Augusta, Maine, is Getting a Massive New Apartment Complex

Even though it has been an issue for years, the lack of available housing in Central Maine has become a critical problem in the last few years.

Rental units are hard to find, and the prices for those that are available have reached astronomical levels.

Sadly, it's not abnormal.  It is basic 'supply and demand'.  With fewer units available and the price of everything increasing, landlords can charge more.

There is a bright spot on the horizon, though.  It has been confirmed that Augusta will be getting a new apartment complex.

A new 260-unit apartment complex

According to an article in the KJ, on Tuesday, the Augusta Planning Board gave final approval for the construction of a massive apartment complex at the intersection of Eight Rod Road and Old Belgrade Road.

The complex, which will be built on land that was sold to the developers by the Calumet Club, will have 140 two-bedroom units and 120 one-bedrooms.  The facility will have a clubhouse, a pool, walking paths, and parking garages.

Some of the residents of the area have expressed concerns about the additional traffic.  One of the concerns was that there would be traffic backups in the morning and evening. The addition of 250 new rental units could result in 300 to 400 additional vehicles traveling through a sparsely-populated part of town.

However, Jim Coffin, an Augusta consultant who worked on the project, says that a study concluded the intersection could accommodate that amount of traffic.  He added that the intersection would be modified slightly as part of the project.

There is no word on when the first units will be ready for occupancy.

In addition to the Eight Rod Road development, Mastway Development is in the process of building an apartment complex on Western Avenue in Augusta.