I support the Soul of Portland referendum (Portland’s Question 2) to protect significant views and ensure a more informed rezoning process.
Some fear that it would halt development, unfairly burden those who own significant properties and restrict us all.
These fears are baseless. The referendum protects only views of significant regional importance and only after an involved process. It impacts just a small portion of the Portland Company site, leaving plenty of area for significant “development.” And it increases transparency and accountability in rezoning decisions.
If the current developer feels overly restricted by this measure, there are others who would surely take over, embrace these limits and perhaps preserve more of the history on this site.
My fear is what will happen if the referendum does NOT pass. Will we ask how we could have let this historic property be lost or buried? Let’s protect this iconic industrial village and these spectacular views.
Arthur Fink
Peaks Island
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