For more than a year, the lights around Baxter Boulevard have stayed dark. Even though Central Maine Power can restore power to thousands of homes in a single day, it says the lights on the boulevard are not its responsibility.

The City of Portland Department of Public Works says restoring the lights is “on the list” and that inadequate staffing has delayed work on the lighting.

Residents have had to endure daily noise, road closures, blasting and dust for months. No end of the work is in sight. The boulevard is not safe after dark or in the early morning hours without the lights. Surely Portland can do better.

William Gribizis
Portland