Augusta, Maine Development News
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Augusta City Council Meeting
Published: Jul 23, 2026
City Council Considers Land Use Ordinance Amendments for Subdivisions and ADUs
Director of Development Services, Matt Nasar, presented proposed amendments to Augusta's land use ordinances concerning subdivisions and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These changes are required to comply with updated state laws by July 1, 2027. Key changes include increasing the threshold for subdivision review from fewer than three divisions to fewer than five divisions of a property, which will facilitate duplex development. The allowance for ADUs will now apply to any property with a residential unit, expanding from properties with one, two, or three units. Additionally, the distinction between major and minor subdivisions will be combined into a single definition to simplify the process. The Planning Board unanimously recommended these amendments.
Opioid Settlement Funds Task Force Recommends Allocation of $239,700
The Opioid Settlement Funds Task Force (OSFTF) presented its recommendations for allocating $400,000 in settlement funds. The task force reviewed eight applications across three tiers: up to $10,000 (Tier 3), up to $25,000 (Tier 2), and up to $50,000 (Tier 1). Three applications received unanimous recommendations for funding totaling $125,000: United Community Living Center (UCLC) Tier 2 for supplies ($25,000), UCLC Tier 1 for building expansion (kitchen, bathrooms, laundry) ($50,000), and the Teen Center Tier 1 for a teen community coordinator position ($50,000). Three applications received partial support with varying voting margins, totaling $114,700: ZISC Recovery Partners (Tier 2 for welcome bags, $14,700), ZISC Recovery Partners (Tier 1 for a van, $50,000), and Housing for Good Company (Tier 1 for a detox center, $50,000). Two applications were not recommended for funding. Council discussed the nuances of each recommendation, including the appropriateness of fund usage, budget details, and potential precedents.
Ranked Choice Voting Public Hearing Requested by Advocates
Cormac Manning and Ted Campbell requested the City Council hold a public hearing on ranked choice voting (RCV) for Augusta's municipal elections. They clarified their request was for a hearing to gather information and hear various perspectives, not to vote on RCV itself. They believe this process might involve a charter amendment and that a formal vote to hold the hearing is necessary. They suggested holding the hearing later in August and noted that state law allows seven days after the hearing for the council to decide whether to proceed further. Councilors expressed concerns about the formality of a public hearing versus a workshop and the potential misperception that the council is already in favor of RCV. There was discussion regarding the interpretation of state statute on when a public hearing is appropriate in the RCV process.
RFP for Low-Barrier Shelter Development Presented for Council Review
Director of Community Services, Earl Kingsbury, presented a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a low-barrier shelter. The RFP aims to solicit bids from organizations to operate a safe shelter, reduce unsheltered homelessness, increase housing placements, improve community health and safety, and coordinate services. Key project goals include assisting clients with income and benefits and improving quality of life. The RFP includes specifications for admission requirements and aims to follow best practices and task force recommendations. Council members provided feedback, suggesting changes to wording like 'should' to 'will' or 'shall' in facility and staffing requirements. Discussion also covered potential city property offerings, financial assistance for applicants (e.g., $25,000 from reserve funds, potentially opioid settlement funds), and data collection on bed availability. The RFP will be finalized with addendums regarding the shelter ordinance, potential funding sources, and property transfer methods, and will be presented to the council for approval on August 6th.
Water Street Ordinance Changes Proposed to Maintain Commercial Vitality
Matt Nasar, Director of Development Services, presented proposed ordinance changes for the first floor of buildings fronting Water Street in the KBD1 zoning district. These changes aim to maintain a vibrant commercial streetscape by requiring non-residential uses within the first 30 feet of building depth from Water Street. Residential use will be permitted on the back half of first floors and all upper floors. This modification applies to the section of Water Street from the Commercial Street intersection (railroad trestle overpass) south to Rines Hill. The Planning Board unanimously recommended these changes, and there was no opposition at the board level. The proposed changes would also repeal the 180-day moratorium that was previously in place for this district.
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