Bar Harbor, Maine renews lodging moratorium [Video]

BAR HARBOR, Maine — Bar Harbor, one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, has been grappling with the challenges that come with its appeal for years now. While much attention has been paid to the impacts of cruise ships, the town council has turned its focus to curbing large-scale lodging developments.

“It’s not how many hotels there are—it’s what it’s done to the community, from a standup of affordability and livability,” town councilor Earl Brechlin said.

According to Brechlin, the council recently renewed a 60-day lodging moratorium that blocks the development of any lodging operation with more than 12 rooms. He and other councilors argue the moratorium is critical to protecting housing options in Bar Harbor, where land availability is scarce, and construction costs are skyrocketing

“It’s so …