The Seattle-based company also has provided an $800,000 loan to Coastal Enterprises Inc. of Wiscasset to help build the affordable housing, Ron Phillips, CEI’s president, said Friday. CEI is a nonprofit community development institution.

"We have people who work for us that have had problems finding affordable houses," said Luke Muzzy, Plum Creek’s senior land asset manager in Maine. "This is indicative of the need of the area. We wanted to be able to help address that need."

The 25 acres and $800,000 loan represent the first phase of a two-phase investment in the region proposed by the company, Muzzy said.

If Plum Creek’s plan to develop 975 lots and two resorts on land it owns in the region is approved, the company has agreed to donate another 75 acres and give CEI a loan of $950,000 to construct additional housing near Greenville, Jackman and Rockwood.

"CEI welcomes Plum Creek’s support for its mission to help build economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential," Phillips said.

While the proposed affordable-housing project is still subject to market feasibility, there are indications of the need, Phillips said. He cited a study by the Maine State Housing Authority and a report by Greenville Town Manager John Simko that related to the future sustainability of Greenville as a traditional community.

The timber company and CEI officials are determining the appropriate location for the housing, according to Phillips. The goal in the first phase is to build up to 30 houses for low- to moderate-income families. Families would secure loans from their local banks, then take over the ownership of the homes, he said.

Muzzy said he envisions the 25 acres would be split between acreage in Greenville and Rockwood.
"This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the Saturday, November 04, 2006 edition of the Bangor Daily NEWS and is used here with permission."