Backers of Question A, which would remove the 5% cap on rent increases when apartments turn over, have raised and spent far more than opponents headed into the June 13 election.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inMaine, Schools and Education
Assistant superintendent from Philadelphia chosen as Portland’s next schools leader
Ryan Scallon, who is an assistant superintendent in the Philadelphia school system, will replace former superintendent Xavier Botana.
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Posted inMaine
Campaign signs spark debate, and some confusion, over rent control referendum
The creator of the signs said they’re a satirical approach to opposing Question A, but some landlords and residents say they’re misleading.
Posted inMaine
State extends use of Saco hotel as transitional housing for asylum seekers
In its first year, the hotel has housed 440 people at a cost of $5.1 million. The state is hoping to keep it open through the end of next year.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland’s new city manager settles into the job with a long list of things to do
Danielle West, the first woman to serve in the position, takes over as the city confronts challenges with homelessness, an influx of asylum seekers and persistent staffing shortages.
Posted inMaine, News
Developer seeking new site to create shelter for asylum seekers
Kevin Bunker of Developers Collaborative said that 90 Blueberry Road in Portland ‘didn’t work out for a number of reasons’ and is no longer being considered for a 280-bed shelter.
Posted inMaine
Riverton Park housing complex to undergo major renovations, add affordable units
The $62 million project could get underway next year and includes construction of a new neighborhood center and a 59-unit apartment building, as well as upgrades to existing townhouses.
Posted inMaine, News
Welcome to safety land
Asylum seekers who endured perils to get here say they were drawn to Maine because of its peacefulness, resources and community. Some say they learned of Maine on their long journeys away from their homelands, while others found it doing online research or knew people from home who were already here.
Posted inMaine, News
Could Maine’s college dorms help solve the homelessness crisis?
A group of advocates and officials said Thursday that they will ask the state to look into opening unused dorms for temporary housing.
Posted inMaine, News
‘Nowhere to go’: Dozens of homeless people displaced as city clears Bayside Trail encampment
The people who had been camping in the more than 80 tents along the trail packed up their belongings in shopping carts and plastic bags and went in search of a new place to live.