In March the Riverside Recycling Center kicked off its composting promotion, making compost bins and kitchen waste pails available at discounted prices. In line with Portland's sustainability goals, the City has endorsed compost as an environmentally responsible alternative to fertilizing lawns and gardens and composting as an efficient way to reduce waste management costs.
Last year, the Riverside Recycling Center received 6800 tons of yard waste and brush from Portland residents, costing the City more than $335,000 to manage. Composting yard waste and non-meat food scraps at home instead of disposing of them will reduce waste management costs and provide homeowners with a valuable soil amendment.
Sustainable lawn care practices such as yardscaping (which includes reduced mowing and aerating along with the use of compost) help the environment by growing lawns that are less dependent on chemicals, fertilizers, and watering. These practices could also significantly reduce costs to the City associated with managing yard waste.
"Our goal is to educate the public about the environmental and economic costs of managing organic waste," remarked Troy Moon, Solid Waste Program Manager for the Department of Public Works. "If we can get Portland residents to consider yardscaping practices and using compost as an alternative to chemical fertilizers for their lawns and gardens, we can remove toxins from our storm water and reduce waste management costs at the same time."
In addition to composting organics, residents are encouraged to "mow high," generating shorter grass clippings that compost better. It is estimated that the average American spends forty hours a year mowing their lawn, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and causing air pollution. In fact, a lawnmower pollutes as much in one hour as an automobile driving 350 miles.
In 2004, 3 million pounds of yard care pesticides were purchased in Maine, more than three times the amount purchased ten years ago. The use of pesticides and fertilizers pose health risk to Portland's water ways. For example, excess nitrogen, a component of most fertilizers, can cause nuisance algae growth in Casco Bay.
It is estimated that 25 percent of the average household's waste consists of yard trimmings and kitchen scraps, which can easily be composted. Home composting combined with recycling and yard waste programs can reduce household waste by up to 80%.
Reducing yard waste and pollutants entering the water system are components of Sustainable Portland, a taskforce established by then Mayor Jim Cohen and chaired by former Mayor Jill Duson and former Mayor Nathan Smith. Sustainable Portland will be releasing its report addressing environmental, economic, and community sustainability later this month.
The 2008 home compost bin and how-to guide is available at a reduced cost of $37.50 (original price $80) and can be purchased at the Riverside Recycling Center until April 11, 2008. The bin is black, has a 10-year warranty, is made of 100% recycled plastic, and is large enough for a family of five. Kitchen Waste Pails, for kitchen food scraps, are available for $8.00 each, and the wingdigger compost turner can be purchased for a discounted price of $16.50.
Contact Donna Rooney at 797-6200 or djr@portlandmaine.gov for more information or to obtain an order form.
For more information about yardscaping, please visit the Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District webpage at http://www.cumberlandswcd.org/ or contact Tamara Lee Pinard at 892-4700.
Friday, March 28, 2008
2ND Annual BAYSIDE WORLD MARKET & FAIR
Saturday, June 21, at Portland High School
You can reserve your sales or exhibit table now at www.baysideworldmarketandfair.com
Table rentals only $30.00. Space is limited, so reserve early to guarantee your space.
For more information, email baysidefair@gmail.com or call 772-7595.
Last year’s first-ever Bayside International Market & Fair, which took place in the former Portland Public Market, was an enormous success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 3,500 attendees and a wide variety of vendors, craftspeople, ethnic foods, multicultural music and dance, children’s activities, educational and social service exhibit tables, and the sharing of moving, personal stories of the immigrant’s journey that led here to Portland, Maine. Notably, many of the subcommittee chairs who organized events for the Fair & Market are themselves members of the ethnic communities represented in Bayside and Portland.
With a slight change of name for 2008, we announce a new partnership with the planners of WORLD REFUGEE DAY, observed on June 20th each year since first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000. Events to recognize World Refugee Day are being planned for Friday, June 20th, in Lewiston/Auburn, to be followed by the Bayside World Market & Fair celebration in Portland on Saturday, June 21.
Highlights of the Bayside World Market & Fair:
· Date: Saturday, June 21, daytime & evening events
· Venue: Portland High School
· Multicultural music and dance performances
· Storytelling: Immigrant journey stories and/or traditional folktales
· Ethnic foods prepared by local community groups, merchants, or local restaurants
· Opportunities to buy/sell goods at flea market tables
· Ethnic arts and crafts
· Educational workshops for New Americans
· Informational displays from local organizations
· Children’s activities and childcare
· Participation of students from local schools
You can reserve your sales or exhibit table now at www.baysideworldmarketandfair.com
Table rentals only $30.00. Space is limited, so reserve early to guarantee your space.
