Southport residents will decide whether to adopt two ordinances during a July 24 special town meeting. Selectmen approved the special town meeting during their July 3 regular meeting. One proposed ordinance deals with implementing housing goals established by LD 2003. In 2022, Gov. Janet Mills signed the legislation establishing statewide and regional housing production goals and a municipal role in achieving those goals. The law imposes density and other requirements for affordable housing developments that preempt inconsistent municipal regulations. It requires municipalities to allow up to four dwelling units on each lot where housing is allowed, depending upon the lot and whether it contains an existing dwelling. It also requires municipalities to allow accessory dwelling units in any area where housing is permitted and comply with certain accessory dwelling unit requirements. 

The other ordinance would amend a blasting ordinance approved at the March town meeting. According to Selectman Gerry Gamage, the amendment would “release” public utilities from the new requirements. Selectmen scheduled two public hearing dates. The first is on July 10. The second is on July 18. Both begin at 5 p.m. in the town hall. The special town meeting begins at 6 p.m. following the July 24 selectmen’s meeting.

In other action, selectmen approved a liquor license for Lincoln Arts Festival held Aug. 24 at Hodgdon Yachts. Selectmen also forwarded a Chevrolet recall notice to the public works department. The town purchased a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado. The model has a problem with automatic tailgate release. “We’re not sure if ours has that provision so we handed it off to public works,” Gamage said.

Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 in the town office.