FALMOUTH — A new police officer has been hired as part of the Police Department’s plan to add a second detective. Officer Stephen Brown will step into the new post on July 7 and will later attend an 18-week training program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro, according to a department news release. […]
Forecaster News
Nason's Corner Park to open Saturday
PORTLAND — Nason’s Corner Park, the city’s newest playground, will open with a “Saturday in the Park” celebration from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on June 21. The park, at the corner of Capisic Street and Brighton Avenue, features a 7-foot tall climbing wall, tunnel, and outdoor classroom. The opening will include yoga led by Spiral Tree […]
Franklin St. workshop postponed to September
PORTLAND — A planned June 24 workshop on a redesign of Franklin Street has been postponed to an undetermined date in early September. Carol Morris, spokeswoman for the Franklin Street Committee Phase 2, said in a June 6 press release the committee is still considering ways to manage traffic at the Marginal Way intersection. Because […]
Portland Food Co-op to host tour
PORTLAND — The public is invited to a tour of the new Portland Food Co-op on Monday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. The co-op is scheduled to open this fall at 290 Congress St. Co-op organizers hope to raise $89,000 in “member-loans” by June 30 to ensure the opening will occur during fall harvest season. […]
Lincoln Park cleanup set for Saturday
PORTLAND — Volunteers are sought to clean up Lincoln Park, on Congress Street between Pearl and Franklin streets, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, June 21. Scheduled as part of the “Do Good. Have Fun.” events organized nationwide by Bud Light beer, cleanup work will include reseeding grass, painting, and installing new benches. The event is […]
Portland City Council OKs bag fees, bans foam packaging
PORTLAND — Whether it’s a progressive attempt to protect the environment or a government overreach that burdens businesses and consumers, a 5-cent fee on paper and plastic shopping bags and a ban on polystyrene food and beverage containers are coming next year. City councilors on Monday voted 6-3 in favor of the new rules. The […]
Portland Health & Human Services head ready for a new challenge
PORTLAND — After more than 15 years in city government, the director of the city’s Department of Health & Human Services is ready for a change. “Opportunities at this level don’t always come along,” Doug Gardner said June 13. “It is time to turn the page in terms of a career move.” Gardner, whose last […]
Back from the ashes: Hilltop Superette poised to replace Colucci's on Portland's Munjoy Hill
PORTLAND — Colucci’s, the iconic variety store atop Munjoy Hill that has been shuttered since nearly being destroyed by arson last year, is about to resume business – in old-school style. Now christened Hilltop Superette, the nearly 80-year-old store at 135 Congress St. is expected to re-open as soon as June 26, according to its general […]
Food trucks, carts get Portland park spots
PORTLAND — Six of seven city park spots available to food truck and cart owners were filled last week. City Hall spokeswoman Jessica Grondin released the results from bids received earlier this spring. Small Axe Food Trucks will continue to operate in Congress Square Park, and will be joined by Urban Sugar & Mobile Cafe. […]
Portland hotel developers undecided about pursuing Congress Square
PORTLAND — The planned sale of most of Congress Square Park to developers of the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel is uncertain after voters last week added the park to the city land bank. Question 1 passed June 10 by 287 votes. On Monday, Mayor Michael Brennan said there will be City Council workshop July 21 […]