PORTLAND – The chairman of the Bayside Neighborhood Association said he has heard no opposition to the proposed development of commercial, office and residential buildings along Somerset Street.

Alex Landry said neighbors were given an update on the project Wednesday night by Gary Shinberg, a developer who is working with The Federated Cos., which in June bought several lots along Somerset Street from the city.

Shinberg told the association’s members that the real estate investment firm is moving ahead with plans for a mix of buildings on the property, and the plans are in line with the general concept that city officials cited in support of the sale of the land.

No final plan has been drafted, and The Federated Cos. has not yet received Planning Board approval.

“I’m cautiously optimistic,” Landry said, as the ideas jibe with the association’s goal of a mixed-use, urban development.

Most of the buildings would have retail space on the first floor, he said, with parking, office and residential space on upper floors.

He said the association was deeply involved with developing design guidelines for the zoning where the property is located.

As long as those standards are followed, Landry said, “we can’t even spell NIMBY,” referring to the acronym for “not in my backyard.”

 


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