Beautiful scenic views draw tourists to Maine. Since tourists are deemed to be very valuable to the commerce of Portland, it seems to me that everything should be done to preserve any and all beautiful views.

Santa Fe, New Mexico, has had a policy since the 1960s (maybe longer) to keep the city scenically attractive to tourists. The height and style of buildings are regulated to conform to the “Santa Fe look”; therefore, a pueblo-style McDonald’s is what visitors find.

Portland is adding boxy hotels, parking garages and office buildings downtown and at the edge of the Old Port, building them at what I consider a precipitous rate. These buildings are not visual tourist magnets.

I will be voting “yes” on local Question 2, considering it a way to keep Portland visually attractive, planning for intelligent and sustainable growth.

Jo Diggs

Portland


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