Mayor Ethan Strimling’s proposal, which would also establish automatic annual leases and require landlords to accept renters who use housing subsidies, are described as ‘pretty far out there’ by a landlords group.
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 inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Portland adds artistic flourish to drab utility boxes
Five artists are painting designs on utility boxes at intersections around the city.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland picks New York City artist to create Congress Square artwork
Sarah Sze will design a piece of public art in conjunction with a landscape and architecture firm.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland looks to turn little-used waterfront lot into public haven
Officials are starting a planning process to transform the barren city-owned land into a premium park along the harbor.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Life & Culture, Local & State, News
Are Maine State Pier concerts too loud? We checked.
The number of complaints is down from last year, but a Press Herald analysis shows sound levels have been about the same.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland’s housing boom is still going strong
Responding to rising demand, developers have several rental and condominium projects in the works around downtown, and two more proposals for Bayside.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Clock restoration signals changing times for Portland’s Woodfords Corner
The restoration of the Odd Fellows Building clock marks the beginning of more sweeping change in the busy area.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Fans of Portland park take dim view of condo project planned on Munjoy Hill
Residents hope to negotiate changes with the developer of a complex on Sheridan Street that would block scenic views from Fort Sumner Park.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Redesign of Portland’s Canal Plaza calls for small building, switch to granite surface
Developer Tim Soley plans to refurbish the underutilized open space as part of a move to attract retail tenants and more foot traffic.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland launches campaign to clean up West Bayside
The city is tackling longstanding social problems using police, better lighting, outreach and more to help restore order.