A unique workforce housing complex in Westbrook is underway, which will add 186 units to Maine’s overstressed housing market. Now, residents like police officers, teachers and nurses — who earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually — can qualify for workforce housing.

Residents who meet that criteria are in a tough spot. They can’t afford to buy and make too much to qualify for affordable housing, officials said.

Now, in the shadow of the Sappi Mill smokestacks, a new development for working-class families is being built on Seavey Street. The developer, New Ventures, LLC., said they are building a little bit of everything on this 3-acre parcel of land not far from Westbrook’s downtown.

Phase 1 will include mostly workforce housing with some market-rate units to help offset the costs.