South Portland Comprehensive Plan Committee

Updated 2 days ago

South Portland Comprehensive Plan Committee - June 18 2025

Chapters

Roll Call (00:05:43)
Roll call is taken to determine the attendees present at the meeting.

The roll call is conducted to identify which committee members are present. Marty, Bob, Peter, Howard, Anne, Mike, and Chris are present. Pedro will join later, Jeff, Natalie, and Elise are absent, and Lucy has stepped off due to time constraints.
Approval of Minutes (00:06:33)
The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved by the committee.

The committee reviews the minutes from the previous meeting. Marty moves to approve the minutes and Howard seconds the motion. The committee approves the minutes without any objections.
Meeting Schedule Discussion (00:07:02)
Discussion on the upcoming meeting schedule and the agenda for the next meetings.

The committee discusses the schedule for upcoming meetings, including the possibility of an additional meeting next week if needed. They aim to cover the three core themes in the current meeting and plan for the next set of themes in future meetings.
Public Comment Period (00:22:13)
Public comments are invited on the core themes being discussed, with several community members providing input.

Community members are invited to provide their comments on the core themes of the meeting. Several speakers, including Leslie Gaku Hines, Dave Edward, PJ Craig, Pam Thomas, Dr. Prisca, and others, express their concerns and suggestions regarding climate change, infrastructure, public health, and the avoidance of housing near industrial areas.
Discussion on Development Infrastructure and Current Language (00:35:18)
Discussion on the limitations of current language for new development, with reference to a yard south style development and comprehensive planning.

The meeting discussed the challenges of current language in supporting new development infrastructure. Counselor West noted that a yard south style development cannot proceed under existing language, particularly concerning undefined affordable units and parking for luxury hotels. The comprehensive planning committee's vision for the shipyard area was also a point of discussion.
Public Comments (00:37:27)
Call for public comments, both in-person and online, with no participants from online.

The chair asked if there were any public comments, inviting both in-person attendees and online participants to share their thoughts. The online platform was available for comments through a raise hand feature, but no one opted to provide comments.
Concerns from the Previous Council Meeting (00:37:49)
Discussion on concerns raised by residents at the previous council meeting, particularly about housing and environmental issues.

The committee acknowledged the overwhelming concern from residents regarding housing developments and environmental safety in certain areas. They discussed the importance of addressing these concerns and ensuring that any new developments are safe for all citizens.
Questions on City and Oil Companies' Responsibilities (00:39:51)
Discussion on city and oil companies' responsibilities regarding berm maintenance and sea level rise.

A question was raised about the city's assurance from oil companies to maintain berms against sea level rise. The response was that oil companies are licensed through the state and must maintain their facilities, but there is no direct city mechanism to enforce this.
Inputs for Policy Making (00:40:31)
Discussion on the inputs for policy making, particularly regarding housing near fence lines and public involvement.

A question was raised about the inputs driving policy decisions, especially concerning housing near fence lines. The committee clarified that public inputs play a significant role in policy development, and all committee activities are public.
Discussion on Policy and Survey Questions (00:42:22)
Clarification on policy decisions related to housing near fence lines and air quality concerns, with reference to public surveys.

The committee discussed whether survey questions addressed specific concerns about housing near fence lines. The focus was on air quality and other environmental factors, with assurances that public concerns have been considered.
Discussion on Economic Forecasting and Policy Language (00:45:00)
The committee reviewed language changes in policy related to economic forecasting and service delivery improvements.

The committee discussed revising policy language to reflect the city's role in reviewing and assessing published economic forecasts. They also deliberated on language about improving service delivery and cost savings.
Discussion on Homeless Assistance (01:08:35)
The committee discusses the importance of staff awareness about issues related to homelessness and the role of reminders in maintaining focus.

During this segment, committee members emphasize the significance of keeping homelessness on the agenda, citing the value of reminders for both new and existing staff to stay informed about the issue.
Editing and Comprehension Improvements (01:09:01)
Suggestions are made to improve document clarity and readability, including removing redundant words and simplifying sentences.

Members discuss ways to simplify sentences by removing unnecessary conjunctions and creating clear, concise statements to enhance understanding and readability of official documents.
City Property Disposition (01:10:23)
A clarification is sought on city property disposition policies and their alignment with decision-making processes.

