Ellsworth council authorizes application for state DEC infrastructure grant to support 36‑unit workforce housing project

The Ellsworth City Council voted to authorize submission of an application to DEC for a public infrastructure grant to support a proposed 36‑unit workforce housing development, city staff said.

Twila, the city’s economic development director, told council members the application would seek grant funds to pay public infrastructure costs the project’s budget could not cover; she said the developer will provide the required matching funds and that the grant "does not um use any taxpayer money at all and the developer is putting forth the match." Twila said the units would be for sale, not rental, with 19 units deed‑restricted at 80% of area median income (AMI) or less, four units restricted at 120% AMI or less, and 13 sold at market rate.

Supporters on the council said the project would add year‑round residents, help local employers and schools, and broaden housing options. "This really allows us to have, you know, help our businesses and have workforce here," one councilor said, urging the city to be creative in supporting developments that provide housing for local workers.

At the same time, several councilors and a public commenter warned the city to proceed carefully because accepting a road after it is built to public standards can create long‑term maintenance obligations. Gordon Workman, a resident who spoke during public comment, said he was concerned the city could end up "owning this road" and should "slow down and really think this through," citing the town’s limited tax base and ongoing maintenance costs.

John De, chair of the planning board, said the planning board had reviewed the project and reiterated that if a roadway is accepted as public the city would assume maintenance and plowing responsibilities. De and others characterized the project’s total construction value in the planning record as roughly $10–15 million; the developer later said current construction estimates are about $15 million and that earlier assessor conversations indicated an assessed value just under $10 million.

Developer Dan Black, joining by video, said his company would oversee construction and provide funds outside the grant if needed to complete the infrastructure work. He confirmed the developer’s intent to build the road to public standards so it could be presented later for the city’s formal acceptance: "upon completion it would come back before the council for the acceptance of the public road," he said.

Councillors debated whether approving the application would treat this developer differently from others seeking permits; one councilor said they supported the project but opposed unequal treatment, while others said the developer was taking a financial trade‑off to provide deed‑restricted for‑sale housing. Councilors also noted the application step does not, by itself, obligate municipal funds.

A motion "to authorize application to DEC for the public infrastructure grant regarding the [BLSAV/BZAV] housing project" was moved and seconded; the council approved the motion by voice vote. The transcript records the voice vote and the chair’s announcement that the motion passed but does not provide a roll‑call tally.

Next steps identified in the discussion include submitting the grant application to DEC for review, completing related permitting and planning work, and returning to the council if the developer seeks formal acceptance of any newly built public way. The council adjourned following the vote.