Portland · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Portland public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Back shore / Department of Public Works
A motion to reconsider the DPW presentation on the back shore was on the agenda, touching on public works conditions along the island's shoreline.
State/High/Forest Avenue traffic signal improvements
The city signed on to MaineDOT's plan replacing 14 traffic signals — a first step toward making State and High Streets two-way with better bike facilities.
Stroudwater trail and pedestrian bridge improvements
A local mountain biking advocate told the commission that Portland could become a world-class mountain biking destination, citing partnerships on Riverton jump trails and a membership base of about 10,000 in the greater Portland area.
Payson Park entrance and Catafalque Drive traffic changes
The city is piloting a closure of one leg of the triangle entering Payson Park, plus the end of Catafalque Drive, with speed tables, bollards, and bike lanes to slow cut-through traffic. Residents wrote in objecting, saying the road closures create dangerous turns and aren't being used as intended.
Gilbert Lane Cobblestone Preservation
Residents who walk the historic Belgian block lane worry the construction could disrupt it — it's the only cobblestone street in its natural state on Munjoy Hill, with no sidewalks and heavy pedestrian use.
Dana Street Plaza street mural and pedestrian safety demonstration
A 1,200-square-foot Wabanaki artist mural is going in at the Dana Street pedestrian plaza on Commercial Street, part of a federally funded safety demo running through mid-November. It's meant to boost pedestrian visibility and liven up the Old Port's busiest walking corridor.
Additional parking spaces on Fore Street
About six new free two-hour parking spots are coming to Fore Street, and Peaks Island residential permit holders can stay longer. Islanders dealing with the Ocean Lane closure get real relief.
Parking supply in a densifying Bayside
With roughly a thousand already-approved car-free units nearby, street parking fully occupied, and high school students and social-service workers depending on spots, councilors want any new parking integrated into buildings rather than surface lots, and coordinated with underused city garages.
Casco Bay Trail Project
The council endorsed a planned 24.8-mile bike-and-pedestrian trail along the rail corridor between Portland and Auburn, joining seven other towns in a regional trail board. Portland's initial cost is just a $15,000 match.
Winter sidewalk accessibility and snow removal
Snowy, unplowed sidewalks were called one of the biggest complaints from Portlanders with disabilities, and elderly homeowners say they can't afford driveway plowing. Members want the plan to acknowledge that accessibility is a year-round issue and to open the door to nonprofit gap-filling programs.
Payson Park traffic management pilot
A proposed pilot program would manage traffic in and around Payson Park. The committee was to review the plan without taking public comment.
Brighton and Forest Avenue Improvements
First readings of MDOT cooperative agreements to improve Brighton and Forest Avenues — final votes come later.