For more information, email baysidefair@gmail.com or call 772-7595.
Last year’s first-ever Bayside International Market & Fair, which took place in the former Portland Public Market, was an enormous success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 3,500 attendees and a wide variety of vendors, craftspeople, ethnic foods, multicultural music and dance, children’s activities, educational and social service exhibit tables, and the sharing of moving, personal stories of the immigrant’s journey that led here to Portland, Maine. Notably, many of the subcommittee chairs who organized events for the Fair & Market are themselves members of the ethnic communities represented in Bayside and Portland.
With a slight change of name for 2008, we announce a new partnership with the planners of WORLD REFUGEE DAY, observed on June 20th each year since first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000. Events to recognize World Refugee Day are being planned for Friday, June 20th, in Lewiston/Auburn, to be followed by the Bayside World Market & Fair celebration in Portland on Saturday, June 21.
Highlights of the Bayside World Market & Fair:
· Date: Saturday, June 21, daytime & evening events
· Venue: Portland High School
· Multicultural music and dance performances
· Storytelling: Immigrant journey stories and/or traditional folktales
· Ethnic foods prepared by local community groups, merchants, or local restaurants
· Opportunities to buy/sell goods at flea market tables
· Ethnic arts and crafts
· Educational workshops for New Americans
· Informational displays from local organizations
· Children’s activities and childcare
· Participation of students from local schools
ASIA WEST OPENS SHOWROOM IN BAYSIDE
Asia West, one of the largest retail businesses in Portland’s Old Port, recently
opened a second store—an expansive three-story showroom at 125 Kennebec Street in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood, in the building adjoining Portland Architectural Salvage. The new showroom, housed in one of Portland’s oldest industrial buildings, offers leather and upholstered furniture, lighting, textiles, decorative accessories, and more. The Asia West staff gather almost all their furnishings from remote locations throughout India, China, Indonesia, and other exotic lands.
opened a second store—an expansive three-story showroom at 125 Kennebec Street in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood, in the building adjoining Portland Architectural Salvage. The new showroom, housed in one of Portland’s oldest industrial buildings, offers leather and upholstered furniture, lighting, textiles, decorative accessories, and more. The Asia West staff gather almost all their furnishings from remote locations throughout India, China, Indonesia, and other exotic lands.
Bayside Photographer Attacked at Home
On March 3, at 6:15 PM, when Jay York opened the door of his home on Wilmot Street to walk his dog he was confronted by a white male whom he’d never seen before who was sitting on the steps smoking a cigarette. York’s description of the man is about six feet tall, 190 to 195 pounds, between 26 and 36 years of age. He said the man had dark hair and was wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans.
The man became confrontational and aggressive after being asked to move from the steps. When York stepped back inside to dial 911, the man also came in and knocked the phone from York’s hand. York then picked up a softball stick and hit the man, without wanting to harm him unduly. After scuffling inside and outside, while still maintaining his hold on the stick, York was able to get back in his home to call police.
They were not able to locate the assailant.
The man became confrontational and aggressive after being asked to move from the steps. When York stepped back inside to dial 911, the man also came in and knocked the phone from York’s hand. York then picked up a softball stick and hit the man, without wanting to harm him unduly. After scuffling inside and outside, while still maintaining his hold on the stick, York was able to get back in his home to call police.
They were not able to locate the assailant.
Portland Public Library Sets Circulation Record
Portland Public Library set a lending record for the July 2007– December 2007 period, reporting a 10% increase over the same period last year. “This is especially encouraging to us,” said Executive Director Steve Podgajny, “as it follows a record-setting year that ended in July, and it now marks an 18-month period of record lending.” Book circulation swelled by 10% and borrowing of audiovisual items grew by 11%, both exhibiting substantial increases.
For the year ending June 30, 2007, the Portland Public Library system lent 742,779 items and experienced 617,449 visits from users.
Lending of materials is one of the key statistics libraries use to gauge activity. Preliminary figures for January 2008 show a 7% increase over last year, continuing the strong positive trend. The Library is currently raising funds for the renovation of its downtown facility located at 5 Monument Square, one of its six locations. This project is expected to further increase lending rates when completed.
For more information about the Portland Public Library system, including an online catalog and program information, visit the Library’s website at www.portlandlibrary.com.
For the year ending June 30, 2007, the Portland Public Library system lent 742,779 items and experienced 617,449 visits from users.
