Welcome to the District Five Insider, a weekly newsletter keeping you informed about the big decisions being made inside Council Chambers, what they mean for District Five, and how you can get involved in shaping our community. Enter your email and hit subscribe to receive this newsletter in your mailbox every week.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

This, the inaugural issue of the Insider, is coming to you on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, a day for me of personal reflection and connection to cosmic cycles. Solstice literally means “sun stands still,” and it’s a reminder for me to pause and recognize that when it seems like we’re running in circles, well, we are… and that’s not a bad thing! The more times we do something, the better we get at it. Learning from past mistakes and improving our processes is how we achieve better outcomes. The City Manager’s decision to pause the clearing of Harbor View encampment this week and take a closer look at the data being gathered by the Encampment Crisis Response Team (ECRT) is a good example of this… and a timely one. Happy Solstice! -Kate

One Big Thing:

Portland comes into compliance with LD2003

The biggest news coming out of City Hall this week is the Council’s interpretation of a State law that directs cities and towns to loosen local zoning restrictions to allow for more housing density in growth areas. On Monday, December 18, the Planning Board presented their recommendations and Councilor Rodriguez made several amendments to them, which the Council passed, 8-1.

What it means

According to our land use code, almost the entire mainland of Portland is considered a “growth area.” We are the largest City in Maine, so it makes sense we’d want to focus population growth here, where jobs, public transit, and services are. The passage of LD2003 means it will now be possible to build up to four (4) market-rate housing units in residential zones throughout the city. If half the units are affordable, a density bonus kicks in, allowing up to ten (10) units to be built. This applies to currently vacant lots as well as tear-downs. Other restrictions, like set-backs, still apply.

Why it matters

A community is its people. In recent decades, Portland’s population has declined and we have not made the gains other town and cities have in building housing to try to bring those number back up.

Here in D5, we have a lot to offer these efforts: trails, trees, great schools, a river to paddle on, and even a golf course that doubles as a winter recreation area, with free Nordic skiing, ice skating, and a family sledding hill. It’s a great place to live! For too long, however, our many amenities have been gate-kept behind restrictive zoning laws that make it hard to build housing that’s affordable to low and middle income families, young people, and people of color. With the passage of LD2003, we’ll increase our tax base, catalyze local business, expand public transit, and welcome more families with young kids to our schools. LD2003 is a game-changer that will allow District Five to position itself as a leader in Portland’s economic growth. And with the environmental and economic guardrails of the Green New Deal in place, we’ll do it sustainably and equitably.

Two More Quick Hits:

Lambert Woods North Housing Development Approved

In addition to LD2003, the City Council also approved a landmark development in North Deering (622 Auburn Street) to allow for the construction of 72 units of rental housing affordable at 60% AMI (ie. $56,800 for two people). The Lambert Woods North development includes 34 one-bedroom, 10 two-bedroom, and 28 three-bedroom units over 6 buildings. The property will integrate bus shelters for the 9A and 9B buses, lighted sidewalks, community space, a playground, and community gardens. All buildings will meet or exceed Portland’s Green Building Ordinance.

Harbor View Park Encampment Sweep Paused

Following the 7-2 vote passage of a non-binding Resolution on encampment sweeps, City Staff called off an encampment clearance scheduled for the following day. The intent of the Resolution was to remind us of the investment we’ve made in building a public health response to our homeless crisis, ground us in evidence-based research, and recommit to the goal filling beds at the shelter. It takes time to fill beds and we were right to take a pause and let our community partners and city staff do their work. Coordination between outreach teams will be critical in the coming days, and I look forward to working alongside the Health and Human Services Committee to improve our processes and address the root causes of homelessness.

Pet of the Week!

The D5 Pet of the Week is Toli!

Each week we feature a District 5 pet who brightens our day. Toli is a border collie-lab mix who just celebrated his 12th birthday and lives in Deering Center. His favorite activities include gardening (mostly digging holes) romping around the Evergreen Cemetery Trails, and taking long snoozers in the sun.

ksykes@portlandmaine.gov 207-558-5764

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