Congress Square

Published
June 3, 2014

Question 1 campaigns raise $70,000 in cash in Portland

The debate centers on whether the vote is about all public spaces or Congress Square Plaza.
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: Vote no on Question 1 to invest in Congress Square

As Portland residents and business owners, we’re urging our neighbors to join us in voting “no” on Question 1 on June 10. While this referendum effort claims to be about protecting our parks – and who wouldn’t want to do that? – what it really does is undermine the approved plan for the revitalization of […]
Published
June 3, 2014

Maine Voices: Vote no on Question 1 for a safer and improved Congress Square

The proposed law carries risks while improving the square will generate jobs and bring in money.
Published
June 3, 2014

Letter to the editor: Portland’s parks matter for a multitude of reasons

I am pro-parks because I am pro-business. Parks make money for cities – long-term money from new residents and tourists, not short-term money from single construction contract and low-paying service jobs. Portland’s boom – and all the jobs and tax revenue from building new housing – resulted from its unique appeal to transplants and tourists […]
Published
June 2, 2014

Letter to the editor: Portland’s Congress Square is ‘for everyone!’

I keep getting expensive, oversized fliers from the “Vote No on 1” guys. I get it, they’re backed with tons of money, but what I don’t understand is this singular focus. This “fight” is over more than just this one space. It’s about all or at least a majority of all the public green spaces […]

Published
June 1, 2014

Little plaza at center of referendum fight in Portland

Recent changes add to activity at Congress Square park as a vote nears on making it harder to sell 60 sites.
Published
May 29, 2014

Debate over June 10 parks referendum, Congress Square Plaza heats up

Protect Portland Parks urges passage of a public spaces ballot question; opponents say it is really all about Congress Square Plaza.
Published
May 28, 2014

Maine Voices: With parks’ perpetual protection insecure, Portland voters should have final word

At issue is whether the vote on selling or splitting public spaces should be reserved for the City Council.
Published
May 28, 2014

Letter to the editor: Question 1 seeks to give Portlanders a voice on public spaces

Public spaces are integral to a vibrant, thriving community. As America experiences an exciting urban renaissance, investing in our parks will help Portland remain competitive in attracting urbanites to our city. Voting “yes” on Question 1 would grant citizens the right to vote on the sale of parks, providing additional protections to 60 public spaces […]
Published
May 23, 2014

Our View: Portland voters should say ‘no’ to ballot question on parks

Saving Congress Square in its current configuration would not be worth the mischief this ordinance would cause.