But the developer and the college are concerned about the city’s plan to move its social services and public health programming to an office building next door.
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
In a reversal, Portland council narrowly approves Munjoy Hill Historic District
The 5-4 vote came more than 2 months after the council rejected the same proposal, and City Councilor Andrew Zarro, who initially opposed the plan, asked to reconsider it.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors to discuss shelter moratorium in Bayside
The item is being discussed at the request of the association that represents the city neighborhood with the highest concentration of shelter beds and social services.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Bill would impose new fees on vacation homes, short-term rentals
The proposal is generating opposition from real estate agents and tourism officials, who acknowledge Maine’s affordable housing crisis but say a new fee is not the answer.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland may move social service, public health services to Forest Avenue
A new proposal would consolidate staff and programming now at 4 locations into the office building at 39 Forest Ave.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Internet outage prompts Portland council to reconsider Munjoy Hill historic district next week
Monday’s widespread outage interrupted the council’s online meeting, prompting the move to reschedule for April 12.
Posted inLocal & State
Diverse group of 24 people running for 9 seats on Portland’s charter commission
The panel will have authority to recommend major changes to the city’s charter, although any reforms would need to be approved in a future citywide vote.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland mayor rescinds controversial proclamation
The move comes 3 weeks after former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh rescinded a similar proclamation that stirred tensions rooted in a historical conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland landlord sues city to prevent new ordinance from revealing rents
The lawsuit argues that information about rents amounts to trade secrets that could be used by other landlords in a competitive rental market.
Posted inLocal & State, News
West End resident organizing effort to rescind neighborhood’s historic designation
The request to dissolve the West End Historic District comes as city councilors reconsider a new historic district across the peninsula on Munjoy Hill.