Controversial ‘Housing Replacement Ordinance’ Considered at Housing Committee Meeting; “What Ever Happened To Common Sense in Portland?”

Marcia Frank, of Preble Street Homeless Voices for Justice, Supports Strengthening the current Housing Replacement Ordinance

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 364)

Supporters of and those wanting changes to the current housing replacement ordinance gave public comment before the Housing Committee last night at its regular meeting.  The ordinance which was adopted by the city in the fall of 2002 has come under criticism recently  partly for its impact on the property located at 6 Washington Avenue and owned by Alec Altman.  Councilor John Anton is chairman of the Committee.

“It was a fascinating dialogue,” said Penny Littell, director of planning & urban development following the lengthy public comment period.  Speaking in support of the ordinance as it currently stands was Marcia Frank, Preble Street  Homeless Voices for Justice.  Frank said there are weak and confusing parts of the ordinance that need to be made stronger.  “By strengthening our ordinance, Portland continues to set the standard in Maine for preserving and maintaining truly affordable housing,” Frank said.  James Melan said that the ordinance is “remarkable” and he doesn’t want any changes to it that would lower the money that goes into the fund.  Keep the ordinance as is,” he said.

Chris O’Neil, Portland Chamber of Commerce, recommmended that the Committee not set up a system that doesn’t take into account the vagaries of the market and he suggested that the Committee study  how other jurisdictions handle the subject.  Carleton Winslow, a long-time landlord in Portland asked the pertinent question  – “What ever happened to common sense in Portland?  The apartaments at 6 Washington Avenue has been vacant for years.  The City should have dealt with them sooner.”

Alec Altman had planned to open an upscale Bingas Wingas at 6 Washinton Avenue.  In order to do so, Altman intended to eliminate “apartments” from the building that date back to the 50s.  Under the city’s current ordinance, Altman owes the city $150,000 since he did not indicate an interest in replace those apartment units elsewhere.  Back in 1957, there were plans to include apartments in the Washington Avenue building, but according to Altman,  the apartments never materialized.  In addition, the building itself had fallen into severe disrepair prompting the city to order its demolition in early November of last year.

Follwing the Committee meeting, Winslow said:  “I generally favor the ordinance, but it needs some work.  I think there are legal holes in it and I think the city’s record keeping is abysmal.  They need to put more resources into record keeping and better inter-departmental communications.”

Please read Post # 330, dated November 18, 2009 for more background info.

City Council Unanimously Supports Relocation of USS John F. Kennedy to Portland Harbor

By Carol McCracken   (Post # 363)

By a unanimous vote, the city council voted to support reloacting  the USS John F. Kennedy  to Portland Harbor.  This unanimous vote authorizes the Mayor to send a letter to the U. S. Navy on behalf of the “JFK for ME” Museum Committee’s effort to obtain ownership of the ship and bring it to Portland Harbor.

The Navy has decommissioned the aircraft John F. Kennedy and is willing to give the ship to a nonprofit organization as long as the host city supports the move.  Retired naval vessels have served as successful tourist attractions and it is with this in mind that the city supported the resolution.  Councilor Jill Duson said it could be a “major attraction”, but it should also be remembered that the city doesn’t have resources.  It would be a great idea for the whole region, but we need to proceed with caution.”

The USS John F. Kennedy Museum Committee, (“JFK for ME”) is  is a non-profit organization set-up by William Higgins to  obtain ownership of the aircraft carrier and relocate it to Portland.  “JFK for ME” proposed to undertake this task at no expense to the city or its taxpayers.  Fund raising for the 1,052 ft. aircraft carrier  would start soon for this project.   One person testified that the ship could be anchored off the Eastern Promenade.

According to an article in “The Boston Globe” in November, one member of the Boston City Council is likewise interested in returning the ship to Boston.  “It will be hard for us to compete with a city that has a warm climate that could attract visitors every month of the year, or one with a deep-water port,” said Stephen Murphy.  “Right now, we do not have a suitable location inside the harbor.”  Massachusetts already has one decomissioned ship – the USS Massachusetts battleship.

Parking Ban Tonight; 10:00 pm to 6:00 am

Lanssine Traore of LT's Landscaping - Removing Snow; Call 207 - 776-2396 For More!

