CUMBERLAND — An assisted living community for those with memory impairment is due to open next year on U.S. Route 1, next to Norton Financial.

FMC Development of South Portland is developing the project. It will be about 8,600 square feet and will have 12 residential units, plus common space, according to Lynn Peel, the company’s manager.

The Planning Board approved the project site plan last month. The Town Council on April 11 approved a credit enhancement agreement that will reimburse half the facility’s taxes for the first 20 years, or up to $500,000, whichever comes first.

“We’re very excited to have them here in Cumberland,” Town Manager Bill Shane said in an interview April 14. 

This will be FMC’s first memory care facility, Peel said.

“We thought it was a great spot for families, because it’s very close to Portland, and all the medical treatments that somebody in that point in their life might need and want, but also kind of set out in the country as well,” she said.

Walking paths and a memory garden will be part of the facility, where staff be sufficient “so that people can be one-on-one,” Peel said. “It’ll be like a big house, versus a small facility.”

“What’s nice about this (project) is that it gives you that ‘home’ feeling, and not an institutional feeling,” Shane said. “… It’s a nice amenity to have for seniors, and I think we’re going to see more of these in the future.”

Peel said construction will begin by June, and operations are expected to begin early next year.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net. Follow him on Twitter: @learics.

An assisted living facility for those with impaired memories will be built next year on U.S. Route 1 in Cumberland, just north of Norton Financial.

Copy the Story Link