PORTLAND, Maine - More than 20 waterfront businesses gathered in Portland today to join the campaign against Question 2 on the municipal ballot next week. At issue is a proposal intended to protect some of Portland's most scenic viewpoints from runaway development.
Speaking on behalf of the Working Waterfront Coalition, business owner Patrick Arnold said Question 2 threatens the waterfront, which he described as Portland's greatest asset.
"In its attempt to preserve views of the working waterfront, the proposed ordinance puts the working waterfront at great risk by impeding our ability to make the investments and upgrades necessary to keep our waterfront working and viable," Arnold said.
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 views of citizens.