I write in opposition to Question B in the upcoming Portland election.

While Question B’s stated purpose is to address the housing shortage, it goes too far in eliminating short-term rentals on the islands. By banning these rentals, mostly made up of seasonal cottages, it will not add a single home to the housing inventory. The passage of the referendum will only hurt seasonal homeowners and businesses that rely on these rentals for survival.

After two years of a global pandemic, this referendum will serve as another barrier to small businesses’ success. It is easy to blame the housing shortage problem on short-term rental owners when lack of housing has been brewing for a decade. Instead of prioritizing affordable housing, city officials have sat back while wealthy developers build luxury condominiums.

If you are upset about the lack of housing, vote out city officials who have allowed the crisis to get to this breaking point.

Brendan Donahue
Peaks Island