KENNEBUNK — In keeping with its stated mission, Habitat For Humanity may soon be building an affordable home in Kennebunk ”“ pending approval from voters.
Town Manager Barry Tibbetts said a Special Town Meeting would be required before the organization’s York County chapter would be allowed to erect the house. That’s because the land being considered for its location is owned by the town, and a town-wide vote would be necessary to donate the land to the nonprofit outfit, which supplies affordable homes for working, low-income families.
The parcel in question is the front lot of a tract of land on Cole Road, at the corner of Alfred Road, in front of the FAA Omni station in West Kennebunk.
“We believe this would be a wonderful location, as it is close to work opportunities along the Route 1 corridor,” said Stephen Bolton, executive director of Habitat For Humanity York County.
On Aug. 27, Bolton met with the three sitting members of the town’s affordable housing committee to discuss the possible land donation.
“After some discussion with (Bolton) about his various projects in York and Cumberland counties, the committee unanimously voted to recommend to the board of selectmen that the Town of Kennebunk should donate the subject property to Habitat For Humanity to construct a single family,” said Wayne Berry, affordable housing committee member, in an email to Tibbetts in September. “If there are any carrying costs that come with the property, I believe that Habitat can cover those.”
Habitat For Humanity York County is a community-level auxiliary of Habitat For Humanity International. Its website describes the organization as devoted to building “simple, decent and affordable” housing, as well as a self-described “Christian housing ministry.”
Its mission statement reads: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat For Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.”
— Staff Writer Jeff Lagasse can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 319 or jlagasse@journaltribune.com.
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