UPDATE: Millard Dority, the longtime chair of the Bar Harbor Planning Board, has resigned effective immediately, citing frustrations with ongoing issues in local governance. In an email sent to town officials on Saturday, Dority expressed dissatisfaction with the board’s recent focus on the 2035 Comprehensive Plan and the ongoing lodging moratorium, which he believes are neglecting the pressing need for housing in the community.
The sudden resignation comes as a shock to many in the town, where Dority has been a prominent advocate for housing solutions, especially for young professionals. “After a long period of frustration… I feel like my efforts, and my mental health, will be better served by going in a different direction,” he stated in his resignation email, highlighting the board’s stagnation over the past two years.
Dority’s departure follows a split vote from the Planning Board against extending the lodging moratorium, which the Town Council recently chose to continue. His concerns extend beyond internal board dynamics, touching on critical issues affecting residents. “We know what we’re losing and we know that we’ve done very little up until now,” he lamented, emphasizing the dire need for affordable housing options.
In a correspondence to board members, Planning Director Michele Gagnon confirmed Dority’s resignation, stating, “Manager Smith has just informed me that Millard has submitted his resignation from the board.” The board is expected to meet next on January 7, where his absence will be felt.
Dority’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis stems from personal experiences. Raised on Mount Desert Island, he recalled the struggles of his mother, who faced significant challenges in securing stable housing. “Where would my mother live today?” he questioned, reflecting on the changing landscape of the housing market that now leaves many residents, including those who grew up in Bar Harbor, without affordable options.
While resigning from the Planning Board, Dority is not stepping away from civic engagement. He plans to join the Bar Harbor Food Pantry Board, where he believes he can make an immediate impact. “I realized how excited I was about that position,” he shared, indicating that his commitment to community service continues.
Dority has a long history with the Planning Board, having served for about 12 years before stepping down in the early 2000s due to potential conflicts of interest related to his role at the College of the Atlantic. His tenure was marked by productive collaborations and community involvement, making his recent frustrations all the more poignant.
As Bar Harbor grapples with housing challenges and governance issues, Dority’s departure serves as a critical reminder of the complexities facing local leaders. His resignation underscores an urgent need for effective action on housing and community planning, areas he has passionately advocated for throughout his career.
Residents and officials alike are now left to contemplate the implications of his exit, as the community seeks to navigate its future amidst ongoing discussions of housing and development. The upcoming January 7 meeting will be pivotal, as it presents an opportunity for the Planning Board to address the concerns Dority has raised and to consider the direction of future planning initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and consider what it means for the community of Bar Harbor moving forward.
