Group called 'Say No to Rent Control' enters Portland housing debate
(Photo: NEWS CENTER) PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- In the midst of a struggle to get a rent control ordinance on the November ballot in Portland, a new group has emerged to tell voters why its a bad idea. "Say no to rent control" says locking down a rent price might sounds like a great idea, but it can have serious consequences. The group is composed of landlords, contractors and others who say the proposed initiative is reckless and extreme. They say housing policy is complicated, and should not be decided by referendum. ► Overall, Maine housing is considered 'unaffordable' The group Fair Rent Portland , which brought forth a rent stabilization initiative intended for the November ballot, says the initiative is modeled after West Hollywood, California and Takoma Park, Maryland. Those ordinances have been in place for 30 years. Fair Rent Portland says both cities were able to relieve the housing crisis while supporting long term development . (Photo: NEWS C...