As a longtime resident of the Belfort Street neighborhood in Portland, I’m writing regarding the proposed Belfort Landing development on Forest Avenue. I want to be clear: I am not opposed to new housing development in Portland. In fact, I consider myself a YIMBY (Yes in my backyard) advocate who believes in addressing our community’s housing needs.

However, responsible development must balance growth with neighborhood preservation and safety. The Belfort Landing project, as currently proposed, fails to achieve this balance.

My primary concerns are for the safety of the multitude of schoolkids and others who walk in this neighborhood. Belfort Street is a narrow residential road without any sidewalks. Its intersection at Forest Avenue has no signal. The development plan provides only 50 parking spaces despite housing potentially 100-plus vehicles, which will inevitably lead to overflow parking on Belfort Street where children walk to nearby Talbot Elementary School. It is a recipe for disaster.

According to Zillow, there are currently 198 rental units available in Portland. Our city doesn’t suffer from a housing shortage — it suffers from an affordable housing shortage. This development, which targets market-rate renters, does little to address our community’s true housing crisis.

I support thoughtful development that addresses Portland’s affordable housing needs while respecting neighborhood scale, enhancing safety, and improving infrastructure. I urge the Planning Board to require significant modifications to the Belfort Landing proposal before approval.

Let’s grow Portland responsibly, with development that truly serves our community’s needs.

Kate Keefer
Portland