Avesta Housing celebrated the grand opening of Meadowview II, a new affordable housing development for people ages 55 and older in Gray, on Oct. 8. An expansion of Avesta’s Meadowview campus, Meadowview II provides 26 one-and two-bedroom apartments for lower-income older adults.
Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins served as the keynote speaker and emcee. Guest speakers included Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland), state Rep. Anne Graham (D-North Yarmouth) and Gray Town Councilor Anne Gass. WNC & Associates sponsored the event.
“We need housing everywhere in all shapes and sizes, and it’s incumbent upon all of our communities to take a role in that,” said Pierce, whose Senate district includes Gray. “I couldn’t be more proud of one of my communities for standing up, doing something, and getting something built. … It makes me really excited for the future.”
Norma, 82, one of the first residents to move into Meadowview II after it opened in February, spoke about how Avesta provided her with a safe, quality, affordable place to live near her family when she could no longer afford the rent on her apartment in Westbrook.
“I feel very fortunate to be here,” Norma said. “Please keep investing in Avesta.”
PHOTOS: Top: Avesta Housing President & CEO Jennifer Hawkins addresses the audience during the Oct. 8 grand opening celebration of Meadowview II, a new affordable housing development for older adults in Gray, Maine. Inset: Exterior view of Meadowview II.