PORTLAND, Maine — Leaders in Maine's largest city decided to freeze any new construction in an area fishermen have depended on for generations.
In a unanimous vote Monday night, Portland City Council passed a six month moratorium and announced plans to create a task force.
Fishermen say they are losing their precious work space as more plans for condos and hotels roll out. Now, they say the city is beginning to address their concerns.
Paul Fischer is a Portland fishermen who works out of Union Wharf. He says the wharf's owner is responsible when it comes to finding ways to generate revenue while respecting those who spend most days on the water, even this time of year.
"He looks out for the working waterfront," said Fischer.
But many felt their concerns weren't being heard. So fishermen and supporters formed the Portland Working Waterfront Group. In September, members sent a letter to city council with the idea of a moratorium to stop new permits from being issued or reviewed.
Monday night councilors voted on a six-month moratorium, and it passed.
"We need to make sure that those who pilot the boats are heard and understood. Their livelihood is at stake and their livelihood matters for our livelihood," said Ethan Strimling, Portland Mayor.
Strimling says it's an opportunity to press pause and to invite fishermen to the table. He says a task force has formed and the first meeting could happen as early as next week.
Meanwhile, any projects already underway will continue and the Portland Working Waterfront Group is still gathering signatures for a referendum, which would do more than block new permits: it would change the waterfront zoning.
"I get it, everyone loves this city," said Fischer. "But it's causing congestion in an area that used to be a working area and still is."
Concerns remain regarding the traffic on Commercial Street, where Maine's fresh seafood is transported from.
Mayor Strimling says the city is working to address that issue and more with a study that's currently underway.