South Portland eyes West End development project
City officials of South Portland have approved the development of a West End Master Plan as part of the capital improvement project budget for fiscal year 2017.
According to The Forecaster, the master plan will focus on a corridor that hasn't seen development for several decades — Westbrook Street from the intersection with Western Avenue to the Portland International Jetport.
Of particular interest to city officials is deciding whether reconfiguring zoning in the area — which is a mix of residential, limited business and suburban commercial districts — would encourage businesses to set up shop in the area to serve nearby residential neighborhoods, The Forecaster said.
South Portland's city council has set aside $30,000 for the preliminary effort, with half of the funding coming from the city's fund reserves and the remaining half coming from a Community Development Block Grant, according to newspaper.