Misc Thoughts

One of the largest buildings on the Portland waterfront is the cumberland storage building. Tall, brick and drab, your eyes tend to slip past it, but if you do focus you realize how dominant it is over the landscape. Given the city's willingness to rezone the MSP, why not allow a contact zone for that pier/building? I have to believe that a major development in that building would generate considerably more taxes than it's current use.

more thoughts

Another thought: I saw the city truck picking up trash from the curb receptacles this morning in the Old Port. Since the city is already paying for the truck, transport and labor, public works should offer removal services to in-town businesses/restaurants and bars? That way they could generate some revenue to offset city costs.

And finally…many of the store fronts in the Old Port, and around town do not offer quarters to tourists and visitors to feed the parking meters. The city uses a parking officer to collect quarters (in a bucket) from all the meters in the morning. I assume that there is some labor cost to the city to process thousands of quarters. If the city installed curb side changes machines(obviously secure) the parking officer could recycle coins from the meters into the change machines for bills and tourists and visitors would have ready access to change to feed the meters.

ideas for Portland

1. Convert Commercial St. parking(waterside) to dedicated motorcycle/scooter spots. At three motorcycle spots per car spot this sends the right message and encourages commuters to use 2 wheels. Plus, motorcycle tourists spend big bucks.

2. What is the deal with the Municipal Golf Course? Where in the city charter is their the obligation to provide affordable golf and tax payer cost? That's right, the Muni usually runs a deficit. Other cities and private owners have started converting golf courses to other developments. Given the enormous amount of land that golf requires it really isn't the "highest and best use". Even without changing it's use, the city could sell or lease the land and put it back on the tax rolls. In 2007 the municipal golf course generated $1m in revenue...about the same as a average restaurant in the Old Port. Not really maximizing city assets.

Misc Thoughts

1. With the addition of the Miss Portland Diner, the "dorm" apartments and the office buildings, Marginal Way is turning into a dynamic area. I still wonder how it will become pedestrian friendly given the scope and speed of through traffic.

2. Was up in Bath talking to Ed Rogers(Maxwells), saw a great piece of property...send me an email(you know who).