Portland’s Libbytown neighborhood is on the verge of reshaping with the arrival of Dougherty Commons. This unique housing project, approved by the Portland Planning Board in 2022, offers a blend of affordability and community empowerment through a cooperative model.
Dougherty Commons will offer approximately 120 housing units with over half earmarked for households earning 60 percent or below the area median income. This project addresses the pressing issue of housing affordability in Portland, catering to diverse income levels within the community.
The project is a joint effort between the Szanton Company and Maine Cooperative Development Partners. A five-story, multi-unit apartment building at 57 Douglass St. will feature 46 affordable workforce housing units and additional units available at market rates.
The project offers one-bedroom units at around $1,200 for affordable housing and approximately $1,500 for market-rate units. Flexibility is built into the project, allowing for the conversion of market-rate units into affordable ones as construction costs evolve and tax credits become available.
Dougherty Commons boasts the cooperative housing model. Residents are not just tenants; they are owners and managers, fostering a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. This approach opens the door to permanent affordable housing for those who would otherwise struggle to meet market rates.
The project will feature 78 parking spaces, but this has sparked discussions about its environmental impact. Some argue that parking can encourage car usage and create dead spaces within the community. Balancing convenience with environmental responsibility is an ongoing dialogue.
Dougherty Commons will attempt to transform Portland’s housing landscape. Alongside its sister project at Lambert Woods in North Deering, construction may start by late 2023, with both projects potentially completed by 2025. These developments represent a significant step towards addressing housing, affordability, and empowering communities through cooperative living.