Portland Planning can finally close the Hope Avenue permit application, initiated over two years ago by Miami-based developer GenX Capital Partners, since the parcel is going into foreclosure (“2 controversial housing projects in Greater Portland headed to auction,” July 18).

Throughout this years-long saga, GenX botched a development in Saco and had an unfinished condo complex foreclosed in Cumberland. The Mark. And, in the two-plus years that the Hope Ave permit has been active, GenX neglected to pay its property tax, damaged the Presumpscot River Preserve, refused to pay the ensuing fine and failed to appear at any of its court hearings, forcing Portland to issue a motion for contempt of court.

This is the track record of an inexperienced developer.

The parcel is slated to be sold through Keenan Auction Co. Hopefully, any prospective buyers will do their homework and learn of the substantial risks, which include landslides, unsuitable soils and technically challenging terrain. In addition, the recently enacted Low Impact Development Standards make this parcel nearly undevelopable.

At a recent conference on the Presumpscot Formation, the geological phenomenon responsible for many of the landslides in the Greater Portland Area, state geologists released guidance that would require over 50 boring sites be surveyed on the Hope Avenue parcel, in addition to the geotechnical review expected by the city, prior to permit approval.

Portland should designate this parcel for conservation to protect the delicate and beautiful Presumpscot River and adjacent preserve.

Emily-Anne Garland
Scarborough