Why must Portland’s City Hall always buckle under to the demands of developers at the expense of her citizens? Word seems to have gotten out that any developer that wants to violate Portland’s building codes just needs to ask and it shall be given.

One of the latest: the shameless bait-and-switch by Americold, which made a bid to build a cold-storage facility on property on the western waterfront, knowing full well the height restriction in that zone was 45 feet. They even presented preliminary sketches of buildings that conformed with code.

“Oh,” Americold now says. “We need 70 feet.” “OK,” says City Hall, “Whatever you want!” Then they spout whatever talking points have been handed to them about being “a world-class port.” Then we have to go to meetings to ask them to do their jobs.

Dear City Hall: Please enforce the ordinance. Please don’t make us sue you (again). Please remember you are civil servants, not corporate servants. Please remember who pays your salaries.

This is not a “not in my backyard” complaint. I haven’t met a single person in the West End of Portland who objects to having industry at the shoreline here. We like Eimskip. We like Portland Yacht Services. We just want our corporate neighbors to be good neighbors.

Not only should Americold comply with the current code, but they should also commit to aesthetic upgrades: a beautiful mural on the side of the building; a green roof; a varied facade.

Americold, you are welcome here if you work on fitting in as a neighbor. Otherwise, please just withdraw and go back to your cave.

Elizabeth Dale

Portland

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