The Westbrook City Council killed an effort to enact a six-month stay on housing development.
Alarmed by the rapid pace of residential construction in Westbrook, residents collected more than 400 signatures in favor of a 180-day moratorium on subdivisions of more than 10 housing units. The measure came to a first vote Monday night, failing on a 3-3 tie vote.
At-large Councilor John O’Hara, Ward 2 Councilor Victor Chau and Ward 5 Councilor Michael Sanphy voted in favor of the measure.
At-large Councilor Michael Foley, Ward 3 Councilor Anna Turcotte and Ward 4 Councilor Gary Rairdon were opposed.
Council President Brendan Rielly recused himself from the vote because another lawyer at his firm has represented Risbara Bros., the firm that is building the subdivision that sparked the call for a moratorium.
Without a majority, the moratorium will not proceed. With competitive races for mayor and several council seats on the Nov. 8 ballot, however, the issue could return anew after the election.
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