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Just got word that the Appropriations Committee of the Maine Legislature has approved two bills: 

LD 742 extends the sunset on the Historic Preservation Tax Credit by ten years, to 2023.  This means the great work accomplished across Maine can continue, as historic buildings are renovated for reinvigorated re-use!  This is great news for Maine's downtowns and our economy, given the jobs created and the quality places brought back to life.

On June 7, 2011 the Standish Town Council adopted the extensive Standish Corner District Form-Based Codes -- an essential step to stimulate a future vibrant town center, and a first in Maine.

You've heard from us quite a bit over the last few weeks because we know you care about the things that matter most to Maine. Your help this Legislative Session has been crucial in passing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit extension, in stopping the return of billboards to our highways and just today, the Maine Senate enacted LD 1253, which greatly improves the existing uniform building code.

In wildness is the preservation of the world.

- Henry David Thoreau

On May 12, we sent you a letter informing you on the various bills before the Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry Committee that would abolish Maine's Land Use Regulation Commission (LURC). That letter is included below. Today, we want to alert you to the latest developments as we work together to prevent the elimination of LURC.

This week, the future of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) is at stake. MUBEC will be the focus of debate and votes in the House and Senate, as two very different bills move forward.

-Nancy E. Smith, Executive Director

I attended the Maine Real Estate and Developers Association’s (MEREDA) spring conference last week to see what I could learn about how the Mega Trends of global population growth will impact living, working, and building in Maine. MEREDA focused on commercial real estate, and I attended with an eye towards smart growth.

Deeryards matter to Maine. A favorite memory of my time as a forester for International Paper occurred one winter day when I was cruising timber in T1R6. I came upon an active deeryard, where nearly 40 deer were quietly “grazing” the area. To see them literally took my breath away! One of my favorite stories comes from my son Jon, and his Opening Day buck, shot while Jon stood on one foot because his other leg was shaking with so much adrenaline! Whether for hunting or visual enjoyment, deer are a part of Maine, and make no mistake, they are an important part of the Maine economy as well.

From the perspective of sustainable economic development and the need to preserve the unique natural resource of the North Woods and other parts of the Unorganized Territories, GrowSmart Maine believes that abolishing LURC will actually result in a significant long term setback to the northern Maine economy and a real threat to the overall sustainability of the natural resources of the North Woods that are such an important part of Maine’s overall economy and quality of place.

From the perspective of sustainable economic development and the need to preserve the unique natural resource of the North Woods and other parts of the Unorganized Territories, GrowSmart Maine believes that abolishing LURC will actually result in a significant long term setback to the northern Maine economy and a real threat to the overall sustainability of the natural resources of the North Woods that are such an important part of Maine’s overall economy and quality of place.