Affordable Housing Development - 145 Eastman Lane

The City of Auburn, Maine, is seeking concept proposals for the development of affordable housing on the city-owned lot at 145 Eastman Lane. This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been refined to align with new state laws regarding housing and has adjusted the low-income definition for homebuyers to include up to 150% of Area Median Family Income (AMFI). The city is prepared to enter into an agreement with a development partner to finalize design, financial plans, schedules, ownership approaches, and land use strategies, and to pursue necessary permits for construction. Key clarifications have been provided regarding zoning and density. The first Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) will not be included in density calculations. If the parcel is included in the Growth Area, base residential density may be calculated at 20,000 square feet per dwelling unit. A density multiplier of 2.5 may apply for affordable housing projects after the adoption of the Draft Comprehensive Plan, contingent on its adoption and the effective date of LD 2173 (July 1, 2027). The site requires private water and wastewater systems as it lacks public access. The city is open to considering creative financing approaches, such as discounted land sales and tax increment financing (TIF). Proposals will be evaluated based on maximizing affordable housing development, proposer experience, capability, capacity, and experience with municipal land development.