Portland Rent Board denies reconsideration request for 40 West Street application

The Portland Rent Board voted on Dec. 18 to refuse a request to reconsider its earlier denial of the 40 West Street rent‑increase application. Chair Buddy Moore moved 'to not entertain this request for reconsideration for the 40 West Street application'; after debate the motion passed 4–2.

The board’s attorney, Aga, told members the panel has inherent discretionary authority to reopen prior actions even if the rules do not explicitly provide a reconsideration motion. Aga outlined the process: a motion to entertain reconsideration would be followed, if approved, by a supplemental public hearing or by staff preparing a written decision based on prior deliberations.

Moore said he was reluctant to reopen decisions routinely, adding: 'I am personally not inclined to grant a reconsideration.' Members debated whether denying reconsideration would effectively prevent the applicant from reapplying. Counsel advised that reopening a decision does not automatically toll appeal periods and that the applicant could likely submit a fresh MNOI application in any case.

The roll-call vote recorded board members Kristen (no), Laura (yes), Austin (yes), Matt Walker (yes), Matt Lacks (no) and Chair Buddy Moore (yes). Aga said she will prepare the written decision reflecting the board’s prior deliberations and present it at the next meeting.

The board moved on to other unfinished business after the vote. No supplemental hearing was scheduled at the Dec. 18 meeting.