Commission approves CAPER and HOME‑ARP funding plan; public raises concerns about Preble Chapel

Cumberland County commissioners unanimously authorized submission of the 2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and approved a set of HOME‑ARP project recommendations on motions made and seconded during the Sept. meeting.

The CAPER and a short presentation on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) outcomes were delivered by Courtney Kemp, identified in the meeting as CDBG manager. Kemp outlined program year 2024 accomplishments, saying the county’s allocation “was just over 1,500,000.0” and summarizing how CDBG and related HOME funds were used on home repair, food pantry support, domestic violence services and infrastructure projects.

The CAPER and the HOME‑ARP allocation matter were presented as routine program administration. “This comes around every year. This is not a new item for us,” Commissioner James said before the vote, and commissioners subsequently voted “Aye” with unanimous approval.

Kemp reported program highlights: 12 homes repaired through Habitat for Humanity, 258 families served by the Bridgeton Food Pantry in July–August (with staff noting full‑year counts would likely be higher), 289 victims of domestic violence served, 275 weekly meal deliveries to seniors through Southern Maine Agency on Aging, 52 families assisted to move into or retain permanent housing, and 101 adults attending digital literacy and other education workshops. Kemp also described construction projects finished during the year, including street and park improvements in Bridgeton and Standish, and upgrades at the Yarmouth Community Center.

On HOME‑ARP funding, Kemp outlined development requests and supportive‑services proposals submitted to the county and the City of Portland consortium. She said the county’s current HOME allocation for development was $2,041,266 and that total development requests totaled roughly $1.4 million, leaving “about 612,000” remaining. Specific requests included $950,000 for Hallmark to support 60 affordable rental units (including 10 set aside for HOME‑ARP qualifying populations) and $479,000 for Greater Portland Family Promise for a two‑family rehab for transitional housing. Supportive‑services requests included a recommended $350,000 for Preble Street case management and client assistance and a request near $471,000 for recovery coaching and navigation services; commissioners approved the recommended allocations unanimously.

During the public comment period that the board opened on the HOME presentation, resident George Roe urged the county not to support a proposal he said would demolish a 175‑year‑old neighborhood landmark, the Preble Chapel. Roe said the chapel “has been an incubator for progressive social causes since its beginning” and asked commissioners “not to join the Chapel Killer Club.” He also asked the board to provide background on the approvals and to coordinate with the City of Portland’s historic‑preservation bodies. Commissioner Glenn responded that the city has more permitting authority and said staff would check in with City of Portland staff, and the board noted there would be another public hearing on the item next month.

Why it matters: CAPER and HOME allocations direct federal housing and community development funds that pay for home repairs, shelters, supportive services and public‑facility upgrades in Cumberland County. Public concerns raised about the Preble Chapel tie federal funding and local permitting to neighborhood preservation questions and underscore the limits of county authority when city permitting is involved.

Action and next steps: The CAPER will be submitted to HUD as authorized. Commissioners approved the HOME‑ARP funding recommendations and left about $612,000 in the development pot pending further applications; staff said the county would revisit moving funds into supportive services if unmet development needs remain. The board scheduled additional hearings and follow‑up to gather city historic‑preservation input and more background for the public.