Portland residents, please vote “no” on referendum questions A and B.

Increasing affordable housing is desirable, but blocking short-term rentals will result only in higher hotel rates, fewer tourists and reduced economic activity.

Our family of teachers purchased on Peaks Island in 1975 because it was affordable and near the ocean; we started renting part-time when taxes soared. Generations of families have shared our seasonal cottage for 35 years. They love Peaks as we do, respecting its tranquility and traditions.

Our guests spend freely at island businesses. Their rent makes it possible for us to pay our taxes and hire skilled islanders to maintain our property. Blocking short-term rentals would hurt island businesses, without adding to the affordable rental market. Our uninsulated cottage has no heat and no water October to April. Even if we wanted to rent year-round, we couldn’t afford the necessary retrofit.

Throttling short-term rentals will harm the islands, not create more housing.

Woodruff Halsey
Jamaica Plain, Mass.