Snow Sculptures on the E. Promenade. Built by Loc Chanler and Sadie Bliss and Three of Their Friends..

 

Visibility? Not So Good. Could It Be Emily And Josh?

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 362)

Portland has called a parking ban beginning tonight at 10:00 pm and running until 6:00 am tomorrow, Monday morning.  This ban will allow city crews to remove snow and clear streets for parking this week.  The Cutter Street lots off the Eastern Promenade continue to be a convenient spot for residents of the Hill.

Vehicles left on the street during this ban will be towed at the owner’s expense.  Vehicles will be towed to the cithy’s impound lot located at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal at 40 Commercial Street; phone number 774-3025.

The parking ban hotline number is 879-0300 or check the time and temp sign for latest info.

Munjoy Hill News Undergoes Upgrades; Advertising Coming….

HAPPY NEW YEAR

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 361)

Eighteen months ago the opportunity was given to me to begin an on-line news service.  I scooped up the idea and have been running with it ever since.  Over sixteen thousand views later, it’s been more fun that I ever anticipated. I knew nothing much about computers.  I still don’t for that matter.  But that’s okay.  There are people around who can supply that kind of support to the Munjoy Hill News.

The original purpose was to create a  “portrait of a community” – about the vibrant and dynamic community in which we live.  I’ve focused on the paths these vibrant and dynamic people are following.    Often they are much more diverse paths than ever occurred to my generation of women to follow.   And that’s partly why it’s been so much fun to get to know you.  Recording bits of history; specifically the fact that Manny Bento was among the first Americans to serve on the USCG Eagle; captured from the Germans at the end of WW II.  Another standout for MHN were the stories about Hill photographer, Don Verger,  and his traumatic brush with the law.   You who have graciously permitted me to be curious about your lives.  This is a good opportunity for me to thank you for allowing me to snoop around in your lives!  It wouldn’t have worked without your cooperation.

The new year is also a good opportunity to let you know that in the coming days  and weeks you’ll be seeing changes in this on-line news service.  Upgrades are coming!  The format will be a little  different.  For example, there will be the same banner with colors added to it and more customized than it currently is.   For the first time,  MHN will be accepting advertising.   Advertising will help defray some of my expenses;  like new digital cameras when I accidentally drop one and break it!  It’s happened.  It could happen again I suppose!

At this point, I don’t know the extent of the changes yet, but I’m confident that under the very patient and professonal touch of Peter Beattie,  www.Mainemediapros.com , the results will be outstanding!  Peter has a long established internet service directed toward small businesses.    Neither the content of the MHN nor the name will change.  My email address will remain:  ca10cken@aol.com  A “portrait of a community” has only begun!

Oh yes – and most importantly of all -  let’s not forget the New England Patriots – GO PATS!

Plungers Raise Over $3,000 for NRCM at East End Beach

Some of the more than 25 plungers at today's event.

Brownie Carso: “Please call Senators Snowe and Collins and ask them to support global warming legislation!”

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 360)

Led by their intrepid leader Brownie Carson, over twenty-five plungers took to the frigid waters of Casco Bay earlier today to draw attention to the problem of global warming and the work that the Natural Resources Council of Maine is doing to defeat the problem here in Maine.  “What an opportunity we have here to jump into the water on this warm and gorgeous day,” said Carson, 62, as he led the plungers into the water just after noontime.  The water temp was 38 degrees; much warmer than the air temp.

Watching from the sidelines was his wife, Dana, and their new rescue dog, Abby.  She said she told him he was “nuts” to do this, but let it go at that.  “Afterall, he’s not forty years old any more,” she said laughing.  Another of the plungers was Jeff West who lives on the Hill.

After his plunge, Carson kidded with the other plungers that “it was tropical today” – that as the snow fell lightly.  The only preparation he’d made for this event was to eat a big breakfast.  “Seriously though,” he said, “please call Senators Snowe and Collins and ask them to support global warming legislation.  If  I’m still on this earth, I’ll do it again next year,” he said kidding.

“My pockets are full of money right now,” said Stacie Haines, membership manager.”  Actually, I know we’ve raised over $3,000 and certainly more than we did at last year’s plunge.”  Part of this event was to celebrate the Council’s fifith anniversary, and so it is uncertain as to whether or not it will be repeated next year.

