CUMBERLAND — A draft of the town’s fiscal 2016 general fund budget shows a 10.6 percent increase over current spending. Much of the hike is due to changes in the way the town accounts for programs it already funds. The preliminary $10.4 million budget for next year is still under review by the Finance Committee; […]
Forecaster News
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland councilors, staff seek affordable housing solutions
PORTLAND — A proposed requirement that affordable housing be included in new developments is likely to face additional City Council review later this month. On Feb. 25, city Planning & Urban Development Director Jeff Levine renewed the discussion of “inclusionary zoning” with the City Council Housing and Community Development Committee as part of a wider […]
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Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Jewish Community Alliance gets $2.5M gift to buy Portland church, build new JCC
PORTLAND — Spring meetings with neighbors and city officials are expected as the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine plans for a new community center to be built on the site of the former St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church. “We really are going to be going forward,” alliance interim Executive Director Ellie Miller said Feb. […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Topsham students read while they ride with 'Bus Book Bags'
TOPSHAM — Schools are encouraging kids to read more at home and at school. School bus driver Don Sanders is trying to boost it on the ride in between. Sanders’ “Bus Book Bags” program, now a joint effort between School Administrative District 75 and the Topsham Public Library, has become a big success – not […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Topsham manager proposes 8% budget hike
TOPSHAM — The fiscal 2016 municipal budget proposed by Town Manager Rich Roedner calls for an 8 percent increase over current spending. But the number could change when the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee deliver their recommendations next month. Residents, who last May approved the current $8.5 million municipal budget, will vote on next […]
Posted inCoastal Journal, The Forecaster
Bath urges compliance on clearing sidewalks
BATH — The city is reminding owners and occupants of downtown properties that they are required to clear the sidewalks in front of those properties after a snow storm. The ordinance calls for sidewalks to be cleared within four hours of a storm’s end Monday through Saturday during the day, or by 10 a.m. the […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland's Baxter Boulevard Sunday closings return in May
PORTLAND — Baxter Boulevard will be closed to motor vehicles Sundays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. beginning May 3 and continuing through Oct. 25. The street will be available for bicyclists and pedestrians from Vannah Avenue to Payson Park.
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland St. Patrick's Day parade set for March 15
PORTLAND — St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated Sunday, March 15, by the Irish American Club with a parade on Commercial Street and reception at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. The parade begins at noon at Center and Commercial streets, according to a press release, and is expected to end at 1:30 p.m. at Bell […]
Posted inSouthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
South Portland plan visualizes Mill Creek makeover
SOUTH PORTLAND — In an informal public forum Thursday night that included free pizza, the draft Mill Creek Master Plan was presented to about 15 members of the public who were, in turn, encouraged to be candid with their criticism. The master plan for the area, which extends from E Street to Broadway, has been in […]
Posted inPortland Forecaster, The Forecaster
Portland leaders fire back at LePage claims of aid mismanagement
PORTLAND — City Democrats and social services leaders came out swinging Friday morning, saying a recent state audit claiming the city mismanages its General Assistance program is part of a “coordinated attack” by Maine’s Republican governor and his administration. State Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, led a news conference outside the city’s Oxford Street Shelter, where […]