Council earmarks taxes to fund transit projects PORTLAND — The City Council on Monday approved a 30-year tax break for developers planning to bring a mixed-use development to Thompson’s Point. But councilors, all of whom supported the project and applauded the developers’ commitment to the city, did not cap the amount of money developers of […]
2011
Posted inThe Forecaster
Commuters: Do as Portland City Hall says, not as it does
PORTLAND — Officials called a press conference last week to announce the launch of a website designed to encourage fewer single-occupant vehicle trips into downtown. The website, TDM2go.org, is designed to make it easier for smaller businesses to offer incentives for employees who carpool, bike, walk, telecommute or take the bus to work. Developments of […]
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Posted inCurrent, Southern Forecaster
South Portland moves to ban smoking
SOUTH PORTLAND – South Portland is one step closer to snuffing out cigarettes from all public spaces. On Monday, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the first reading of a new ordinance designed to ban the use of tobacco products within 25 feet of all parks, beaches and outdoor recreation facilities owned and/or operated […]
Posted inNews
Bill gives schools health insurance options
AUGUSTA — A bill awaiting Gov. Paul LePage’s signature would enable school districts to explore options to reduce their health insurance costs. The sponsor, Republican Rep. Ralph Sarty of Denmark, says the bill gives school districts the flexibility to self-insure or find more affordable plans during this time of financial pressure. Sarty says the bill […]
Posted inNews
S. Maine bus fare increases sought
OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Fare increases are being proposed for monthly and quarterly passes for passengers who ride the ZOOM bus in southern Maine. The Biddeford-Saco-Old Orchard Beach Transit Committee wants to increase the monthly pass for ZOOM riders from $80 to $100, and the quarterly pass from $210 to $260. The ZOOM Turnpike Express […]
Posted inAmerican Journal, Current, Lakes Region Weekly
DOWN THE ROAD A PIECE – The new office buzz
The other day I was at an office I go to occasionally, attending to a few very important things, when the new office copier started making a high-pitched unidentifiable noise that made my ear drums ring as if I’d been using a dentist’s drill for a Q-Tip. I turned to one of the secretaries and […]
Posted inLakes Region Weekly
POLITICS AND OTHER MISTAKES – Liquored up and lacquered down
It’s possible that every member of the 125th Maine Legislature is dead drunk. We can’t know for sure until all the senators and representatives have been forced to submit to breath tests. But based on their recent behavior (“Touch the tip of your nose with your index finger – no, that’s not your nose and […]
Posted inNews
Portland approves tax breakfor Thompson’s Point development
City Council approves a $31 million, 30-year tax break for the development decides to set aside 25 percent of the money the city will receive, to be used for transit projects.
Posted inJournal Tribune, Obituaries, Obituaries
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mignonne J. McDowell, 88, of Sanford and formerly of Biddeford, died Sunday, May 1, 2011 at the Newton Center in Sanford after a long illness. There will be no visiting hours. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2011 at St. Joseph Church of the Good Shepherd […]
Posted inJournal Tribune
You can, indeed, go home again
Last week my 5-year-old preschooler went on his first-ever overnight adventure with Dad. It was a three-day, two-night trip to New York City and vicinity. We drove to my cousin’s house in Connecticut last Thursday to spend an evening before heading for the Big Apple the next morning. Although it seems counterintuitive, Willie and I […]