Biddeford Vacancies

The Journal Tribune reports an apparent increase in abandoned and vacant rental properties in Biddeford.

Great Maine Forest Initiative

The Press Herald reports on a proposed State-Federal partnership to "use state and national resources to conserve vast tracts of forestland, maintaining them as natural habitat and for recreation and sustainable forestry."

Freeport Market Expansion

The Times Record reports that the Bow Street market is proposing an expansion that would include making the site mixed use.

Jordan's Meat Project Zoning Reversion

The Press Herald reports that the development group that is selling the former Jordan's Meats site in Portland has asked the city's Planning Board to repeal the contract zoning that would have allowed hotel and condominium development on the site. If the request is approved the site would revert to downtown business zone.

Volume up Value Down

The Bangor Daily News breaks down the Northern half of a reported 49% increase in home sales volume for November 2009 against 2008, coupled with a 5% drop in median sales price.

Meanwhile, national sales of new homes dropped 11% in the past month.

Convent Conversion

The Press Herald has a story on a developer's purchase of the Good Shepherd Sisters' convent in Saco, with plans to demolish the building and subdivide the property for 14 house lots.

Knightsville Rising

The Press Herald's story on the Knightsville neighborhood in South Portland suggests that the opening of the new Casco Bay Bridge killed commercial activity there, but doesn't suggest what's driving the reported rebirth.