PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 20, 2024
The Presumpscot River Preserve is one of the only conservation areas and trail networks within Portland city limits, the largest freshwater input into Casco Bay, an untouched nature preserve that provides essential habitats to hundreds of species. A Miami-based real estate developer pursuing a permit to build a major condo development abutting the Presumpscot River Preserve, proposes to demolish 14 acres of forested habitat and wetlands. This same developer built a retirement community in Saco that was plagued by construction deficiencies. We need to create affordable housing units, but when conserved lands are on the line, we need to be more discerning about the who and the how of housing development in Greater Portland. ~ Robert Benak, Protect Presumpscot