BREAKING: Bar Harbor Planning Board Chair Millard Dority has resigned effective immediately, citing deep frustration with the board’s inaction on critical local issues. In an email sent to the town’s manager and council on January 6, 2024, Dority expressed his discontent with the board’s focus on the upcoming 2035 Comprehensive Plan and the ongoing lodging moratorium that has stalled progress on housing solutions.
In his resignation, Dority stated, “After a long period of frustration with the way the planning board has been operating… I feel like my efforts, and my mental health will be better served by going in a different direction.” His departure raises urgent questions about the future direction of the Planning Board and its ability to tackle Bar Harbor’s escalating housing crisis.
Dority highlighted a two-year wait for the completion of the Comprehensive Plan and a lack of proactive measures to address the housing shortage faced by young professionals in the area. He lamented the board’s recent focus on cruise ship regulations and a split decision regarding the lodging moratorium, which many believe is critical for addressing local housing needs.
The Planning Director, Michele Gagnon, confirmed Dority’s resignation to board members, noting, “Manager Smith has just informed me that Millard has submitted his resignation from the board.” The timing of this resignation aligns with mounting pressure on local officials to provide sustainable housing solutions as many residents struggle to find affordable accommodations.
Dority, a longtime advocate for housing initiatives, shared his vision for enhancing opportunities for younger residents. Raised on Mount Desert Island, he reflected on the struggles of his mother, who faced similar challenges in securing housing during his childhood. “Where would my mother live today?” he questioned, emphasizing the need for more immediate action from local leaders.
After a 12-year hiatus from the Planning Board, Dority returned to the role, hoping to influence significant changes. However, he found himself increasingly sidelined as the board grappled with bureaucratic delays. He remarked, “We know what we’re losing and we know that we’ve done very little up until now,” echoing sentiments that many community members share.
As Dority steps down, he is not retreating from civic engagement. He plans to join the Board of the Bar Harbor Food Pantry, expressing enthusiasm for this new role. “I realized how excited I was about that position,” Dority stated, reinforcing his commitment to making a direct impact on the community.
His resignation comes at a pivotal moment for Bar Harbor, as officials face ongoing scrutiny over housing policies and the overall direction of the town’s development strategies. The Planning Board’s next meeting is scheduled for January 7, 2024, where members will assess the implications of Dority’s departure and strategize on future initiatives.
The community now watches closely to see how Bar Harbor will respond to the pressing housing needs highlighted by Dority, whose legacy of service spans over five decades, including a long tenure at the College of the Atlantic. As local residents rally for change, Dority’s call for action resonates louder than ever, reminding all that sustainable solutions require decisive leadership and community involvement.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Bar Harbor navigates the challenges ahead in housing and planning.
