Uncontrolled development battered communities, prompting the state to enact the Growth Management Act of 1988. The law established the state Office of Comprehensive Planning and required towns to produce broad plans to address issues ranging from environmental preservation to economic development to affordable housing. But the building boom began to wither in 1989, and with it went much of the enthusiasm for growth management. That surge began in 1994, as southern Maine recovered from the recession of the early '90s. It hit full stride in 1996, and is maintaining its torrid pace this year.
Home construction reflects the region's economic health.
With unemployment and interest rates low, people who postponed buying homes during the recession are now diving into the real estate market. Home construction keeps the economy strong. But as development helps drive the economy, it brings pain to communities. The pain is minimal when homes are built in already developed areas. It is most severe when development comes in the form of sprawl.