Mayo Street Arts; Letter to City Outlines Plans..

New Home Of Mayo Street Arts, Originally St. Ansgar's Church

By Carol McCracken  (Post  359)

Plans for the much anticipated community arts center at 10 Mayo Street in the greater Munjoy Hill area were de tailed in a letter from the non-profit’s executive director, Ms. Blainor McGough to the city.   The letter dated December 21st outlined its plans to the city’s zoning board but did not mention that the owner of the historic 10 Mayo Street property belongs to the wealthy  Roxanne Quimby, co-founder of  Burt’s Bees and its former owner.

In the  letter,  McGough wrote that the proposed project will “house an art gallery, a performing arts space and artist studios. ”  Her letter goes on to say that the “main hall of the church will be used as a gallery and performance space, while the second floor and basement will be subleased as  6-8 artist studios.  Remaining space will be avilable for rehersal and meeting space for local performing artists and community groups.”

The purpose of “Mayo Street Arts is to create a dynamic visual and performing arts center.  It will create studio and exhibition space for artists, rehearsal and performance space for musicians and performers and a meeting space for community groups,” the letter also says.

McGough is a visual and performing artist from Portland with over fifteen years’ experience.  She has put together a team of advisors from the area that will help to administer the arts center’s programs.  The team includes Annie Wadleigh, Megan Grumbling, Brian Arlet, Kelly Nesbitt, Robyn Merrill, Bessie Moulton, Deidre Nice, and June Fitzpatrick.

The matter goes to the Zoning Board on January 7, 2010 at 6:30 pm, city hall, room 209 at which time a conditional use permit for the non-profit will be considered.

Please see previous post # 357, dated December 28, for more background on the subject.

REMINDER! Polar Bear Plunge at East End Beach; 12/31 – Brownie Carson, Executive Director of NRCM Takes the Noontime Plunge As Well!

Holiday Decorations on the Hill

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 358)

More than 20 hardy souls have signed up to take a bone-chilling plunge at  the East End Beach on Thursday, December 31 at noon.  The event is hosted by the Natural Resources Council of Maine.  The purpose of the plunge is to support the work that the NRCM does in reducing global warming pollution here in Maine.  Each entry is asked to raise at least $50. in support of the event.  Perhaps you can attend the plunge in order to cheer on the brave souls who’ve agreed to plunge in what will probably be frigid temps on Thursday.

One of the plungers is Brownie Carson, executive director of the 50 year old NRCM.  In his twenty-six years at the helm of the organization, the popular Carson has elevated this envronmental organization to national prominence.  During his tenure, Carson has been instrumental in seeing that some of state’s “first-in-the-nation” environmental laws were passed.

The 61 year old Carson under the auspices of the NRCM has led the way in protecting Maine’s treasured northern forest from the region’s latest threat, large-scale land speculation and development.  He has worked to protect the Greenville-Moosehead Lake region from massive development.  Under his leadership, NRCM was the first conservation organization to voice opposition to the Seattle-based Plum Creek Real Estate Investment Trust massive development in Maine’s north woods.   Carson, who is an attorney,  lives with his family in Brunswick.

The East End Beach was chosen as the site of this second NRCM plunge “because of its central location to Maine’s largest population in the greater Portland area,” said Stacie Haines of NRCM.  For more information, please email her at Stacie@nrcm.org

Roxanne Quimby, Owner of Historic Mayo Street Property, Petitions ZBA – 1/7/10

Carrie And Her Daughter Amanda O'Neil

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 357)

The City has  announced that wealthy businesswoman Roxanne Quimby, owner of historic property located at 10-12 Mayo Street, will be petitioning the Zoning Board of Appeals for a conditional use permit for a non-profit community center there; Thursday, January 7th, at 6:30 pm, room 209 of the Portland City Hall.

Her representative, Ms. Blainor McGough, will be asking the Board to change the use of the property into a “community center to serve the arts” as well as to relieve parking restrictions for the new arts center.   It is zoned R6.  The planned arts center is called –  Mayo Street Arts.

Roxanne Quimby purchased the property from Peoples’ Regional Opportunity Program (“PROP”) seveal years ago.  At the time, a representative of hers told MHN that Quimby intended to dedicate this historic building to the arts.  It was controversial at the time, because “A Company of Girls”, a nonprofit, had been based there for many years.  ACOG was forced to vacate the property because its purchase offer was  not accepted by PROP. For a time, ACOG was based at the former Adams School until it likewise had to vacate that premises.     ACOG  is still looking for a permanent base from which to run its award winning program for girls “at risk.”

