Of the homes sold in 2021, only 17% of homes were affordable to a household earning the study area median income. The 2021 study area median sale price was $380,000, which would require a household income of $100,000 to afford.
Within the study area, there are approximately 285 households that spend more than 30% of their income on housing. We estimate that at least 10% of these households would consider relocating to workforce housing units if provided.
Out of the 1,100 workers that commute to jobs in the local area, 36% of those workers commute more than 25 miles to work in the area.
A study completed by Camoin Associates in 2021 estimated that there is a need for between 100–300 year-round workforce housing units in the Carrabassett River Valley.
WMMH’s first project of 54 units will not satisfy the need for workforce housing in our region. Although no other projects are currently in the planning stage, WMMH hopes to build more workforce housing in the future.
WMMH is building a beautiful, safe and convenient neighborhood in the mountains of Western Maine from where individuals and families can enjoy the many amenities of the region. Anticipating an active group of renters and owners WMMH has provided for a storage building for bikes, kayaks and other “toys” for the apartments and duplexes. The single-family homes will have room for a garage and an outbuilding for storage
We are still working to finalize the monthly rent for phase 1 units. Our goal will be to keep the rents affordable and to be competitive in the local market for similar units.
Phase 1 will include a 14 unit apartment building with studios and 1 and 2 bedroom units. For these units, household income may not exceed 120% of the Franklin County Average Median Income (AMI). This number changes annually. In 2026 the maximum income an individual could earn would be $77,196. For a family of four the maximum income would be $110,280. As with any rental unit prospective tenants will need to provide references.
WMMH has not yet established the qualification requirements for Phase 2.
The housing is being built for individuals and families earning less than 120% of the average median income for Franklin County with an emphasis on workforce.
On an 18.6-acre parcel generously donated by Weyerhaeuser Corporation and located approximately a mile north of the Sugarloaf access road on the slopes of Crocker Mountain.
WMMH greatest asset is its 12-member Board of Directors. This group is composed of people with strong ties to the region who have a deep concern that the people working in our communities cannot afford to live here.
John Beaupre, a longtime business owner in Carrabassett Valley (CV) and a Selectboard member for 24 years is Board President. Paul Peck, Vice President, is an attorney and housing developer who built the Timbers development; Tom Hildreth, former owner of Carrabassett Coffee, is the treasurer. Other Board members include Barb Larson of Mountainside Realty; Tim Gerencer, a CV resident and Planning Board member; Dave Cota, former CV Town Manager; Ryan Reed, a Freeman Township resident who at the time he volunteered was struggling to find housing and remain in the region; Tim O’Neil, a respected housing developer from the Portland area; Mike Lassel, former owner of Lassel Architects; Charles Woodworth, Executive Director of Franklin County Economic Development; Jed Whiting General Manager of Stratton Lumber, and Lloyd Cuttler, CV Select Board member and longtime CV business owner.
Day-to-day activities are coordinated by Mark Green, its part-time Executive Director.
The current Bigelow Hill concept plan envisions 54 units: two 14-unit apartment buildings plus 12 single-family homes and 7 duplexes.
We plan to build the project in phases. Phase 1 will include the first 14-unit apartment building and the road, sewer and water for the entire development. We hope to begin construction of this phase in 2027 if we are able to raise the funds needed. Phase 1 will be ready for occupancy approximately 9 months after construction begins.
Phase 2 of the project will be a second 14-unit building; 12 single family homes; and 7 duplexes. Construction of this phase will begin once funding is secured. Total development of the site will take 3-5 years.
WMMH has received two grants totaling $2.5M. The first is a Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Grant of $1.5M which will be used to help fund the first 14 unit building. The second is a $1M grant from the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) which will be used to fund the road and sewer.
The project will rely heavily on fundraising. WMMH is now preparing a plan for a fundraising campaign which will begin in the fall of 2026.
Other funding includes appropriations from the Town of CV from their TIF fund (currently $140,000), individual donations from our Board of Directors ($21,000), a $79,000 grant from the Betterment Foundation, and the sale of single-family homes and duplexes at prices affordable to working people.
WMMH’s early funding came from the Towns of Eustis/Stratton, Coplin Plantation, Kingfield, Carrabassett Valley, and Franklin County.
Philanthropy (fundraising), TIF revenues, and public/private financing, grants/endowments.
WMMH (Western Maine Mountain Housing) is a nonprofit, volunteer organization formed to create permanently affordable, year-round workforce housing in western Maine, particularly for the communities of Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, Eustis/Stratton, Wyman and Coplin Plantation.