In a recent letter (“Concessions few despite Portland group’s efforts to work with midtown developer,” Jan. 22), Tim Paradis lambasted the Press Herald for suggesting critics of “midtown” – new housing proposed for Bayside – work with developers to find common ground rather than file wasteful lawsuits.
In so doing, and among other questionable conclusions, he implied some truth of the matter is being hidden by selectively published images of the developer’s vision, and also that flawed economic rationale underlies this paper’s apparent support of the ambitious plan.
Because people are entitled to their own opinions, but not to their own facts, those reading along may benefit from information more than flowery, conclusory statements.
Rather than simply concluding the project is “mega,” for instance, consider the facts: It’s shorter than the tallest building in Brunswick.
Rather than simply concluding the Press Herald’s perspective amounts to failed “trickle-down” economic theories, consider the facts: Holding all else constant, an increase in supply will always lower housing prices.
Rather than simply concluding it was wrong for the city not to require “affordable” housing in midtown, consider the facts: There are at least three affordable housing projects in the immediate vicinity, with another under construction.
Rather than simply concluding the city has done “little” to implement the Bayside Vision and has never extended streets in the neighborhood, consider the facts: The city extended Chestnut Street in 2005, purchased land on Riverside Street to relocate scrapyards and acquired more than a dozen acres to build the Bayside Trail.
And rather than simply concluding midtown is a “big-box development,” which implies sprawling suburbia, consider the facts: It’s not a single-story mall but a mixed-use urban infill project.
No one should have to draw any conclusions for the public. The information speaks for itself. Those who agree should visit https://www.facebook.com/portlandersforsustainability.
Patrick Venne
Portland
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