In 1912, my architect great-grandfather, John Calvin Stevens, wrote an op-ed for the Evening Express: “Portland has by nature been granted exceptional opportunities. These opportunities have been in many cases sadly neglected by her citizens. They have sat quietly by and seen the finest chances for beautiful development ignored and spoiled.”

Portland must not lose the “exceptional opportunity” presented by the rezoning of The Portland Co. site.

Many citizens spent years developing a thoughtful plan for the eastern waterfront. That plan was partially implemented when most of the waterfront was zoned for mixed use 10 years ago. The Portland Co. site was exempted at the request of the then-owner, although it was fully intended to be included in the zone. It is time to follow through and pave the way for a significant multi-use development at our front door to the Atlantic. The vision includes adaptive reuse of the historic buildings, new housing, shops, restaurants, public access and an expanded marina.

The property owners embrace the planning principles established by Portland citizens for this site. The Planning Board unanimously recommended the rezoning to the City Council. The final decision is before them on June 1. Following council approval, the project will be reviewed by the Planning Board for compliance with the zoning and the Eastern Waterfront Master Plan. This process guarantees that there will be thorough public input at every stage, hardly the “blank check” represented by opponents.

As a neighbor, first as a Munjoy Hill resident and later as a business owner, I have watched The Portland Co. buildings deteriorate for 50 years. The only viable way to preserve this significant piece of Portland’s history is through economically feasible adaptive reuse. Large scale development as proposed can accomplish this. The redevelopment will preserve the historic building core and tell the manufacturing history of The Portland Co.

The future development will welcome neighbors, Portland residents and visitors arriving by both land and sea. Public access will be at several points along Fore Street, one of them possibly terminating in a waterfront plaza. The marina will be expanded, offering improved docking space for resident and visiting boat owners. The waterfront trail accessing the site is on publicly owned property and, by mutual agreement, could be moved closer to the water’s edge. The uses envisioned include much-needed housing, shops, restaurants and public market space. The large spaces in the complex will continue to be available for events. Welcoming the public is important to the development’s economic success.

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The property owners’ design concepts are appropriately urban in character. The internal site plan will be based on the linear alleyways delineated by the historic Portland Co. buildings. New construction will result in an exciting mix of contemporary and historic architecture at the gateway to our harbor. Contextual, small-scale residential development along Fore Street will create an urban streetscape in keeping with the adjacent Munjoy Hill residential neighborhood. This will be a quiet buffer to the development below as well as the project’s front door on Fore Street. View corridors at streets ending at Fore Street will provide ample framed scenic views of the harbor beyond.

Neighbors oppose development along Fore Street, wanting to preserve all of the existing views. I believe this is not a good design solution as it results in the development presenting its back to the neighborhood. The preserved views would be over a chain link fence and across rooftops below.

Although I have no professional involvement in this project, I worked as an architect for the property owners. I vouch for their integrity, support of historic preservation and interest in quality new architecture. The city is fortunate that this local team, which understands Portland, will develop this significant site.

A few vocal neighbors have initiated a public referendum to protect their harbor views. This irresponsible action threatens this project and future development that will benefit Portland. It is time for our community to say yes to an “exceptional opportunity.”

To say no would forgo huge economic benefit and relegate The Portland Co. site to inappropriate industrial use and the eventual loss of the historic structures. If you agree that Portland needs quality new projects that expand our tax base, tell the City Council on June 1.

 


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