courtesy photo, SPHA
SOUTH PORTLAND — The South Portland Housing Authority, alongside nearly 100 attendees, marked the culmination of the Thornton Heights Commons project, a newly completed mixed-use development comprised of 42 units for both residential and commercial use.
Situated at 611 Main St. in South Portland, the celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 19. The housing authority provides quality, equal opportunity housing for low to moderate income, elderly, individuals with disabilities and families in need.
Governor Janet Mills, South Portland Mayor Kate Lewis, Maine Housing Executive Director Dan Brennan, and representatives for Sen. Susan Collins and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree joined the ribbon cutting ceremony for Thornton Heights Commons on Oct. 11. There were also Thornton Heights residents, employees, and neighbors of the South Portland Housing Authority in attendance.
Governor Janet Mills cuts the ribbon at the Thornton Heights opening ceremony. Mills lauded the project, which brings 42 units of housing to the city in a time where Maine is recognizing the growing need for affordable housing.” courtesy photo/ SPHA
“Thornton Heights Commons is a prime example of what smart growth looks like in greater Portland: affordability, walkability, diversity and accessibility,” said Michael Hulsey, executive director of the South Portland Housing Authority. “It redevelops a long-abandoned property into new residential and commercial spaces; creates additional, much-needed two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments; adds 33 units of safe, quality, stable subsidized housing restricted to those making sixty percent or less of the area median income; supports local businesses both on-property and in proximity; and creates new community gathering space to promote walkability and social interaction.”
Mills and other speakers highlighted the significance of forging new affordable housing solutions to address Maine’s housing scarcity. They shared personal reflections on the present and future impact of Thornton Heights Commons on the lives of residents, such as Sharaleigh Dufour.
Dufour, who found a home at Thornton Heights after years of homelessness, described the pivotal role it played in her journey to recovery from addiction. Now committed to assisting others as a recovery coach and advancing her career, she underscored the critical importance of housing initiatives like Thornton Heights. “These housing programs and support services provide hope for people to overcome addiction, secure employment, pursue education if they choose, and finally attain a place to call home,” Dufour said. “Recovery is possible, housing is attainable, and success is within reach.”
“Workforce housing in Cumberland County is a prime example of the public-private partnerships addressing Maine’s housing shortage,” Mills said. “Thornton Heights represents just one facet of this endeavor. With contributions from local, state, and federal sources, the South Portland Housing Authority has initiated the construction of over 250 units.”
Governor Janet Mills speaks about a recent report that found that Maine will need to add thousands of housing units in the near future to address the housing crisis, and that projects like Thornton Heights are prime examples of how the state is beginning to proactively address the issue. courtesy photo/ SPHA
The city of South Portland has invested considerable resources in enhancing the Main Street corridor surrounding 611 Main St. These improvements encompass the installation of new sidewalks, decorative lampposts, and banners, which serve as the foundation for promoting economic development in the vicinity. Thornton Heights Commons marks the first phase in harnessing the city’s efforts to spur additional economic activity and investments along Main Street.
Lewis, addressing the gathering, reflected, “We’ve transformed what was once an empty, enclosed structure into a space for our neighbors, colleagues, and friends to call home. One aspect I’ve come to admire about the South Portland Housing Authority is its dedication to providing housing for individuals already rooted in South Portland, who work and have children in our schools.”
In 2022, the Maine Real Estate and Development Association acknowledged Thornton Heights Commons as one of seven notable projects. The press release included details of the different projects, “There are other notable projects coming from the SPHA as well, like the Betsy Ross Commons expansion that is adding an additional 55 units to the property. Landry Woods, slated for an early 2025 opening, will bring another 44 units to the city, while the 60-unit Jocelyn Place is currently accepting applications.”
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