Portland Press Herald
Inclusionary Zoning to Fund Workforce Housing, But for Hotel Developments
A new law in Portland, Maine could be the first to charge an affordable housing fee from new hotel developments.
Portland, ME, Voters Reject 'Neighbor Veto' of Zoning Changes
In a close vote, Portland (Maine) residents voted not to allow immediate abutters to reject zoning changes approved by the City Council. The referendum was initiated by neighbors opposed to a cluster subdivision proposed instea dof a conventional one
President Obama Designates New National Monument in Maine
The announcement that 87,500 acres of land in Maine's North Woods would become a national monument came the day before the centennial of the National Park Service. The designation is also sure to be controversial.
Portland, Maine Approves Inclusionary Zoning
The latest city to implement mandatory inclusionary zoning: Portland, Maine. The City Council decision contradicted the Planning Board's recommendation.
New Taxes could Drive up the Cost of Conservation in Maine
Maine trails only three states in total acreage of land protected by conservation. A new plan to end the property tax exemptions for nonprofits, however, could make that work much more difficult.
Straight Talk in Maine on Roads, Bridges, and Rail Maintanence
A Democrat and a Republican who serve on Maine's Joint Standing Committee on Transportation make a strong case for "finding the money" to keep roads, bridges, rail lines, and ports in good repair. They skirt around the issue of raising taxes though.
Mainers to Vote on Transportation Bond on Nov. 5
At $100 million, it is the largest of the five bonds on the Nov. 5 ballot. While six other transportation bonds were voted on (and approved) since 2000, the need for this bond comes from a 2011 law that eliminated the indexing of the state gas tax.
Portland, Maine: Preserve Fishing, or Allow Condos?
The Portland waterfront is zoned to exclude anything but marine uses, but with a slump in the fishing industry property owners are pushing for the freedom to build for other uses along the water.
Maine Planners Come Around to Transit and Density
Southern Maine planners, who have long subscribed to the idea that they worked in rural, car-dependent communities, are beginning to embrace density, mixed-uses, and transit.
Zoning Squashes Wedding Plans
Heather Stewart's vision of a country wedding in a resorted country barn are thwarted by code enforcement officers at the last minute. 'We have zoning rules and building codes that always get in the way of dreams,' Reinsborough said.
From Superfund To Super Fun
The City of Saco, Maine is turning land the federal government once labeled a toxic Superfund site into a hub for hiking, fishing, and recreation.
City of Portland Maine Cuts Urban Design and Historic Preservation Staff
The City Manager of Portland, Maine terminates 98 positions, including the Urban Designer and Historic Preservation staff, eliminates the Parks Department, and moves the Economic Development department in to the Administrative office.
New England's Growth Rate Trails Nation's
The New England region's population growth rate continues to drop below that of the nation as a whole, measuring at a rate of just 0.2 percent between July 2005 and July 2006. This compares with a national growth rate of about 1 percent.
The Last Retailer Standing
Despite the sudden sale and closure of Portland's once vibrant public market, one pizza parlor owner continues to incur large losses but refuses to shut down.
To Build Or Not To Build?
The City of Portland, Maine, continues to struggle with the decision of whether or not to renovate or rebuild the 28 year old Cumberland County Civic Center.
Portland, Maine, To Develop New Neighborhood
Despite a cooling real estate market, developers and city officals are moving forward on plans to develop a new neighborhood along Portland's eastern waterfront.
Legal Battle Set For Maine's Largest Development
The nation's largest landowner, Plum Creek Timber Co., is entering a legal battle with environmental groups over its proposal to create the largest development in Maine's history.
Paying For Less Parking
The City of Portland, Maine, might join other cities around the country by lowering its parking requirements in exchange for a fee from developers.
Former NBA Star To Revitalize Historic Section Of Maine's Capital City
Former NBA star Christian Laettner's development company, Blue Devil Ventures, is working with state and local officials to revitalize the Kennebec Arsenal, a historic parcel of land across the Kennebec River from Augusta's downtown.
Winds Of Change On Maine's Coast
The fifth and final article in a weeklong series on the City of Portland, chronicles the widespread changes sweeping through this small, but dynamic city on the Maine coast.
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