Renovators of a nearby hotel now want to turn city-owned space into an event center and a smaller, friendlier park.
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.
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Portland council OKs higher towers for $38 million Bayside project
Miami-based developer Federated Cos. can submit plans for the first of four 15-story towers.
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Posted inBusiness, News
Bluefins lure famed fishing boat captain to Portland
Linda Greenlaw will join anglers on chartered tours chasing one of the world’s most sought-after fish.
Posted inBusiness, Life & Culture, News
Portland music venues become a duet
State Theatre is acquiring Port City Music Hall with plans for renovations and more local music shows.
Posted inNews
Portland school budget raises concern
Portland schools want to tap the city’s general fund, which is meant as a reserve for emergencies.
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Developer again eyes Congress Square Plaza
The park near the Eastland Hotel is linked to an ‘event center’ plan; critics say preserve and upgrade it instead.
Posted inNews
Foes push to keep lid on project in Bayside
Their newspaper ad pressures city councilors to deny a zoning change allowing taller buildings.
Posted inLife & Culture, News
Sidewalk art restrictions top Portland agenda
The city’s Public Safety Committee could decide tonight whether Portland should prohibit street vendors from setting up within 10 feet of a retailers and on sidewalks less than 8 feet wide.
Posted inNews, Politics
Maine mayors to unveil $85M bond request Monday
The bond package, which would need legislative approval before going to voters, would fund education, research and development, transportation and environmental initiatives.
Posted inNews, Politics
Portland manager’s budget challenged by councilor
Mark Rees’ proposal is $10 million more than the current budget and would increase property taxes 3.3 percent.