Sometimes the Policy Backfires!

Portland is in desperate need of affordable housing and we can just take a look at what what " predicted" and what actually has come to fruition.

FROM THE PORTLAND PRESS HERALD OCTOBER 5 2020

The Maine Affordable Housing Coalition said Monday that it will oppose the “Green New Deal” referendum on the Portland ballot in next month’s election.

The proposal, which would impose strict environmental standards on new housing projects that receive government aid, would be detrimental to the city’s affordable housing efforts, the group said.

 
“This is the first time the Maine Affordable Housing Coalition has ever taken a position on a local referendum question,” said Greg Payne, director of the coalition, in a statement. “But the so-called Portland Green New Deal is so bad for affordable housing, we felt we had to stand up and oppose it.”

And just last week the Boulos Company Reports this

 In 2020, prior to the new IZ provision, ( Green New Deal) 756 units were put on the books. Since passing the IZ provision (at the time of writing this article), only 139 units have been put on the books across three projects—a decrease of 81.6%.

The Take away: Those who pushed for a Policy change have squashed new affordable development. Its the same policy - pushers who believe outlawing Locally owned and managed short term rentals will somehow create affordable housing.