PORTLAND – Maine’s first low-income housing for people who are visually impaired or blind is open for business.

The $5.5 million Iris Park Apartments featuring 30 independent-living units is billed as the second of its kind in the country. A formal grand-opening ceremony featuring former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell of Maine is scheduled for Friday.

The Iris Network spearheaded the Portland project to promote affordable housing for people with vision loss and to support independent living.

“I think everyone in the building is very happy with the new situation,” said John Lee, president of the Resident’s Council.

The Iris Network is a 101-year-old nonprofit that serves as a resource for people with vision loss by providing training, education and support so they attain independence and integration into the community.