Portland Planning Board approves Bayside affordable housing plan
OVERVIEW
A Master Development Plan is an optional planning tool that can be used to outline large, multi-phase projects in the early stages. It builds a shared vision and timeline of complex development and provides additional opportunities for public engagement and community input.
Following months of review, the Bayside Master Development Plan has been approved by the City of Portland's Planning Board. Subsequent site plan applications outlining project specifics will now be reviewed, phase by phase, prior to start of development. Robust public engagement will result in enhanced project outcomes.
The Bayside Master Development Plan (MDP) proposes the creation of 800+ new units of rental housing while also introducing mixed-use community spaces, significant new green space, increased pedestrian access, and connectivity throughout the Bayside neighborhood in Portland, Maine.
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The plan includes five proposed phases of development to take place over the course of 10 years that include the construction of:
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Seven new buildings
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200+ affordable housing units
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600+ market-rate units
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28,500 square feet of new commercial space
Along with this new construction, the plan also outlines the retention and renovation of existing commercial and institutional buildings, as well as the retrofitting of the Public Market parking garage with infill retail and amenity uses.
Developed in collaboration with a local team including Reveler Development and Port Property, Stantec’s Urban Places Studio, and Acorn Engineering, the proposed project aligns with the City’s planning goals and prioritizes a sustainable and equitable community within Bayside that reinforces and builds upon the existing vibrant and dynamic neighborhood.
Increasing Walkability + Accessibility
Strengthening
Connectivity + Heritage
Creating Workforce + Affordable + Market-Rate Housing
Boosting Economic Activity + Job Creation
Illustrative site plan of Bayside Development Plan (Courtesy of Stantec).
OUTREACH
To support our continued community engagement with the Bayside neighborhood, our team is involved in a robust communications & outreach program. By taking a 10-year, phased approach with the Bayside Master Development Plan (MDP), we are extending a long-term commitment to the neighborhood, and our community engagement efforts will take a similar, partnership-based approach.
The items outlined below for digital engagement and in-person engagement are anchored in continuing to work closely with the neighborhood association, while extending our efforts out to engage a broader audience, including key social service agencies and other stakeholders, to ensure a diverse representation.
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Project WebsiteWe will maintain this project website which will serve as the single source of truth for information about the Bayside Master Development Plan and the associated projects. This website will be frequently updated with news items and project details.
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Contact & FeedbackThis website provides contact information along with a contact form that allows interested parties to quickly submit an inquiry or outreach request. An additional feedback form is also made available for community members to share thoughts and comments.
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Email UpdatesThroughout our efforts, we’ll maintain an email distribution list of interested parties (with a sign-up form available on this website) and provide a regular cadence of updates to that list.
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Neighborhood Association MeetingsOur project team will maintain a consistent presence at meetings of the Bayside Neighborhood Association, building on our past and current efforts with that group to answer questions and understand the dynamics in the community as they evolve throughout.
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Hosted FormsAt key junctures in the project, we will host in-person forums (partnering with the neighborhood association and other stakeholders on our approach) to provide a deep-dive view and answer all questions.
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Abutter RelationshipsWe will continue to take a direct approach with abutters as activity begins on particular phases of planning, development or construction, reaching out proactively and early to discuss progress and to address any concerns or source feedback/ideas from this core group should any challenges arise.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
PHASES
A 10-YEAR VISION
2033
Bayside MDP Completion
Phase 1A + 1B
Phase 3
Phase 5A
Phase 5C
Phase 2
Phase 4
Phase 5B
2023
Bayside MDP Approved