A Message from Ann Pringle, WPNA:
There are a number of things going on that I think are of broad interest to the neighborhood, so here is an update:
1) JB Brown Rezoning In the late fall, JB Brown proposed a rezoning, from Waterfront Port Development Zone to a mixed-use business zone, on land west of the Star Match Factory to the end of West Commercial Street, a large parcel they now own, purchased recently from the railroad. They do not yet have a specific proposal for the site, but seek rezoning so that when tenants are identified, they can move expeditiously, without the need for a zone change at that point.
The proposal has been through three Planning Board workshops and a site walk, which included placement of a crane to illustrate potential building height. There was also a required neighborhood meeting, attended by almost 45 people. There will be a public hearing before the Planning Board at approximately 7:00 tomorrow night, 1/24, in Room 209 at City Hall.
Public comments, largely from Danforth and Salem Street property owners most directly affected, have been very focused and thoughtful, noting: the unique topography; the physical relationship between the neighbors and potential development; view impacts and their potential effect on property value; the gateway nature of the site especially the slope rising behind it; the importance of scale, massing, and design of future development; traffic impacts, etc. There was almost unanimous public opposition to the 65 foot maximum building height (plus a potential for an additional 15-20 feet for rooftop appurtenances) that is allowed in the new zone. Based on this response, JB Brown revised it application to allow a maximum 45 feet west of a line extending down from Fletcher Street, with a maximum of 55 feet to the east, with rooftop appurtenances not to exceed 7 feet. Some neighbors reluctantly have accepted this height, while preferring 45 feet for the entire parcel, with some still advocating for 45 feet.
Following public comment tomorrow night, it is likely that the Planning Board will vote on this issue, which will then go to the City Council for further consideration and a vote. WPNA will continue to work with neighbors in the ongoing public process.
2) Williston West Church As you may know, the Williston West Church and Fellowship Hall were recently sold. The buyer is an Australian gentleman, who is the managing director of Brisbane-based Majella Global Technologies. We understood that he intended to reside in part of the Fellowship Hall for part of the year, with his personal office in the building, and that he would continue to use the church sanctuary for performances.
Zoning in the R-4 allows for an office for home occupation, with no more than one non-family employee. Neighbors have recently learned from the owner's son, that they plan to move in eight employees as soon as possible and up to a total of 20 employees later. This would require a change to a conditional zone, with likely limitations on number of employees, parking, etc. The fundamental question, despite our desire to see the church make a successful transition to a new use, is whether any such zone change is in the interest of the neighborhood, especially abutters, and if the precedent of a zone change might have application elsewhere in the neighborhood. WPNA is in the information-gathering stage, working with abutters, and will develop a position as the situation evolves.
3) Western Cemetery Fence As you can see, the first phase of replacement of the Western Cemetery Fence is in place, with a few punch-list items to be addressed. The plan is to install Phase II in the late spring, from the left of the maintenance opening around the corner onto the beginning of the Western Prom. A black wooden sign, with gold lettering ("Historic Western Cemetery"), will be installed in the spring. Phase III will, hopefully, be completed in the fall, from the end of Phase II to the cemetery end on the Western Prom. Stay tuned for future developments!
4) Western Cemetery Concerts As you may recall, last winter WPNA, at the request the City, solicited contributions for the summer concerts series on the Western Prom. A number of households responded and the City was able to continue the longstanding concert series, that had been threatened by budget cuts.
The sunset folk concerts are held on Wednesday nights between July 11 and August 15 and includes both individual performers and groups. Attendance last year was between 75 and 300 at each concert, although several were rained out.
If you would like to contribute to this summer's series, please contact Anne
This is a more substantive email update than I have sent an long time, so please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, especially regarding JB Brown and Williston West.
