MAINE PUBLIC • April 17, 2023
Auburn's planning board and city council will meet Tuesday to discuss controversial zoning changes that could pave the way for more development. Mayor Jason Levesque wants to build over 2,000 new housing units. But strong opposition could stand in the way. The proposal would strip income requirements from agricultural zones. Those require that at least a third of a resident's income be derived from farming in order to build on a parcel of land. Housing is also allowed there for those making 30% of the city's median income. Removing the income requirements could open up thousands of acres of land for housing development. Scott Barry, who sells real estate, argues those interested in preserving land should approach owners to put it into a trust, and that solar arrays are the bigger threat to farmland.