May 2010

New Marquee at Port City Music Hall

Standing under the newly installed marquee at Port City Music Hall this afternoon were Mayor Nick Mavadones, Rob Evans, owner, and state senator Justin Alfond. The ribbon-cutting press conference occurred under a “three-dimensional modern-day version of a vintage theater marquee from the early 20th century,” according to a city press release.

Evans said thanks to the city’s investment, the Port City Music Hall will be here for a long time. He is invested in the arts and music community in Portland and a supporter of local the local arts community. In the last eighteen months, Evans said that the Hall has sold 52,900 tickets to over 225 events.

The Mayor said it was a pleasure to unveil the new marquee because it gives Portland “its own Great White Way on Congress Street.” He went on to say that “two years ago, the city’s Economic Development Division created the Facade Improvement Program to strengthen the revitalization of Congress Street by encouraging private investment in storefronts.” The Program is funded by Community Development Block Grant money.

Today’s ribbon cutting ceremony was the first of several facade improvement projects yet to come. Soon work will begin on the facade of the King of the Roll and Coffee by Design.

Senator Alfond said that he’s really excited about the installation of this new marquee. “It’s not a coincidence that Portland is getting national recognition. People like to have fun.”

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By Carol McCracken (Post # 479)

Police Chief James Craig announced new initiatives that will address the type of violence that occurred last weekend in Portland when a 24 year old man Eric Benson was struck and died in Monument Sqaure. The press conference was held in Monument Square this afternoon as well.

Starting this weekend, two new technical strategies will be introduced. The first is a “text-a-tip and pic” strategy – when an offender(s) is identified by a bar owner as disorderly, this information will be exchanged between participating bars and the police immediately. When this information is forwarded the offender(s) can expect to be denied access to other participating bars and contacted by the police. Chief Craig said he’s not aware of other areas in the country using text messaging in this way.

The other new use of technology is the Field Fingerprint Scanner which allows police to scan a person’s fingerprints in the field for an immediate comparision in the AFIS database; when appropriate. Additionally, Chief Craig announced that the number of police patrolling the Old Port will be doubled, although he would not give a number. He said there will be a special emphasis on “drinking in public, assaults, public urination and disorderly conduct which includes fighting.”

Doug Fuss, chairman of the Nightlife Oversite Committee (N-LOC) and owner of Bull Feeneys, said that the bar owners have been meeting on a monthly basis for years to share information. “There is a structure already in place. What is new is the technology. It is so discouraging when violent acts happen. We try so hard to make the Old Port safe for everyone.”

Bob Waitkevitch, owner of the bar Fore Play said its the vast minority of people who cause the vast majority of problems.
“When we see a group looking for trouble, we try to let other bar owners know. We want to make the Old Port the safest place anywhere.”

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Andrew Graham and Brian Petrovek Unveil New Banners (In The Bright Sunlight!)

“We want to make the environment more friendly for pedestrians and traffic,” was the reason given for the 68 colorful new banners soon to fly in the City,” said Brian Petrovek, president of the Portland Downtown District board and owner of the Portland Pirates at a press conference this morning at Monument Square.

“There are many districts in Portland and these signs will help tie them together,” Petrovek continued. Last year PDD installed 62 of the “wayfinding signs” in the city, according to Janis Beitzer, PDD Executive Director. “Placemaking and wayfinding signs define the Arts District and Government District in order to let visitors know where they are and encourage them to explore downtown.”

The appealing new banners were fabricated by local company Portland Color using banner material that can withstand 90 mph winds. Portland Color President Andrew Graham said at the press conference: “I’m pleased that we are one of the local companies to join with PDD in creating a sustainable, vibrant and effective banner solution for Portland’s downtown.”

Portland Color is a member of Buy Local and a major supporter of Creative Portland’s LiveWorkPortland.org.

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Dennis Keeler, representing Pierce Atwood, Hopes For a Spring 2011 Move Date

Yesterday afternoon the planning board was presented with a policy statement prepared by staff and requested by board members at the May 11 board workshop. This is part of the overall process in which eleven pier owners petitioned the city for text amendments to the current zoning ordinance – the text amendments would relax the zoning restrictions to permit more non-marine related industry on the waterfront. The assumption being that higher revenues generated would enable pier owners to maintain the wharves better than they currently are able to do.

One of the seven “development policies” that generated public comment came from a prohibition for residental development. Architect Paul Stevens, representing the Portland Society of Architects, recommended omitting the current prohibition on housing. Agreeing with Stevens was architect Scott Teas. Former mayor and working waterfront proponent Anne B. Pringle said she does not believe the fishing industry is “all but dead. We want to be thoughtful about this. Union Station was torn down because no one thought trains would come back.” Peter McAleney, of New Meadows Lobster, said: “We don’t have time to wait for the fish to come back. How many good years have we got?” – laughter ensued.

Chairman Bill Hall said” “I favor the changes made so far, but I’m not sure of the future…. more revenue would be generated, but will the dollars go back to pier restoration? We don’t know that.” A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for June 22 before the planning board.

Waterfront Maine, owners of the Cumberland Cold Storage Building, 254 Commercial Street, presented its plans for restoration of the building to accommodate a new tenant, the state’s largest law firm, Pierce Atwood. Architect Steve Weatherhead said the changes are mostly internal basics – such as reopening the windows for better views, providing elevators and bathrooms and fire prevention. A new lobby would be constructed as well as a rooftop terrace.

Chair Bill Hall requested a clearer analysis of parking spaces needed and what the owner can provide. More traffic analysis is needed as well. A public hearing is tentatively set for June 8th, depending on whether or not enough board members will be in attendance.

Dennis Keeler, a partner at Pierce Atwood attended the planning board workshop and told MHN.com following the meeting: “Our lease is up in April of next year. It seemed like the natural time to look around. We came very close to moving to the Maine Mall. We had a draft lease drawn up there.” Keeler laughed when he said there would be no parking issues out there. “Our business has changed. It used to be local only. That’s changed. It’s more regional than it used to be. We have people flying in from all over now.”

Pierce Atwood has asked for a tax break from the city for almost $3 million dollars. Asked if the city does not grant it, would the firm go through with the Commercial Street relocation, Keeler responded: “I don’t know. It’s up to my partners to decide.”

The City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on the tax break on June 7th.

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