PORTLAND, Maine — Portland City Councilors declared a limited state of emergency so it could temporarily increase capacity at the Homeless Services Center on Riverside Street.
The vote was 6-2 at Monday night's meeting. Councilors Pious Ali, Mark Dion, April Fournier, Regina Phillips, Roberto Rodriguez, and Mayor Kate Snyder voted in favor of the proposal. Councilors Victoria Pelletier and Anna Trevorrow voted against. Councilor Andrew Zarro was not at the meeting.
A total of 50 more beds will now be added to the city's homeless shelter. The council will reevaluate the need for the increase in capacity in Feb.
"This might not be what gets everybody housed, but this is one small piece of the puzzle," Councilor Rodrigues said.
In a major reversal, Councilor and Mayor-Elect Mark Dion supported the proposal. He previously voted against it twice.
"I resisted this particular proposition in hopes that it would spur the city manager and her staff to explore every possible option for an alternative housing site," Dion said.
Portland Mayor Kate Snyder responded by saying city staff has worked hard to know its options.
"We have limits to facilities, to staff, and to budgets, and for me, the question is, 'What can we do quickly to move folks from tents to indoors where there are appropriate services?'"
Councilors ended the meeting with a first read of a new proposal to allow public camping through the winter. It would allow unhoused people to camp on certain public property until April. It's expected to be voted on at a future meeting.