AUGUSTA - The City of Portland and City of South Portland have each expressed support for a bill sponsored by Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, aimed at improving housing availability and affordability in Maine.
The Portland City Council's Legislative Committee endorsed LD 1337 in a letter addressed to the Legislature last week, while the South Portland City Council passed a resolution signifying support on Tuesday. As amended, the bill clarifies municipalities home rule authority to implement a vacancy impact fee on units not designated as primary residences. It also provides them with the flexibility to decide how the fee is structured and makes clear that revenues must be used for the purpose of housing availability and affordability.
"Maine is in the midst of a deepening housing crisis with many residents finding themselves unable to stay in or even find affordable housing," the Portland City Councils Legislative Committee wrote. "For that reason, we urge you to support the sponsors amendment to LD 1337. If passed, this bill would allow, but not require, communities to create ordinances to impose impact fees on short-term rentals and use that money to support affordable housing, either through subsidizing development of new affordable housing or by providing financial assistance to people struggling to afford their homes."
"Our housing crisis is worsening, and the impact vacant homes have on a community are not insignificant when looking at the big picture," said Kessler. "I am grateful for the support from the City of Portland and City of South Portland and look forward to working with my legislative colleagues to ensure the bill's passage this year."
Kessler is serving his second term in the Maine House and represents District 32, part of South Portland and part of Cape Elizabeth.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Kessler], c. 812-1111