PORTLAND, Maine — A coalition of labor organizations representing more than 4,000 working Maine people has voiced its opposition to a proposal aimed at limiting development in Portland.
Question 2 on this November's municipal ballot seeks to amend the current land use ordinance. Those in favor say the aim is to protect some of Portland's most distinctive scenic viewpoints from runaway development.
John Napolitano, president of the Maine State Building and Construction Trades Council, says passage of Question 2 would make it hard to find a job in Portland and afford to live in the city, and will create unreasonable hurdles for good projects.
"Our members are looking to come back here and work and build this community here and help these developers and build their projects," he says.
Question 2 supporters say it was drawn up out of concern that Portland councilors give developers too much of a free hand without listening to the concerns of the people.
Earlier this week, supporters of affordable housing joined with AARP officials and homeless advocates to voice their opposition to Portland's Question 2.
