The operator of Portland’s Mercy Hospital plans to break ground this spring on the two-year $84 million project.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland leaders cautious as they review complex proposal for eastern waterfront
It includes a request for a 20-year property tax break worth an estimated $127.8 million to help finance the redevelopment of the former Portland Co. railroad factory.
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Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland votes to keep public comment rules
Nearly two dozen spoke against a proposal to move public comment on non-agenda items to the end of City Council meetings, and only offer it once a month.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Portland council endorses solar initiative with 8-0 vote
The city estimates it could save $500,000 a year by joining the state’s first renewable energy consortium, which was made possible by legislation that allows municipalities and businesses to receive cash credits for using solar energy.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
Cost estimate rises by $660,000 for planned Portland roundabout
Portland’s City Council will consider additional funding for construction of the roundabout near the University of Southern Maine campus.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
Portland council will vote on plan to move public comment back to the end of meetings
The proposal, which would undo a change made by former Mayor Ethan Strimling to take comments prior to council meetings, would also prohibit people from addressing items pending before a council subcommittee.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Solar collective could provide Portland with cheaper, cleaner electricity
A city official estimates that joining a consortium with other large-scale electricity users, such as L.L. Bean and Nestle Waters, could save the city roughly $500,000 a year.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland voters asked to expand ranked-choice voting
If approved, the method that has been used in Portland’s mayoral elections since 2011 would be expanded to all City Council and school board races.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland councilors likely to reject plan to ban rental application fees
A public hearing will be held in April, but two of the three councilors on the Housing Committee oppose the proposal.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland councilors consider banning rental fees to ease burden on home hunters
Advocates say Portland would be the first city in Maine to bar landlords from charging application fees, which can add hundreds of dollars to an apartment search.