The city of Rockland has put out a request for proposals for the development of workforce housing in the former McLain School building.
This process adds to Rockland’s other initiatives to develop affordable and workforce housing, including considering a local bond to support its construction and hiring a consultant to help with the city’s housing crisis.
The school, which was built in 1896, served students until about 25 years ago. It then became administrative offices for Regional School Unit 13. In 2017, the district said it would give the property to the city, but then decided the district needed the building and the city failed to solidify plans for it.
In 2020, the city council amended the zoning of the building to allow re-use of the property as housing, according to a press release from the city. In 2021, the city council began talks to establish a timeline for acquiring the building.
The current RFP presents two properties — the former school building at 28 Lincoln St. and the adjoining vacant lot at 82 Summer St. — according to the press release.
“The McLain School Property provides a great opportunity for affordable workforce housing. Our businesses need workers, and those workers need access to housing they can afford,” said Community Development Director Julie Hashem.
Proposals are due to the city by April 18 at 10 a.m.
Jules Walkup is a Report for America corps member. Additional support for this reporting is provided by BDN readers.
