This letter is in response to the front-page article July 4 titled “Portland’s housing crisis felt in suburbs.”

The urban growth in Portland cannot be ignored. Housing prices are reflecting the great demand for living in the city, and many folks are finding living in the suburbs of Portland the only option that fits their budget.

It’s a lifestyle that some want, and others are forced to adopt. This is the general idea of a bedroom community, and for the most part, it’s balanced.

But when does it stop? Now Falmouth and Cumberland are saying “no more” to expansion, and I have to agree with them.

I don’t agree that we should pump the brakes to building more housing for the people who want to live here – quite the opposite, in fact. If we can somehow support more people with jobs, we should. But it’s time to take this opportunity to build up, and not out, back in Portland (I’m looking at you, Portland Planning Board).

The city has a responsibility as an urban center to build and grow as its economic climate dictates, and to offer housing options close to the vibrant features that draw people to move here.

Portland has had many opportunities to accommodate the growth spurt but has been uncooperative in change (see “Portland developer seeks flexibility in height restriction,” March 12, 2013). The suburbs should not be taking the brunt of these stubborn decisions by the city and its residents.

As a community, Portland seems to be unjustifiably protective of those who want to block a view that none of us own, yet oblivious to the environmentally damning sprawl that is the result of this decision.

Alexander Jacobs

Portland