In the intervening years since the vacation of ACOG from the Mayo Street property,  maintenance has been on-going at the Mayo Street property.  The exterior was repainted, siding was replaced and the roof as well.   Just prior to  vacating the property by ACOG,  a complete rennovation had occured inside the property.  It has stood unused since that time.  “I don’t think anyone knows what’s happening to the building.  They know  she’s (Roxanne Quimby) remodeling it, but that’s all, said longtime neighbor, Carrie O’Neil.  “We’ve been watching.  I’m glad they are doing something with it,” she said. ”But I doubt there is anyone in this neighborhood who would be interested in it,” she added.  Her daughter, Amanda,  used to attend Head Start there.

Roxanne Quimby, has been a major player if not controversial player in the acquisition of large tracts of land in northern Maine.  Last year  she was profiled in YANKEE magazine in an article titled, “The Most Controversial Woman in Maine.”  It may be viewed on line in the magazine’s archives section.    She’s also caused controversy here in Portland when her acquired property in Longfellow Square was deemed exempt from certain assessments recently.

Quimby and her former husband founded Burt’s Bees which she has since sold.

Seniors Celebrate Holiday Party Hosted by City; Some Reminiscence

Some of the Staff Members Hosting the Holiday Party

Joanne Willis and Dorothy Yorke

 

Dolly Sawyl, Shirley Tevanian and Blanche Johnson. (All Showed Up With Identical Sweaters From RENY’S!)

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 356)

Manny Bento

Holiday fun and good cheer were in abundance when thirty-three seniors got together Monday for a holiday party at the Cummings Center on the Hill.  The anuual event was hosted by the city’s parks and recreation division for those fifty-five PLUS.

With some dressed in whimsical holiday hats and sweaters, seniors were served an outstanding ham dinner with all the fixins.  Christmas Carols were sung.  Gifts were exchanged in a “Yankee Swap” fashion – seniors could swap their presents for another one they preferred that already had been opened.  The buffet dinner was prepared by city employees.  All good fun for a small fee to members of the city’s 55_ program.

Donning a big grin as well as his Santa Claus hat with his wife sitting beside him, was Manny Bento.  Bento, who comes from New Rochelle, NY joined the U.S. Coast Guard on Broadway in NYC in 1946.  He received his training aboard the USCG Barque Eagle in 1947.  The ship was captured by the United States from Germany in 1947 and converted into a training ship.  Bento, a Hill resident, was among the first Americans to undergo their training on the Eagle.  In fact, instructions and directions aboard the Eagle were still written in German when he boarded the ship.  The U.S. Coast Guard had made other updates to the ship including installing radar and water tight doors.   The ship’s home port is the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Ct.

Following that in 1950, Bento, now 81,  was stationed aboard a ship docked at the Maine State Pier in Portland.  His Coast Guard ship was involved in search and rescue as well as weather forecasting.  One time his ship was on its way to Rhode Island and found two tankers that had broken in half in rough seas.  Bento’s crew was ordered to “put lube oil in the heands and flush i down to calm the seas.  It was a common practice,” Bento said.  ”The  Coast Guard was the real ring leader for pollution,” he said laughing.

For more information about the 55+ Adult Program, please call 874-8870.

Winners Named In “PDD” Annual Winter Window Walk – Contest

Holiday Wreath at Ocean Gateway

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 355)

Numerous restaurants and shops throughout downtown Portland dressed up their windows for the holiday season with great window displays.  Portland’s Downtown District has annually hosted a contest for the best window and has just announced this year’s winners:

First place winner is:                  Emerald City, at 611  Congress Street,

Second place winners are:       Folia, 50 Exchange Street in the    Old  Port and Mensroom Salon & Lounge, 8 City Center.

The windows can be seen throughout the holiday season in the Old Port and Arts District. “There is nothing to get you into the holiday spirit like walking through downtown Portland’s fabulous shopping district.  The windows this year have surpassed previous year’s in creativity!”, said Jan Beitzer, Executive Director of Portland’s Downtown District.