I’m a retired senior living in North Anson. While I dearly love my home and plan to stay here a while longer, I know I am going to need a smaller place that is more affordable and easier to maintain as I prepare for my future years. I’ve begun looking into downsizing options and there is very little available and affordable. In many places waiting lists are so full they are not even taking names.

I understand this is true for people of a wide range of income levels. A friend living in southern Maine told me a small two-bedroom home a few doors down from her had two dozen offers, many over the asking price. It sold shortly after being listed. That means 23 families were turned away.

Maine needs innovative solutions that address the current housing crunch. L.D. 2003, passed successfully by the Legislature, will help alleviate Maine’s affordable housing crisis by creating new housing opportunities. It updates Maine’s zoning and land use laws to create more housing for more Mainers.

L.D. 2003 will provide a means for Mainers to have equitable access to innovative housing opportunities and less barriers to constructing the units we need.

Pam Partridge

North Anson