South Portland to consider alternatives to development moratorium
After deciding in September to table a proposed moratorium on development in South Portland, city councilors on Tuesday night will take up possible alternatives to the measure.
The council is scheduled to hear a first reading of other proposals to help protect the city’s trees and open space on parcels slated for development.
The suggestions come after the council and the South Portland Planning Board discussed a six-month halt to development projects of more than two units, retroactive to May, because of concerns about scarce green space and the effect of development on climate.
The officials rejected that idea in a Sept. 22 workshop. Now the council will now look at other options, including:
- Amending subdivision and site plan application requirements to include more information about projects’ impacts on open space, trees and other natural resources, so the Planning Board may more effectively evaluate the applications;
- Adding language protecting trees and open spaces to subdivision or zoning standards considered by the board during project reviews; and
- Adopting an ordinance to protect trees within the city limits.
Tuesday’s reading pertains to proposed changes to subdivision and zoning standards. The tree ordinance is expected to come before council within the next four months, according to a city memo.
The council’s meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. It will be held virtually and access information is available here.
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments