Consensus Elusive In Portland Harbor Redevelopment Planning

"On one side, salmon and other wildlife. On the other, 40,000 jobs in the city’s industrial area."

"So how the River Plan Integration Task Group — the name for the folks around the table — will meet its charge of advising city planners on how to balance those interests will be difficult."

"The challenge for city planners, when the two city-sponsored talks are done, will be to draft a plan that replaces existing zoning, which is focused on land use, with a new strategy that balances natural resources with industrial development in the Portland Harbor."

"As planning officials begin marking on zoning maps the sensitive habitats that overlay existing industrial docks and wharves, the conversation becomes more difficult."

"Industry representatives balk at the suggestion of dock removal or relocation."

"Industrial harbor users fear squishy language in the River Plan will lead to regulations beyond zoning requirements."