While we were shoveling snow and figuring out what to do with our cars, the Portland Planning Board has been working on a zoning change request for the Portland Co. site at 58 Fore St. – extending the Eastern Waterfront Zone through it.

There are inconsistencies between the Eastern Waterfront Zone language and the language adopted in the city’s comprehensive plan. At issue is where height measures are taken from on the site: from 2 feet above flood plain or a rather elusive (on this site) “average grade.”

The Planning Board’s recommendation to the City Council uses the “average grade” measure. This will allow 35-foot-tall buildings along Fore Street, blocking the public’s panoramic view of our harbor. The council’s intent in the 2004 adoption of the Eastern Waterfront Plan was to preserve our view.

The zoning changes recommended to the council by the Planning Board do not require a master plan for the site.

The unique historic locomotive factory buildings on the site could be demolished, though Greater Portland Landmarks and the city Historic Preservation Board are working for their protection.

And recommended zoning does not guarantee public access to the historic site or support affordable housing or future rail transit along the Eastern Trail (which may be moved to allow waterside building).

The council should reject this zoning recommendation. The Planning Board needs to present zoning language that complies with the comprehensive plan, better meeting the needs of the city and its future.

I urge my Portland friends and neighbors to educate yourselves at the SoulofPortland.org website, then come speak at the City Council workshop March 30.

Keri Lord

former city councilor at large;

former president, Parkside Neighborhood Association

Portland

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