Retail buildings sit empty while folks who are homeless live in encampments, since the shelters are full and rents are unaffordable. Meanwhile, South Portland city councilors ponder turning the mall into high-end housing, Allegedly, some of the units would be affordable, but what is being charged at similar developments nearby is WAY out of the range of most folks, many who now have to live on the streets because they can't afford rent.
#UnaffordableHousing #Capitalism #Greed #Maine #SouthernMaine

https://www.pressherald.com/2020/11/09/a-plan-to-transform-the-maine-mall-just-won-an-award-but-can-it-be-done/

Portland Planning Board chair renting apartment on Airbnb amid housing crisis

by Troy R. Bennett, Bangor Daily News, Wed, March 22nd 2023,

"While completely legal, some say it’s a bad look for a powerful city official, especially during an unprecedented affordable housing crisis.

"Planning Board Chair Maggie Stanley is renting the first-floor Woodfords Corner neighborhood apartment for $103 per night or up to $3,000 per month. Stanley’s long-term housing license at the property ran out at the end of last year and was not renewed, according to city records.

"'Walking distance to coffee shops, restaurants, and Back Cove,' reads the online listing. 'Access to shared yard, fire pit and grill. Ask about going for a ride in our lobster boat!'

"Stanley has been on the Planning Board since Feb. 2016. The board reviews and decides on all major development proposals in Portland.

"'It shows exactly where we are as a community,' said Wes Pelletier, former chair of the Livable Portland Campaign. 'City officials see housing not as a human right but as a way to make profits.'

"The campaign was an offshoot of the Maine chapter of the #DemocraticSocialists of America and sought, among other things, to reduce the number of short-term rentals in Portland. The referendum for that particular measure didn’t pass."

#UnaffordableHousing #HousingCrisis #Maine #ConflictOfInterest #PortlandMaine #Housing

https://wgme.com/news/local/maine-housing-crisis-portland-planning-board-chair-renting-apartment-on-airbnb-amid-housing-crisis-planning-board-chair-maggie-stanley-woodfords-corner-democratic-socialists-of-america

Advice on how to advertise, organize, and conflict prepare for communal living/Punk House living? Plenty of friends wanna try it but few are confident it can be done long term and that they can connect to like minded people.

#Communalism #Anarchism #Communism #Ontario #Quebec #Punk #FlopHouse #UnaffordableHousing #Socialism