Lending of materials is one of the key statistics libraries use to gauge activity. Preliminary figures for January 2008 show a 7% increase over last year, continuing the strong positive trend. The Library is currently raising funds for the renovation of its downtown facility located at 5 Monument Square, one of its six locations. This project is expected to further increase lending rates when completed.
For more information about the Portland Public Library system, including an online catalog and program information, visit the Library’s website at www.portlandlibrary.com.
Signs of Spring in the Bayside Community Garden
By John Affleck
Garden Coordinator
Snooping around the Bayside Community Garden last week, shin-deep in overcrusted snow, taking inventory of raised beds that have collapsed during the winter, I had my first sighting of spring. A mob of Bohemian Waxwings descended on a thicket behind the compost bins, plump grey bobbing bodies, wingtips dipped in yellow and black eye-masks making them look like little cartoonish bandits as they pilfered its berries. Under the blanketing snow, I imagined parsnips in purgatory, nicely sweetened by the winter, and bulbs of garlic nearly ready to wake from hibernation and nuzzle up through the cold loam. Somewhere beyond that thicket, deep in a mound of backfill, a family of groundhogs are about to snort their way sluggishly out of their burrows and amble into the garden to look for early, lean pickings. Visions of succulent greens and sugar snap pea shoots are sprouting in their little pugnacious brains. They are waiting.
For resident groundhogs and Bayside Community gardeners, the wait is nearly over. Preparations for the 2008 season are in high gear. Past, current, and hopeful gardeners have been contacted, grants are being submitted, and we’re in the process of scouting for supplies. When the weather warms a bit, Kate, Clint, and I will be making a trip out to a local horse farm to load the bed of my pickup with free manure. Plans are in the works to hold a seed and plant swap and to bring in master gardeners to offer free classes to gardeners and the community focusing on seed starting, composting, organic pest control, seed saving, and canning. Our basic goal is to supply gardeners with the resources needed to nurture and haul home a healthy crop and to have plenty of fun doing it. There’s been talk about holding potlucks, scheduling garden yoga sessions, and organizing a harvest celebration for the fall. Plenty to be excited about.
That said, the project has its definite challenges. This is a garden that doesn’t hide its blemishes – it is somewhat weather-beaten and world-worn. An old, rusted-out water tank stands up on an embankment, and from it, a gravity-fed hose, partially cracked and leaking, snakes down to the beds below. Stone benches are frequently spray painted with graffiti, and nomads can often be found snoozing on garbage bags in the cool of the shrubs behind the compost bins. It is an urban garden, and to be sure, it feels like it. Simply maintaining the site has been tough at times. Our budget is tiny and tightening. As well, garden beds, resources, and activities are supplied to members free of charge.
To address these challenges, we’re hoping to encourage spirited involvement from gardeners and neighbors this season to ensure that basic needs are met. In the upcoming weeks, we will be making a stab at partially reconstructing our old raised beds, most of which are crumbling and buckling badly. Lumber and hardware will be necessary to do a complete rebuild come fall. A good stash of compost and mulch is sorely needed to build soil fertility, retain water, and keep weeds in check. New waterlines and tools will have to be salvaged, donated, or purchased from early spring yard sales as much of our supply has been loaned to us and may soon need to be returned. In light of all this, both financial contributions and helping hands in the garden are heartily welcomed. They will make a huge impact on what we’re able to do this season and beyond.
After various incarnations, the Bayside Community Garden now serves as a realization of what grassroots sweat, vision, and commitment can do to transform a neglected piece of neighborhood into a thriving, viable community meeting place. Our membership is made up of a spectrum of gardeners: native Portlanders and those from away, Kenyans, Sudanese, Somalis, Russians, and Indians. It is a fascinating place to be, haphazardly beautiful and surprisingly vibrant. Take a stroll along the beds in the high season of July and you’ll discover rainbow chard, swirled eggplant, German hardneck garlic, crookneck squash, purple bush beans, Spanish onions, strawberry remnants, Jerusalem artichokes, husk cherries, Hungarian hot wax peppers, edible and ornamental cut flowers, a kaleidoscopic array of greens, and broad-leafed Italian basil that will adorn succulent wedges of heirloom Brandywine tomatoes. If you see me there, come on over. I’ll give you a tour. And if the groundhogs, blight, or neighborhood gleaners haven’t cruelly claimed my cherry tomatoes for their own, I may just offer you a few to show you what Bayside tastes like in the summer.
