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Disagreement Over South Portland Rental Rules Continues


SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   Tensions continue to rise in South Portland, Maine over new short-term rental regulations.

The Portland Press Herald reports petitioners collected signatures over the weekend to overturn the new rental rules that were approved last month. Under the regulations, rental homes registered through services like Airbnb must be occupied by their hosts.

City officials say they want to protect residential neighborhoods and increase affordable housing. Opponents say the rules infringe on landowners’ rights.

Police issued a harassment notice to Daniel Romano after petition organizer Michael Frabotta filed a complaint. Frabotta says Romano and others are trying to intimidate petitioners. Romano says he didn’t raise his voice and that petitioners are circulating misleading information.

City officials say Frabotta has until 4:30 p.m. Monday to collect at least 1,000 signatures.

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