Anne Pringle, WPNA President
774-0437
----------------------------------------------
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us
There are a number of things going on that I think are of broad interest to the neighborhood, so here is an update:
1) JB Brown Rezoning In the late fall, JB Brown proposed a rezoning, from Waterfront Port Development Zone to a mixed-use business zone, on land west of the Star Match Factory to the end of West Commercial Street, a large parcel they now own, purchased recently from the railroad. They do not yet have a specific proposal for the site, but seek rezoning so that when tenants are identified, they can move expeditiously, without the need for a zone change at that point.
The proposal has been through three Planning Board workshops and a site walk, which included placement of a crane to illustrate potential building height. There was also a required neighborhood meeting, attended by almost 45 people. There will be a public hearing before the Planning Board at approximately 7:00 tomorrow night, 1/24, in Room 209 at City Hall.
Public comments, largely from Danforth and Salem Street property owners most directly affected, have been very focused and thoughtful, noting: the unique topography; the physical relationship between the neighbors and potential development; view impacts and their potential effect on property value; the gateway nature of the site especially the slope rising behind it; the importance of scale, massing, and design of future development; traffic impacts, etc. There was almost unanimous public opposition to the 65 foot maximum building height (plus a potential for an additional 15-20 feet for rooftop appurtenances) that is allowed in the new zone. Based on this response, JB Brown revised it application to allow a maximum 45 feet west of a line extending down from Fletcher Street, with a maximum of 55 feet to the east, with rooftop appurtenances not to exceed 7 feet. Some neighbors reluctantly have accepted this height, while preferring 45 feet for the entire parcel, with some still advocating for 45 feet.
Following public comment tomorrow night, it is likely that the Planning Board will vote on this issue, which will then go to the City Council for further consideration and a vote. WPNA will continue to work with neighbors in the ongoing public process.
2) Williston West Church As you may know, the Williston West Church and Fellowship Hall were recently sold. The buyer is an Australian gentleman, who is the managing director of Brisbane-based Majella Global Technologies. We understood that he intended to reside in part of the Fellowship Hall for part of the year, with his personal office in the building, and that he would continue to use the church sanctuary for performances.
Zoning in the R-4 allows for an office for home occupation, with no more than one non-family employee. Neighbors have recently learned from the owner's son, that they plan to move in eight employees as soon as possible and up to a total of 20 employees later. This would require a change to a conditional zone, with likely limitations on number of employees, parking, etc. The fundamental question, despite our desire to see the church make a successful transition to a new use, is whether any such zone change is in the interest of the neighborhood, especially abutters, and if the precedent of a zone change might have application elsewhere in the neighborhood. WPNA is in the information-gathering stage, working with abutters, and will develop a position as the situation evolves.
3) Western Cemetery Fence As you can see, the first phase of replacement of the Western Cemetery Fence is in place, with a few punch-list items to be addressed. The plan is to install Phase II in the late spring, from the left of the maintenance opening around the corner onto the beginning of the Western Prom. A black wooden sign, with gold lettering ("Historic Western Cemetery"), will be installed in the spring. Phase III will, hopefully, be completed in the fall, from the end of Phase II to the cemetery end on the Western Prom. Stay tuned for future developments!
4) Western Cemetery Concerts As you may recall, last winter WPNA, at the request the City, solicited contributions for the summer concerts series on the Western Prom. A number of households responded and the City was able to continue the longstanding concert series, that had been threatened by budget cuts.
The sunset folk concerts are held on Wednesday nights between July 11 and August 15 and includes both individual performers and groups. Attendance last year was between 75 and 300 at each concert, although several were rained out.
If you would like to contribute to this summer's series, please contact Anne
This is a more substantive email update than I have sent an long time, so please let me know if you have any questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, especially regarding JB Brown and Williston West.
Anne Pringle, WPNA President
774-0437
----------------------------------------------
John Hatcher
Keller Williams Realty - The Hatcher Group
6 Deering Street | Portland, Maine 04101
207-775-2121 Office | 207-775-2122 Fax
http://JohnHatcher.us
John@JohnHatcher.us
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