As a resident and business owner of Portland who cares deeply about this city, I have been following the progress of the 58 Fore St. zoning application.

I think it is critical that we come together to support the rezoning of the site as proposed by CPB2, a local developer sensitive to the Portland community.

The Planning Board unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning after six months of a public process where all interested parties’ concerns were aired and considered. The property owners’ application and vision are meticulously in keeping with the community vision expressed in the Comprehensive Plan.

Approving the zone will benefit the neighborhood and entire city, including expanding public access to the historic core; allowing the Eastern Prom Trail to move to the waterfront; and importantly, creating an economic model that will support the adaptive reuse of the property’s historic elements. The project will provide major increases in desperately needed housing stock and more than $1 million in property tax revenue to the city each year.

As the owner of a recruiting and staffing company, I know how the city’s reputation impacts companies’ and job seekers’ view of our city as a place to grow their business or continue their career. Supporting carefully thought-out zoning changes to encourage additional office and residential space sends a strong positive signal to these companies and job seekers.

This project is a major opportunity to realize a public vision using private dollars and is, I believe, nearly unanimously favorable to the residents of the city of Portland.

Edward S. McKersie

founder/president

Pro Search Inc.

Portland