Kevin Bunker, of Developers Collaborative, is Seeking Approval from the City for a New Location at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway on June 12, 2023.

A request by Kevin Bunker, of Developers Collaborative, to approve a contract for a new shelter for asylum seekers currently housed at the PortlandEXPO is on the agenda for the Monday, June 12, 2023 city council meeting according to a memorandum.  The proposed location is at 166 Riverside Industrial Parkway.

In a memorandum dated June 6, 2023, details of the proposed new shelter agreement are outlined. ..  The building will be owned by DC Blueberry LLC (Kevin Bunker) and managed by DC Management LLC.  The city and Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition will act as the service provider for the operation of the shelter. The project will be funded by a $4,596,160 grant from the Maine State Housing Authority.  The memorandum states tht the expenses to purchase, renovate, furnish and operate the building for the 3 year term of the agreement will be paid for by the developer, Kevin Bunker.

If approved by the city council on Monday, June 12, this property will replace the Blueberry Road location that was previously expected to house the roughly 300 new Mainers housed at the PortlandEXPO – sometime this summer.

At the end of 18 months, Maine Immigrants Rights’ Coalition will take over the residence.  Five afffirmative votes are required for passage by the city council following public comment.