Mayor Ethan Strimling’s proposal would double the required number of units affordable to middle-income earners in some new developments and lower the prices on those units.
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 inMaine, News
City staff favors mix of housing, work spaces on Portland’s former public works land
A City Council committee will discuss the recommended proposals for Bayside and gather public views at a hearing Wednesday.
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Posted inMaine, News
Portland landlord agrees to sell troubled East Bayside building
City officials also agree to revisit the disorderly houses ordinance to give tenants more say.
Posted inMaine, News
Evicted without cause and forced to live in shabby room, Portland woman dies alone
Margaret Peters, who was 56, couldn’t find an affordable apartment in the city and ended up in a condemned building that she was desperate to leave.
Posted inMaine, News
In reversal, Portland councilors will air issues between the mayor and manager in public
The decision follows the Portland Press Herald’s formal objection to any closed-door meeting to discuss a staffing request by Mayor Ethan Strimling.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland seeks donations for program that puts panhandlers to work
Public contributions are needed to further the effort, which pays $10.68 an hour for cleaning up parks and public spaces.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland developer shifts apartments to condos, signals upscale rentals cooling
The 25 High Street project’s 63 units will be sold rather than leased, becoming the latest aborted plan to add rental housing in the city.
Posted inMaine, News
Closed-door council meeting to focus on tension between Portland city manager and mayor
But questions are already being raised about whether the discussion should be held in public.
Posted inLife & Culture, Maine, News
Interactive ‘wall’ sculpture in Old Port park raises doubts, but wins city approval
Portland officials approve a temporary art installation with pieces the public can move around and transform.
Posted inMaine, News
Work on Portland’s Fort Gorges will start with new mission in mind
The city hopes to make the fort accessible for historical tours, musical and theater performances, and other public events.