PORTLAND (AP) — Residents of Maine’s largest city will vote in November on whether to enact a city ordinance to preserve views of the harbor in a referendum that could derail a waterfront redevelopment effort.
The Portland Press Herald reports that a group called Save the Soul of Portland spurred the referendum question by handing in 2,500 voter signatures in July. The group is opposed to early concepts for redevelopment of the 10- acre Portland Co. site and the possibility of multistory condominiums. Developer CPB2 hasn’t yet released exact plans for the site.
The City Council unanimously voted in favor of the referendum on Monday night.
Supporters of the referendum say it is also about a larger trend of rapid development in Portland.
The developer says it has followed the city’s zoning rules.
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less