The directors also vote to limit the number of people who can ride to Peaks Island to 499 per trip, but will allow as many as 599 people to return to Portland.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland seeks to reassure islanders before key vote on bigger ferry
Islanders welcome efforts to ease summer congestion, but worry that the city’s designated parking spaces are too far from the ferry terminal.
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Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
At council’s direction, Portland school board cuts $450,000 from budget
The reduction would delay the hiring of a social worker and four ed techs to provide additional support to high school students with behavioral or emotional disabilities.
Posted inMaine, News
Late change to city budget means Portland parking fees are going up
The City Council voted 5-4 around midnight Monday to increase metered parking fees by 25 cents an hour.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland City Council restores social service cuts, but Engine 1 will be decommissioned
The votes come after protesters at a ‘Rally for a Moral City Budget’ urge councilors to restore funding for asylum-seekers, the homeless, firefighters and schools, among other things.
Posted inMaine, News, Uncategorized
Preble Street’s plan for women’s shelter hits roadblock
Portland officials say zoning rules and the terms of a sales agreement will need to be changed before the former city-owned building in Bayside can be used as a healing center for victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking.
Posted inMaine, Uncategorized
Portlanders to debate homeless shelter site as decision nears
The City Council has zeroed in on two potential sites for a new homeless shelter, and residents will have their chance to weigh in Monday.
Posted inMaine, News
Fate of fire truck will be hottest issue when Portland council votes on budget
The proposal by city administrators to decommission Engine 1 on Munjoy Hill is expected to be the focus of debate on Monday.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland board backs waterfront protections, but not a reduced redevelopment zone
The Planning Board’s recommendation would prohibit new restaurants and stores on the piers but wouldn’t shrink the so-called Non-Marine Use Overlay zone. The City Council will have the final say.
Posted inMaine, News, Schools and Education
SMCC graduates 1,096 students, second-largest class in its history
In commencement exercises at the Cross Insurance Arena, students ranging in age from 18 to 69 are awarded 1,126 degrees and certificates.