PORTLAND — Husson University’s plan to develop a new campus on outer Congress Street will have to wait for at least two more weeks.

City councilors accepted a proposed zoning change Monday night from Husson University and the Elks Lodge of Portland that would allow colleges, universities and trade schools as conditional uses in the residential zone.

But councilors took no action on the request, pushing their final vote on the issue to March 19.

If the zoning amendment – with the change proposed by Husson and the Elks – is rejected, the project will likely be withdrawn.

“It’s my understanding that Husson would consider another location, but we hope that our suggestion will alleviate some of the Planning Board members’ concerns,” said Mark Malone, a partner in Malone Commercial Brokers who has been involved in the property deal.

Husson University has a tentative agreement to lease space for a new campus at 1945 Congress St., now home of Portland Lodge 188 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

The Elks have an option to buy another property to serve as their new home. But both moves are contingent on the city loosening its zoning to allow universities to operate in the residential neighborhood.

The Portland Planning Board considered the zoning amendment last month but deadlocked 3-3 over whether it should be approved.

Malone said Husson has recommended that city officials consider another possible change, to prohibit universities or colleges from being anywhere but along a major road in a residential zone.

Some Planning Board members were concerned that the zoning change would open the door for educational institutions to operate on quiet, residential side streets, Malone said.

City Councilor Kevin Donoghue said the council will have two choices on March 19: approve the zoning change as proposed or enter into a contract zoning agreement to allow the campus.

“A contract zone doesn’t work for our purposes because it would take months to complete,” Malone said.

Malone said the Elks are under pressure to move as quickly as possible to complete their property acquisition. He declined to say where they might move.

Husson University, based in Bangor, wants to relocate the small facility it operates now near the Maine Mall in South Portland to the Elks’ 6.9-acre property on outer Congress Street.

Malone said a developer – whose identity is not being released – would buy the Elks property and renovate it before leasing the property to Husson.

The new campus would comprise a 16,000- to 24,000-square-foot classroom facility capable of serving 440 students. Most classes would be held in the evening, with all classes ending by 10 p.m.

Also Monday, the City Council postponed action on a request by Port City Music Hall for an after-hours entertainment and dance license.

Port City says the license would allow the club to entertain guests between 1 and 3 a.m. on special occasions. The Portland Police Department is recommending that the license be denied.

The council urged the operators of Port City Music Hall to meet with police before the matter is brought back to the council April 2.

Police Cmdr. Vern Malloch said only one other nightclub in Portland, Styxx on Spring Street, holds an after-hours entertainment license. Malloch did not address the department’s concerns at Monday’s meeting.

Staff Writer Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at: dhoey@pressherald.com

 

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