05-05-23 Newsletter

Thinking about creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)? Check out our new info-packed video about the City's recently updated ADU regulations! The recording of our well attended presentation features representatives from the City's Planning and Code Enforcement offices, as well as members of the local business and non-profit community, and includes an overview of:

     • the process of applying for an ADU
     • meeting building codes and standards
     • property and tenant management info
     • financing options
     • and more!

Watch the video, check out the brand new City of South Portland ADU Guidebook, access the ADU application, and more here.
 

May 8-14 Road Construction Alerts: Pike Industries has informed the City that the I295 Northbound ramps 1 through 6 will be closed for construction the week of May 8. These closures will be 9 PM - 6 AM and will be one ramp at a time. Work is weather-dependent. Paving is scheduled to occur on Mussey Rd in Scarborough from the South Portland town line (where Broadway ends) to Honan Rd. This is tentatively planned to start Wednesday, May 10th. Work is weather-dependent.

Cottage Road Project Update: The Cottage Road project remains on track to be completed in mid- to late June. Shaw Brothers will finish installing curb and prep for concrete during the first part of this month. They expect to start pouring concrete sidewalks mid-May through the end of the month.

Learn more about the Cottage Road Project.
 

The crew from American Ramp Company is currently working on the lower section of the City's new Skatepark in preparation for the grand opening on June 21!

Please note: Our Parks Department will need to loam and seed around the perimeter of the park once complete. We ask that any users please keep off the loam to allow time for grass to grow. To help preserve the landscaping, we ask that all users enter and exit through the construction entrance at the corner of Nelson Rd. and Mountain View Rd.

Learn more about the South Portland Skatepark Grand Opening.
 

Attention gardeners and potential gardeners on South Portland's west end! The Redbank Community Garden has open plots for individuals, families or organizations that would like to grow their own food or plants. They're also looking for volunteers to serve in a leadership role to help manage the garden. If you're interested, please contact Donna Kane at (207) 767-4688 or dlarson.kane@gmail.com.

 

South Portland Bus Service, Greater Portland METRO, and Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit are discounting bus fares now through September 30, 2023! All bus fares are 50% off their regular price during this promotion, including local and express service and full and reduced fares. The discounted fares are available to riders using either cash or the DiriGo Pass.

Learn more.
 

Join in person at the Hús on Thursday, May 11th from 4:30 - 7 PM for this month’s Coffee & Climate “Gulf of Change: A Discussion on Climate Change and Resiliency in Maine's Aquaculture Industry.” 

One Climate Future is collaborating with the New England Ocean Cluster to host a panel discussion on climate resilience in Maine’s aquaculture industry and the opportunities in developing sustainable and resilient local food systems. Preregistration is required. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gulf-of-change-tickets-617842632947
 
Coffee & Climate is a monthly speaker series, hosted by the Portland and South Portland Sustainability Offices, which breaks down a given sustainability or climate topic with the help of guest speakers. 2023 programming includes a range of topics including sustainability in the arts, aquaculture, plastics, environmental justice and more!
 

Are you interested in creating a more climate-friendly yard, filled with native plants and pollinators, that invites you outdoors all year long? Join us on Wednesday, May 17 at 6:30 PM at the South Portland Public Library for "Building a Biodiverse & Climate Resilient Yard," a presentation on building a biodiverse and climate resilient yard. This program is in partnership with the Wild Seed Project and the South Portland Sustainability Department.
 

Learn more here, and see more library events below.

Learn more about this event here.

The South Portland War Veteran's Memorial Association is sponsoring the following Memorial Day Programs:
 
Saturday, May 27 : Veteran Grave Flagging Program - Meeting at American Legion Post at 8:30 AM then departing at 9:00 AM, in designated groups, to place Grave Site Flags at various South Portland cemeteries.
 
Monday, May 29 : Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony - The Memorial Day Parade will form at Southern Maine Community College Parking Lot at the North end of Broadway, starting 9:30 AM and will step off at 10:30 AM sharp. It will continue down Broadway to the Veteran’s Monument, just beyond Pratt and Abbott, where there will be a short Memorial Day Recognition Service.
 

For more information or to participate, call 799-3997.

 

• Deputy Fire Chief Bill Collins retired after 32 years as a City of South Portland Firefighter/Paramedic, EMS Coordinator, Lieutenant, and Deputy Fire Chief. We wish Chief Collins best of luck in his next chapter!
   
• The South Portland Police Department lost a devoted member of its team last month when their beloved K9 Trigger passed away.
   
• This month, the City of South Portland is recognizing staff as we celebrate Building Safety Month, International Firefighters Day, Public Service Recognition Week, National Police Week, and National Public Works Week. Thank you to our hardworking staff!