The picturesque town of Newry, Maine, home to the renowned Sunday River ski resort, has seen an extraordinary real estate boom in recent years. Once a quiet mountain community, it is now dominated by multi-million dollar vacation homes, often built on spec and snapped up by second-home buyers. This shift has brought both economic benefits and challenges, particularly for locals who find it increasingly difficult to afford housing in the area.

As someone building a home in Newry myself, I’ve witnessed firsthand the rapid transformation of this community. While the influx of investment has expanded the town’s tax base and contributed to development, it has also created affordability issues that threaten the long-term sustainability of neighboring towns like Bethel. That’s why I’m passionate about exploring ways to build affordable housing in Bethel, ensuring that local residents and workers can continue to be part of the community.

This Changing Face of Newry and Bethel

Newry’s real estate market has surged, with over a dozen homes currently listed at $1 million or more. The pandemic only accelerated this trend, pushing even modest homes into higher price brackets and attracting more short-term rental investors. The impact of this growth can be seen in multiple ways:

• Infrastructure Strains: Newry lacks zoning regulations, leading to unchecked development. This has put pressure on wastewater systems, emergency services, and local resources like the Bethel transfer station, which is now struggling with construction debris overflow.

• Short-Term Rental Concerns: Many homes are being purchased with rental income in mind, increasing transient populations and creating issues with parking, noise, and emergency calls. In response, the town is considering new rental regulations but has ruled out strict caps like those implemented in Bar Harbor and Kennebunkport.

• Housing Affordability Crisis: Perhaps the biggest challenge is the lack of affordable housing for year-round residents. With land prices soaring and high-end construction dominating the market, young people and local workers find it nearly impossible to buy a home in the area. “It’s sad,” said Newry’s town administrator, Loretta Powers. “My kids want to stay, but they can’t afford land.”

A Vision for Affordable Housing in Bethel

While the luxury home market continues to thrive, I believe we need to ensure that the people who work and live in these towns have a place to call home, too. That’s why I’m interested in developing affordable housing in Bethel, the neighboring town that serves as the heart of the local community. Bethel has already debated short-term rental caps, recognizing the need for balance, but long-term solutions are still needed.

Developing workforce and affordable housing in Bethel would help sustain the local economy by providing homes for teachers, service workers, and young families who want to stay in the area. It’s about creating a community where everyone—not just seasonal residents—can thrive.

Finding the Balance

Growth and development are inevitable, especially in a destination town like Newry. The challenge is finding ways to balance economic expansion with community sustainability. It’s not about stopping development but about making sure that as Newry and Bethel evolve, they remain places where both longtime residents and newcomers can live, work, and enjoy the beauty of Maine’s mountains.

The conversation is ongoing, and I look forward to being part of the solution. If we invest in smart, community-focused housing initiatives, we can preserve the small-town charm that makes this area so special while ensuring that it remains accessible to all.