Portland decides on waterfront moratorium

PORTLAND (WGME) – Portland city councilors voted to delay development along Commercial Street Monday night.

It's a move to address fears of fisherman working on the waterfront.

The city council wanted to hear from the public before they voted Monday night, but it was clear councilors stood together on this one, voting unanimously for the six-month moratorium.

Just about all residents at the meeting spoke in favor of the moratorium, but couldn’t resist expressing concerns and frustrations with the waterfront.

City Manager Jon Jennings says this moratorium pushes the pause button on development, allowing them the opportunity to work on ideas, meet the needs of current fishermen, their future generations and aging issues along Commercial Street.

Officials are calling this a win-win for opposing opinions, and most residents are looking forward to seeing the outcome.

“We are booming with balance,” City Councilor Belinda Ray said. “And if we lose that balance we lose a lot of what has brought so many of us to Portland and I think we know that and appreciate that.”

“Having the moratorium and really thinking big picture and long term, what the future of the Portland working waterfront looks like and bring all the people to the table, I think is really important for the for the future of the marine economy,” Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Dealers Association Annie Tselikis said.

This moratorium is active. Officials say they’ll be working with fishermen, pier and business owners throughout this entire process.