 meeting. In response to concerns from artists who now lease space in the Lincoln Street Center, Bunker said he would give them an opportunity to raise money to buy the building. He said he went on a tour of the building May 5 with representatives of the artists and was impressed with what he saw — a vibrant arts center.
“It’s hard to say that the housing crisis is so extreme that we should eliminate the only artists’ studios,” Bunker said.
“If they are able to be successful, we will have artists’ space on the campus and residential,” he said.
The developer said the uncertainty of whether the artists group can raise the money will affect the number of residential units that will be built on the properties. He expects to submit a plan to the Rockland Planning Board in late spring or early summer so that approval is given before an application is submitted this fall with the state for funding.
The joint Collaborative/Lake City proposal would have the city sell the McLain School for $1. Bunker noted that the low acquisition price will give this project an advantage in the scoring system used by the state for funding. Bunker noted he will also be taking out a $10 million construction loan for the project.
“Our proposed concept will provide up to 44 units of much-needed affordable housing for Rockland families and individuals while preserving an important historic landmark in the heart of Rockland’s residential community,” the proposal states.
“We also can bring potential opportunities for campus synergy that no other developer can, because we are also working together on the adjacent school property at 24 Lincoln St. It is a proposed land contribution from that property that allows us to propose the density we are while still respecting the rhythm and scale of the neighborhood,” the proposal states. “Rockland isn’t just another city to us; it’s our home. We have strong ties to this community, and we care deeply about its future as we have shown with our current and previous projects.”
The proposal includes converting McLain Street into housing and building a new building to the rear west side of the McLain School.
“With the McLain School Project, we’re able to layer our technical expertise onto our local knowledge to meet a critical need for housing, all while respecting the history and fabric of this special neighborhood. The McLain School property is personal to us, and we hope to work alongside you to create a lasting affordable residential development that honors Rockland’s past, meets its present needs and strengthens its future,” the proposal states.
The units would not be age-restricted, ensuring a diverse, multi-generational community. All apartments will be income- and rent-restricted to households earning at or below 60% of the area’s median income, Developers Collaborative and Lake City states.
“Over the past several months, while we have had Lincoln Street Center under our control, we have come to recognize the importance of this resource for the community. During our planning process, we will endeavor to include creative space across the campus, wherever feasible. The grounds will be thoughtfully landscaped to promote year-round visual appeal, pedestrian connectivity between buildings and the rest of the neighborhood, and opportunities for resident interaction,” the developers stated.
There would be 44 units if the Lincoln Street Center is part of the project and 29 if not acquired.
The joint venture noted the nominal purchase price is an essential component for financing, which is designed to maximize their competitiveness in MaineHousing’s highly competitive 9% low-income housing tax credit program.
The proposed timeline is to have occupancy by May 2027.
The city determined that the joint venture was the best option of three proposals submitted and will take a formal vote May 12.
A few residents who live near the property voiced concerns about the size of the development. Patricia Horlacher asked whether there was sufficient parking. She noted there is a major development nearby on White Street. Stephen Manning also voiced concern about traffic and the lack of open, green space. Stephen Morrison said the neighborhood is on the cusp of changing from its current residential neighborhood feel with the major developments at White Street and the McLain School and Lincoln Center.
There were two other proposals submitted to the City Council for use of the McLain School.
Another proposal came from Joseph Steinberger which would have the city retain the property but convert it into a cooperative living center.
Under his proposal, the classrooms in the McLain School would have been converted to apartments, each with a kitchen and bathroom. The expansive hallways would be common spaces.
He estimated 40 people could live in the building. He said rent would be based on the cost of construction. He said the money would go for maintenance and operation of the building.
The third proposal was from LB Development Partners LLC, which called for renovating the McLain School and building a new building to the rear of McLain that would include a daycare facility. LB Development Partners is an affordable housing developer that works in partnership with nonprofits and municipalities to build projects that are responsive to community needs, the proposal states.
The LB proposal called for 24-30 two-bedroom or larger apartments.
Rockland would be co-owner under the LB proposal.
Read the article here at midcoastvillager.com.