Bill to convert York County courthouses into housing clears the Legislature [Video]

AUGUSTA — A bill that would allow three currently vacant district courthouses, in York, Sanford and Biddeford, to be repurposed into housing cleared the Maine Legislature and has gone to Gov. Janet Mills.

The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, on Mills’ behalf, passed the Senate on Wednesday. Mills has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.

Under Maine law, the Maine State Housing Authority has first dibs on purchasing a state property that is deemed “surplus,” but must first defer to the local public housing authority if the community is served by one. In this case, they are.

“It’s a win-win-win,” Gere said in an emailed statement. “The housing authorities can cost-effectively renovate these ideally located buildings, the communities and residents benefit from much-needed affordable housing, and the state is able to move these properties off …