To inquire about tending a plot of your own or to make a contribution of any sort, please contact either John Affleck (207) 838-4260 or Kate Pendleton (207) 899-4970.
Garden Coordinator
Snooping around the Bayside Community Garden last week, shin-deep in overcrusted snow, taking inventory of raised beds that have collapsed during the winter, I had my first sighting of spring. A mob of Bohemian Waxwings descended on a thicket behind the compost bins, plump grey bobbing bodies, wingtips dipped in yellow and black eye-masks making them look like little cartoonish bandits as they pilfered its berries. Under the blanketing snow, I imagined parsnips in purgatory, nicely sweetened by the winter, and bulbs of garlic nearly ready to wake from hibernation and nuzzle up through the cold loam. Somewhere beyond that thicket, deep in a mound of backfill, a family of groundhogs are about to snort their way sluggishly out of their burrows and amble into the garden to look for early, lean pickings. Visions of succulent greens and sugar snap pea shoots are sprouting in their little pugnacious brains. They are waiting.
For resident groundhogs and Bayside Community gardeners, the wait is nearly over. Preparations for the 2008 season are in high gear. Past, current, and hopeful gardeners have been contacted, grants are being submitted, and we’re in the process of scouting for supplies. When the weather warms a bit, Kate, Clint, and I will be making a trip out to a local horse farm to load the bed of my pickup with free manure. Plans are in the works to hold a seed and plant swap and to bring in master gardeners to offer free classes to gardeners and the community focusing on seed starting, composting, organic pest control, seed saving, and canning. Our basic goal is to supply gardeners with the resources needed to nurture and haul home a healthy crop and to have plenty of fun doing it. There’s been talk about holding potlucks, scheduling garden yoga sessions, and organizing a harvest celebration for the fall. Plenty to be excited about.
That said, the project has its definite challenges. This is a garden that doesn’t hide its blemishes – it is somewhat weather-beaten and world-worn. An old, rusted-out water tank stands up on an embankment, and from it, a gravity-fed hose, partially cracked and leaking, snakes down to the beds below. Stone benches are frequently spray painted with graffiti, and nomads can often be found snoozing on garbage bags in the cool of the shrubs behind the compost bins. It is an urban garden, and to be sure, it feels like it. Simply maintaining the site has been tough at times. Our budget is tiny and tightening. As well, garden beds, resources, and activities are supplied to members free of charge.
To address these challenges, we’re hoping to encourage spirited involvement from gardeners and neighbors this season to ensure that basic needs are met. In the upcoming weeks, we will be making a stab at partially reconstructing our old raised beds, most of which are crumbling and buckling badly. Lumber and hardware will be necessary to do a complete rebuild come fall. A good stash of compost and mulch is sorely needed to build soil fertility, retain water, and keep weeds in check. New waterlines and tools will have to be salvaged, donated, or purchased from early spring yard sales as much of our supply has been loaned to us and may soon need to be returned. In light of all this, both financial contributions and helping hands in the garden are heartily welcomed. They will make a huge impact on what we’re able to do this season and beyond.
After various incarnations, the Bayside Community Garden now serves as a realization of what grassroots sweat, vision, and commitment can do to transform a neglected piece of neighborhood into a thriving, viable community meeting place. Our membership is made up of a spectrum of gardeners: native Portlanders and those from away, Kenyans, Sudanese, Somalis, Russians, and Indians. It is a fascinating place to be, haphazardly beautiful and surprisingly vibrant. Take a stroll along the beds in the high season of July and you’ll discover rainbow chard, swirled eggplant, German hardneck garlic, crookneck squash, purple bush beans, Spanish onions, strawberry remnants, Jerusalem artichokes, husk cherries, Hungarian hot wax peppers, edible and ornamental cut flowers, a kaleidoscopic array of greens, and broad-leafed Italian basil that will adorn succulent wedges of heirloom Brandywine tomatoes. If you see me there, come on over. I’ll give you a tour. And if the groundhogs, blight, or neighborhood gleaners haven’t cruelly claimed my cherry tomatoes for their own, I may just offer you a few to show you what Bayside tastes like in the summer.
To inquire about tending a plot of your own or to make a contribution of any sort, please contact either John Affleck (207) 838-4260 or Kate Pendleton (207) 899-4970.
Security Deposits Protected
AUGUSTA - Renters and landlords will both enjoy new protections for security deposits on rental properties under a law sponsored by Rep. Herb Adams, D-Portland. The measure, LD 330, "An Act to Protect the Integrity of Security Deposits," officially became Public Law 332 on Sept. 20. Under the new law, when a building with rental units is sold or transferred, the old owner will have to present the new owner with written proof that the building's security deposits have been legally transferred to the new owner during the sale's final closing proceedings.
