A new state affordable housing law is causing concern for Southport officials. LD 2003 was enacted in 2022 and requires all Maine municipalities to incorporate the law into their local ordinances by July 1. While the legislation is designed to create more affordable housing from Kittery to Fort Kent, Southport officials believe the legislation’s “one size fits all” approach will cause problems for small rural communities like theirs. 

On April 19, Southport selectmen met with State Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, to discuss their concerns. 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. 

Earlier this month, Southport Planning Board member Skip Simmons alerted Selectman Smith Climo to a Maine Municipal Association summary of the legislation. Climo described the summary as “forthright and alarming.”  During the selectmen’s meeting, Climo explained to Stover and the other board members his concerns about the bill’s impending July 1 implementation. “There just isn’t enough time for towns like us to prepare,” he said. “There is a lot to like about this concerning affordable housing, but there is so much stepping over ‘home rule’ and stuff that may be great for Portland, but totally inappropriate for Greenville,” he said.

Stover agreed. She told selectmen legislators were trying to push back the enactment until 2025. “The rule-making and funding aren’t ready so I can’t see how it would work without either of them,” she said. Stover also questioned the law’s rationale.“What is stopping someone from putting four sheds in their backyard and charging people to sleep in the backyard?” 

Stover promised selectmen she would support efforts to postpone the law’s implementation. 

Selectman Gerry Gamage also questioned her about the new tax stabilization law which froze property taxes for long-term residents over age 65. “It’s reaching the point where one half of taxpayers will be taking care of the other half. This isn’t a good idea for a place like Southport,” he said. Stover agreed, and believed the bill would likely be amended to include future means testing. 

In other action, selectmen approved including an insert mailed in the tax bills. Town Clerk Donna Climo emailed selectmen a request from Efficiency Maine to include at no cost a two-sided insert stating: “Insulation Rebates of 60% up to $6,000 for moderate income Mainers, on one side, and “Save $5,000 on water heating on the other.” 

Selectmen also approved Blair Snyder’s request to use the town hall on Aug. 5 for a birthday celebration. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 26 in the town hall.