Cover Story piece on a controversial citizen initiated referendum in Portland

Cover Story piece on a controversial citizen initiated referendum in Portland that would temporarily ban housing projects of 20 units or more and give residents more influence over the planning process. The dispute has two faces, one involving the city\u27s severe affordable housing shortage, the other how to develop the waterfront. But both share a single theme. In each case, a number of residents are upset about a city-blessed development proposal and charge that officials have turned a blind eye to their concerns. The referendum was generated in response to two project proposals, one for a 70-unit housing complex on Portland\u27s Munjoy Hill, which is opposed by neighborhood residents but was approved by city officials, and another for a new ferry terminal and relocation of berthing for the Scotia Prince cruise liner from the west end of the waterfront, to a new terminal at the Maine State Pier on the east end at a site formerly occupied by Bath Iron Works. Portland residents will vote on the growth management measure May 1