Adams introduced the bill in response to complaints from both landlords and tenants who discovered after the sale of buildings that the old owner had never turned over security deposit funds. New owners and tenants had no recourse but to pursue old owners--many long gone—in costly lawsuits, often in out-of-state courts.
"This is not pocket change," said Adams. "Security deposits can be in the thousands of dollars for just one apartment, and in the tens of thousands for one single building. Good landlords and good tenants both need protection in today's turbulent real estate market."
Supporters of the bill included the Maine Apartment Managers and Owners Association (MAOMA), the People's Regional Opportunity Program (PROP),and the Office of the Maine Attorney General.
"We strongly support LD 330," Assistant Attorney General James McKenna told the Legislature's Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, which considered the bill. "It closes a loophole that is unfair and harmful to Maine's many hardworking families who struggle to come up with the sum for a security deposit."
Adams represents Portland's Parkside, Bayside, and East Bayside neighborhoods and the foot of Munjoy Hill, home to Maine's largest percentage of rental housing stock and some of the oldest, with large ethnic diversity and high turnover rates. Adams's bill received the unanimous support of the Legal and Veterans Committee and both bodies of the Legislature.
Adams introduced the bill in response to complaints from both landlords and tenants who discovered after the sale of buildings that the old owner had never turned over security deposit funds. New owners and tenants had no recourse but to pursue old owners--many long gone—in costly lawsuits, often in out-of-state courts.
"This is not pocket change," said Adams. "Security deposits can be in the thousands of dollars for just one apartment, and in the tens of thousands for one single building. Good landlords and good tenants both need protection in today's turbulent real estate market."
Supporters of the bill included the Maine Apartment Managers and Owners Association (MAOMA), the People's Regional Opportunity Program (PROP),and the Office of the Maine Attorney General.
"We strongly support LD 330," Assistant Attorney General James McKenna told the Legislature's Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee, which considered the bill. "It closes a loophole that is unfair and harmful to Maine's many hardworking families who struggle to come up with the sum for a security deposit."
Adams represents Portland's Parkside, Bayside, and East Bayside neighborhoods and the foot of Munjoy Hill, home to Maine's largest percentage of rental housing stock and some of the oldest, with large ethnic diversity and high turnover rates. Adams's bill received the unanimous support of the Legal and Veterans Committee and both bodies of the Legislature.
Portland launches “Volunteer Portland,”
On Valentine's Day, Portland launched its Volunteer Portland program. Volunteer Portland is a web-based initiative designed to allow the people that live, work and play in the City a chance to give back by volunteering or donating their time, services or financial resources. The initiative was first introduced by City Councilor Jim Cohen during his tenure as Mayor.
The site’s gift catalog includes more than fifty items including bike hitches, park benches, scholarships, and trees, available for donation to your neighborhood or the community at large. Donations can be made online, in person or by mail. Volunteer opportunities include ushering at Merrill Auditorium, working with the City Clerk’s office during an election, or mentoring a student group.
City Councilor Jim Cohen was joined by various City Department Directors as he outlined the purpose and intent of the program. Councilor Cohen presented the first Volunteer Portland donation of $3,000 to the Portland Education Partnership Program.
“I know I am not alone in wanting to give back to the City,” stated Cohen. “Volunteer Portland provides a simple format for people to get involved and share their time or resources with a City they love.”
Find out more by visiting www.portlandmaine.gov/donations/volunteerlist.asp
The site’s gift catalog includes more than fifty items including bike hitches, park benches, scholarships, and trees, available for donation to your neighborhood or the community at large. Donations can be made online, in person or by mail. Volunteer opportunities include ushering at Merrill Auditorium, working with the City Clerk’s office during an election, or mentoring a student group.
City Councilor Jim Cohen was joined by various City Department Directors as he outlined the purpose and intent of the program. Councilor Cohen presented the first Volunteer Portland donation of $3,000 to the Portland Education Partnership Program.
“I know I am not alone in wanting to give back to the City,” stated Cohen. “Volunteer Portland provides a simple format for people to get involved and share their time or resources with a City they love.”
