PORTLAND, Maine — The skyline of the eastern part of Portland could be changing dramatically if one local developer gets his way but not everyone is on board with the idea.
Dozens of residents packed the council chambers. Most were concerned over what the new proposed development will to do the historic harbor-side views.
58 Fore Street, the so-called Portland Company complex, was sold a year ago to CBP2 as a waterfront special use zone.
The developers want the area to be rezoned as a B6 property, to transform the 10 acres into a vibrant urban community.
“We could have retail there, we could have offices there, and obviously residential in today’s market would be the main focus,” Jim Brady, Manager CBP2, said.
For concerned residents, the focus is about preserving harbor views. Anne Rand is the spokeswoman for Soul of Portland. A citizens formed group petitioning to have certain restrictions put in place if the rezoning goes through.
“We want to preserve this view forever; we don’t want the height limits to go over Fore Street,” Rand said.
At a workshop Monday night, the Planning Board presented the proposal to the council, which allows some buildings to be built 35 feet above Fore Street.
“We don’t want the view blocked, we want the trail accessible,” Rand said.
The waterfront trail would stay in place and be open to the public. Some say it’s a city gem that many use on a daily basis.
“We would like to keep what makes Portland so special,” Rand said.
If approved, the project could take more than a decade to complete. Whether it happens now lies in the hands of the city council.
“The city has an opportunity through this development to create something special; however there are a number of issues like the height of the buildings along Fore Street and the access of the public to the waterfront,” city councilor David Brenerman said.
Public comment will be held next Monday at 7 p.m.