OPINION | Lessard says a change is needed in Augusta

Veteran Biddeford City Councilor Marc Lessard explains why he is hoping to replace incumbent Marc Malon in the Maine House of Representatives

By MARC LESSARD | Biddeford

As we get deeper into the campaign season, we are starting to see the normal vague promises of helping voters. We need more affordable housing. I want to help with affordable housing. Blah, blah, blah.

As a departure from the normal, I will outline what I have spearheaded in our city over the past four years that have positively impacted housing. Ideas that have been instituted by the city. Walk the walk not just talk the talk.

First: DENSITY BONUSES allow property owners to add a dwelling to their property, so long as it is at least 80% of the median income for the municipality. The property owner would not be able to add a market rate unit. We are adding less than market rate for this housing! Bringing cost down for affordability!

Second: FRONTAGE DECREASES have allowed property owners with less than 200 feet of frontage to split the lot if they have 180 feet or more. This lowered the threshold for dividing lots and added density for additional housing.

Third: ACCESS STAIRWAYS are allowed within the property set back to access upper floors. An example would be adding stairs within the set back to allow access above a garage which adds a dwelling where one couldn’t be added before. Helps property owner and renter.

Fourth: BACK LOTS (Flag lots) allow a property with substantial depth but not enough frontage to access the back of the property to add housing. Great example on May Street that added two units.

The above examples allow you to see how creative thinking can help add housing, financially help the existing property owner who applies for one of the options and does not put the financial burden on the taxpayer.

If you want credible,
documented, out-of-the-box
thinking to help housing,
I can help.

Current programs in Augusta throw big money at big corporations which typically need municipal funding to make the project possible. In other words, it’s an additional tax increase for you, the taxpayer. You fund these great ideas!

If you want to continue funding housing that increases your taxes, I’m not your guy.

If you want credible, documented, out of the box thinking to help housing, I can help.

This is only one example of changing the way we do things in Augusta.

Do you want the same old, same old ideas that are just a rubber stamp to leadership, or do you want some creative solutions to our problems? The answer will help you decide who to vote for.

P.S. The biggest question I have received from voters I speak to is “I don’t want to vote for you to go to Augusta if you have to give up your Biddeford Council seat”. Rest assured, if elected, I will keep my Council seat as long as you will have me.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Marc Lessard is an at-large member of the Biddeford City Council. He is an unenrolled candidate for Biddeford’s District 133 seat in the Maine House of Representatives.

NOTE: The Biddeford Gazette has offered each local legislative candidate the opportunity to submit two columns between now and Election Day, Nov. 3. These will be published in the order they are received.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Biddeford Gazette, its staff, affiliates or sponsors. We encourage robust and diverse community conversations on topics related to the city of Biddeford. To submit your own letter or column, please CONTACT US

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