The town of Portland is holding 2 public hearings on Thursday, August 22 and Tuesday, August 27, both beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Portland Library, to provide information and public conversation regarding the purchase of properties at 222, 230, and 248 Brownstone Ave. A Town Meeting vote to authorize purchase of the properties will take place on Wednesday, September 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Brownstone Intermediate School at 314 Main Street in Portland.

The Jonah Center has expressed strong support for town acquisition of the parcels, since Portland has received a state brownfield remediation grant that is contingent upon town ownership. The parcels in question lie within the yellow oval in the photo. The location, just across Brownstone Avenue from the quarries, promises significantly greater revenue to the town. The removal of contaminated soils from the oil depot is a major environmental benefit.  And the properties offer deep water docking for river-related development.

Please share this post with your Portland friends and neighbors to insure a good turnout for the vote and a decision of YES to acquire these strategic properties for the current and future well-being of our town.