Portland forum to address affordable housing needs in the town and state FacebookTwitterEmail Portland Town Hall is located at 33 E. Main St.Hearst Connecticut Media file photo PORTLAND - Meeting the state affordable housing goals has been a challenge, according to Mary D. Dickerson, the town’s economic development planner. “Since the early 1990’s numerous housing developments have been completed without an affordable component, setting the town back in its percentage of affordable housing,” she said. In 2006, the Planning and Zoning Commission took steps to address the issue. “The commission voted to allow accessory dwelling units by right, meaning an ADU could be located within an existing home with the issuance of a zoning permit rather than an approval from the PZC,” Dickerson said.