January 3: Early plans for South Portland shipyard redevelopment draw opposition 

PK Realty Management plans to seek a zoning change next to Bug Light Park in South Portland. The zoning change would allow for the “construction of four 18-story buildings overlooking Portland Harbor and Casco Bay.” A rezoning proposal isn’t expected to be submitted to the city until later this month. 

Read the full article here. 

January 4: Council tables new zoning in South Gorham 

On Tuesday evening, the Gorham Town Council unanimously tabled new zoning plans proposed for South Gorham. The proposed zoning changes would have allowed for the addition of multi-family housing and commercial construction while excluding single-family homes. 

Read the full article here. 

January 4: Emergency rent relief unpaid for some approved clients after program ends 

A local social service agency, The Opportunity Alliance, cited a lack of funding as they notified individuals that they would not be able to process rental assistance applications. The Opportunity Alliance informed previously approved individuals that they “will no longer receive the money they expected” for emergency rental assistance. 

Read the full article here. 

January 4: How Rent Control Ballot Measures Are Mounting 

In 2022, 19 states introduced rent control legislation. As rent regulations mount, Jim Lapides, vice president of advocacy and strategic communications at the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), notes “rent regulations can make the affected areas less attractive for development and investment.” 

Read the full article here.