Lost in the recent bad news about the Americold cold-storage warehouse is the fact that long delays in approving this project contributed to its cancellation. During the delay, construction costs increased rapidly, resulting in an inadequate return on investment.

Both government and concerned citizens need to acknowledge their culpability. Portland needs a better process to create more predictable and efficient development approval. A minority of citizens that oppose new development should not be granted outsized power to delay or prevent economic progress for the majority.

Geoffrey Emanuel

Falmouth