Communities for Maine’s Future Q & A
Prepared by the Downtown Coalition, April 2009
For more information, contact Maggie Drummond: mdrummond@growsmartmaine.org
What does LD 775 propose?
LD 775 proposes a $27 Million bond with two separate but complimentary components: $25 Million for competitive grants to municipalities for downtown and village center revitalization projects through the Communities for Maine’s Future Program (CMF), and $2 Million to establish an Endangered Buildings Revolving Fund to acquire and resell historic properties in danger of demolition. CMF would be housed at the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Revolving Fund would be housed at the Historic Preservation Commission.
Is this a new program?
No. We have had the Municipal Investment Trust Fund in place for many years; this proposal changes the name of that program and expands the number and type of communities who can apply. The significant change is in the process, with the addition of the independent review panel and competitive scoring process so that the best proposals are funded.
Who can apply?
Municipalities are the applicants and projects must have a public purpose. However, CMF encourages collaboration with private sector and non profit partners through the scoring process. In addition, project proposals should be part of an overall revitalization or economic development strategy and not simply stand-alone projects.
What types of projects can be funded?
The program provides flexibility because the needs of every community are different. Projects must be focused around a community center, whether that’s a historic downtown, village center or Main Street. The scoring criteria require the review panel to evaluate the value of the project in terms of economic development, downtown revitalization, historic preservation, tourism development, sustainable development, degree of collaboration, and more.
Who is on the Review Panel?
The review panel is made up of the Agency Heads of DECD, State Planning Office, and the Historic Preservation Commission. Four public members with expertise in downtown revitalization, economic development, historic preservation, and tourism promotion & development are appointed by the Legislature.
How does the Revolving Fund work?
The Historic Preservation Commission evaluates endangered historic buildings, which must be listed in the National Register of Historic Places, for feasibility, marketability and local, state or national historic value. For priority properties, the Commission partners with qualified non profits to acquire the property, or in most cases an option on the building. The partner organization then works to resell the property with an easement or covenant in place. Upon resale, the proceeds replenish the Revolving Fund and the building is rehabilitated and put back in use.
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