A new group, Soul of Portland, has formed to fight developers over the Portland Company Complex redevelopment at 58 Fore Street.
They held a rally at Angela Adams Studios in East Bayside on March 26th. Over 60 supporters and curious neighbors gathered.
“No blank check” was the rallying cry at the Soul of Portland rally.
Soul of Portland wants to preserve views of Portland Harbor, prevent housing on the waterfront, keep bars away from their neighborhood, and preserve access to trails along the water.
The developer, CPB2, wants to build a bustling waterfront commercial and residential area on the ten acre site at 58 Fore Street, home of the historic Portland Company Complex. They have a requested zoning change coming before City Council on Monday, March 30th.
58 Fore Street
Soul of Portland wants any zone change to set building heights from the flood plain to help protect views.
The developer would like building heights set to average grade. The site sits on a hilly area with over 80 feet in grade change.
“I can walk that promenade– I can walk down Fore Street [to see the ocean], because that view belongs to me,” said Anne Rand, a former State Legislator and one of the presenters at the rally.
Other speakers offered concern over bringing bars close to the residential neighborhood, preferring that bars stay in the Old Port.
Anne Rand
Bars and restaurants are a part of the developers vision, along with diverse housing stock with studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. They also want to move the current walking and biking trail that runs along the site closer to the water.
“The biggest gift the City of Portland will be granting the developers… they will be allowing housing,” said Anne Rand.
The group is encouraging residents to arrive at the City Council meeting on Monday wearing red. There will be no public testimony at this meeting. The group wants to present a petition to City Council with 500 signatures.
