South Portland council rejects tree-saving development moratorium

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • September 22, 2020

The idea of imposing a development moratorium to preserve dwindling green spaces drew overwhelming opposition Tuesday night from city councilors concerned that it might hurt desirable projects such as affordable housing. Mayor Kate Lewis summarized the will of the council during an online workshop, when six of seven councilors said they want to take steps to preserve open space and trees, but they don’t believe a moratorium is necessary to achieve that result.