Protecting the landscape of Portland’s public parks

Why is the panoramic view from Fort Sumner Park on Munjoy Hill protected, but not the western end of the Eastern Promenade?

Fort Sumner Park is located on the south side of North Street next to the old Shaler School and is known for its spectacular views of the Portland skyline, Back Cove, and Mount Washington. In 2017, the City of Portland increased the Fort Sumner Park height in order to “protect the public interest by limiting the impact of development on Sumner Park’s exemplary views of natural resources and changes to Portland’s skyline.” Enacted an overlay.

The western end of the Eastern Promenade is located between North Street and Washington Avenue, and likewise offers expansive views of the city skyline, Back Cove, and Mount Washington. Home to the North Street Community Garden, East End Community School’s out-of-class gardens, and Mount Joy Community Orchard, the park attracts residents and visitors year-round to enjoy its expansive views.

Local newscasters are often seen filming their shows with the Portland skyline in the background. Like the views of Fort His Sumner, these are typical views of the dynamic Portland landscape.

Proposed zoning changes now threaten that 180-degree view.

Ahead of Recode Portland, which will rewrite the city’s land use laws for the first time in more than 50 years, Redfern Properties is building a new building from B1 to B2 at 165 Washington Avenue with the goal of increasing workforce housing in Portland. is requesting a zoning change. In an April 3 letter to the planning department, Redfern Properties said the zoning change “is part of the ongoing recode process that the planning department has already recommended for this property. , was proposed.”

This zoning change allows building heights to be increased from 45 feet to 75 feet (with employee housing benefits). The mixed-use building has 324 housing units, 81 of which are deeded workforce housing units. The remaining 243 units will be rented at market rates.

The proposed building faces south and is designed to take advantage of both the east side views of the city, the south views of Back Cove, and the west views of Mount Washington. Its height and mass obstruct the view of the city skyline from the eastern prom. One can only speculate that while market-rate apartments may offer such views, workforce housing probably does not. In other words, under the auspices of workers’ housing policy, public views will become private views.

In the public interest, I hope the Portland Planning Commission denies this rezoning request. Most areas of the city adjacent to parks are zoned residential or underground. I hope the Board will follow precedent and respect the rationale for these zoning designations. The western end of the Eastern Promenade deserves the same treatment as other parks in the city and would benefit from additional protection from an overlay designation, such as the Fort Sumner Park Elevation Overlay.

The four-storey buildings allowed in the current B1 zone will benefit both the public and those in need of housing. Everyone should be able to enjoy his 180 degree view.

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