PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 15, 2024
In my 34-year career directing Portland’s planning division, I had direct experience in the creation of the original historic preservation ordinance in 1990 and its subsequent amendments through 2015. A formal agreement was signed between the National Park Service and the City that stipulates any changes to the ordinance must be approved by the Maine Historic Preservation Commission and the National Park Service to maintain certification. Portland has benefited greatly from federal funding available to CLG communities, including 58 grants totaling $919,876. The Portland Museum of Art can argue that its proposed expansion deserves special consideration, but the fact remains that what it wants to do is against the law in Portland and threatens Portland’s CLG status – and all the good work that has been accomplished because of it. It’s not worth the risk. ~ Alexander Jaegerman served Portland as a senior planner, chief planner and planning division director (1981-2015)