Find out more by visiting www.portlandmaine.gov/donations/volunteerlist.asp
City of Portland Featured in Coastal Living Magazine
This month, Coastal Living magazine published “The Lure of Portland,” a travel diary by Jennifer Chappell. The article highlights a number of Portland destinations including the Arts District, the Portland Museum of Art, and the Longfellow Home. The article also pays tribute to Portland’s rich and diverse culinary community including restaurant Street & Co., microbew Gritty McDuff’s, and the fresh breads and homemade pies available at the Public Market House.
“It’s gratifying to see Portland receive recognition in Coastal Living,” stated Mayor Ed Suslovic. “The magazine not only took the time to sample some of the great fare available at our local restaurants, but to explore and appreciate the unique character of the City, from our cobblestone streets to our lively Arts District.”
Published by Southern Progress Corp., a Time Inc. subsidiary based in Birmingham, Alabama, Coastal Living is travel and living magazine for people that love the coast.
For more information, go to:
http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/travel/destinations/article/0,14587,454594,00.html
“It’s gratifying to see Portland receive recognition in Coastal Living,” stated Mayor Ed Suslovic. “The magazine not only took the time to sample some of the great fare available at our local restaurants, but to explore and appreciate the unique character of the City, from our cobblestone streets to our lively Arts District.”
Published by Southern Progress Corp., a Time Inc. subsidiary based in Birmingham, Alabama, Coastal Living is travel and living magazine for people that love the coast.
For more information, go to:
http://www.coastalliving.com/coastal/travel/destinations/article/0,14587,454594,00.html
Portland Seeks Artists Input for Creative Economy
Portland's Creative Economy Steering Committee is seeking input from artists on their space needs by asking them to participate in a survey. The information gathered will help shape taskforce recommendations related to having available, affordable, and secure long-term space in Portland for artists and other contributors to the creative economy.
"The Creative Economy Steering Committee has been working since 2006 to develop strategies to encourage and maintain the creative economy in Portland," stated Jim Cohen, chair of the Committee. "The Committee has spent a great deal of time exploring potential initiatives ranging from new community events, to growing innovation businesses, to addressing space needs of artists and arts organizations. We hope to bring a set of recommendations forward to the City Council by late spring.”
The Creative Economy Steering Committee was appointed by then-mayor Cohen in 2006 following a well-attended Creative Economy Summit held in May of that year. According to Cohen, “It became clear after the Summit that we needed to better understand the creative sector's needs and steps we can take to support it."
Among the initiatives being considered is the development of a Center for the Arts. A Center for the Arts could come in many forms, but in principle it would host a community of artists and arts organizations creating a synergy that elevates the making as well as the quality of art. Economies would be realized with a concentrated population of creative people and groups pooling resources and sharing equipment and space. If built, a Center could accommodate a range of uses, including studios, live/work space, galleries, a museum, performance and rehearsal space, and education and administrative offices. At this point, however, the Steering Committee is keeping its options open, including whether the Center would be financially feasible or whether it should be a public venture, a private venture, or both.
"Housing and work space is the foundation for any economy,” stated Councilor Dave Marshall, co-chair of the Committee and a professional artist. "We need feedback from artists and creative individuals about their space needs in order to grow our creative economy."
Access the survey online on or before April 7 by visiting www.ci.portland.me.us
"The Creative Economy Steering Committee has been working since 2006 to develop strategies to encourage and maintain the creative economy in Portland," stated Jim Cohen, chair of the Committee. "The Committee has spent a great deal of time exploring potential initiatives ranging from new community events, to growing innovation businesses, to addressing space needs of artists and arts organizations. We hope to bring a set of recommendations forward to the City Council by late spring.”
The Creative Economy Steering Committee was appointed by then-mayor Cohen in 2006 following a well-attended Creative Economy Summit held in May of that year. According to Cohen, “It became clear after the Summit that we needed to better understand the creative sector's needs and steps we can take to support it."
Among the initiatives being considered is the development of a Center for the Arts. A Center for the Arts could come in many forms, but in principle it would host a community of artists and arts organizations creating a synergy that elevates the making as well as the quality of art. Economies would be realized with a concentrated population of creative people and groups pooling resources and sharing equipment and space. If built, a Center could accommodate a range of uses, including studios, live/work space, galleries, a museum, performance and rehearsal space, and education and administrative offices. At this point, however, the Steering Committee is keeping its options open, including whether the Center would be financially feasible or whether it should be a public venture, a private venture, or both.
"Housing and work space is the foundation for any economy,” stated Councilor Dave Marshall, co-chair of the Committee and a professional artist. "We need feedback from artists and creative individuals about their space needs in order to grow our creative economy."
Access the survey online on or before April 7 by visiting www.ci.portland.me.us
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