By Tony Zeli, Publisher & Editor
Potential historic district locations in blue and moratorium area in orange. –Source: Presentation from March 24th Listening Session
In February and March, the City of Portland, Greater Portland Landmarks, and Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization met with residents in a series of two listening sessions to evaluate zoning and land use regulation.
After residents expressed concern over a larger than usual amount of teardowns occurring in their neighborhood, the City acted with a moratorium on demolition for six months within a large area of Munjoy Hill. The moratorium expires on June 5th, 2018.
Up next, City staff are scheduled to bring zoning changes to the Planning Board in April, and will seek support of concept for the historic district from the City Council in May.
“These are growing pains which aren’t entirely surprising for a community with this pace of growth,” said Jay Norris, president of the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization. “But they’re touchy subjects for many. We’re talking about issues which impact private property owners and developers, as well as how this unique neighborhood’s historic fabric will be protected for generations to come. In many ways, it’s the old versus the new, and we’re hoping we can move forward with all interests at peace with the outcome.”
More information is available on the City website and can be accessed with this link: http://www.tinyurl.com/MunjoyHill.
