MAINE PUBLIC • October 4, 2024
A statewide land bank that's intended to help communities revitalize blighted properties is officially up and running. The Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority launched Friday with its first project in East Millinocket. The land bank, which the Legislature created two years ago, is intended to help communities repurpose old mills and former commercial and residential properties into productive use. Tuck O'Brien, the land bank's first executive director, said Maine Redevelopment will work with all-volunteer group that has been trying to revitalize the former Great Northern Paper Mill as its first project. The town had purchased the property back in 2020, and a number of projects have been proposed for the 215-acre site.