The committee reviews the clarity of city property disposition policies, ensuring that decision-making authority is correctly attributed to the city council, and suggests clearer wording for the policy document.
Public Arts Committee Involvement (01:11:00)
Debate on the role of the Public Arts Committee in building design and public art facilitation.

Members discuss whether the Public Arts Committee should be consulted on building designs, with differing opinions on the committee's role and mission regarding public facilities and arts programming.
Goal E: Educational Strategies (01:13:01)
Revisions to educational strategies include incorporating diverse perspectives and ensuring clarity in goals.

The committee reviews strategies related to education, including collaboration with school board officials and community members to refine language and objectives for educational equity and resource allocation.
School Diversity and Equity (01:17:33)
Discussion on school population diversity and equitable resource distribution, considering implications of busing and neighborhood schools.

Members debate the implications of ensuring school populations reflect city diversity, considering potential busing and its impact on community school dynamics, while emphasizing equitable resource distribution.
Subsidized Childcare and Universal Pre-K (01:32:44)
Discussion on the feasibility and importance of subsidized childcare and universal pre-K programs, considering past initiatives and current support.

Committee members discuss the importance of subsidized childcare and universal pre-K, referencing past successful initiatives and current community needs, while considering budget constraints and community support.
Youth Employment and Private Sector Jobs (01:35:36)
Debate over city and school roles in facilitating private sector employment opportunities for youth.

The committee considers the roles of city staff and school counselors in connecting youth to private sector jobs, debating whether this responsibility should be a city directive or school advocacy.
Discussion on Economic Development Department Responsibilities (01:40:24)
The committee discusses the responsibilities of the economic development department, including inventory management and job boards.

The committee members discuss the responsibilities of the economic development department, focusing on tasks such as managing an inventory and handling job boards. There is a debate on whether these tasks might overlap with the city's HR department and how they fit into core themes of the city's plans.
Sea Level Rise and Coastal Storms Planning (01:42:42)
Planning for sea level rise and coastal storms using science-based projections is discussed.

The discussion focuses on planning for sea level rise and coastal storms, emphasizing the use of science-based projections and accounting for uncertainties. The committee deliberates on the inclusion of objectives in the plan, addressing potential redundancies and the importance of setting clear strategies.
Infrastructure and Development Standards (01:45:21)
Standards for public and private infrastructure development are debated, including consistency and impact concerns.

The committee discusses the standards for public and private infrastructure in relation to new and existing developments. Concerns are raised about consistency between public and private standards and the potential impact on current homeowners. The need for clear language in the comprehensive plan is emphasized to ensure understanding and prevent disadvantageous situations.
Impact of Individual Property Development (02:08:13)
The impact of individual property developments on neighboring properties is debated, focusing on flooding and storm impacts.

The committee discusses the challenges of individual property developments, such as seawalls, that could impact neighboring properties by worsening flooding and storm impacts. They consider the need for a process to adjudicate disputes where one property owner's improvements might adversely affect another's property.
Discussion on Stormwater Infrastructure (02:13:39)
The committee discussed the evaluation and modification of stormwater infrastructure, including storm intensity and seawater incursion.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion on stormwater infrastructure, focusing on the need to evaluate and potentially modify current systems to address storm intensity, frequency, and pollutant loads. A key point raised was the importance of considering seawater incursion, which affects sewer systems. The discussion covered the differences between stormwater management and seawater management, highlighting the need for distinct infrastructure solutions. The committee agreed on the importance of adapting codes and ordinances to reflect these considerations.
Encouragement of Solar Canopies (02:20:52)
The committee considered encouraging private developments to install solar canopies over parking areas.

The planning director recommended keeping the encouragement for private developments to install solar canopies over parking areas. The discussion included potential ways the city could encourage this, such as through zoning adjustments or grant programs. There was also a clarification on what constitutes a solar canopy, emphasizing its dual role in energy gathering and providing protection.
Nature-Based Solutions (02:24:18)
A debate on the role of nature-based solutions in coastal management was held, with concerns about feasibility.

The committee discussed the mention of nature-based solutions in the strategy, expressing concerns about their feasibility and effectiveness in the local context. While acknowledging the potential for grants and existing examples, some members were skeptical about relying too heavily on these solutions without considering alternatives. The discussion emphasized the need for flexibility and consideration of various options.
Equitable Distribution of Open Spaces (02:28:01)
The committee discussed the need for equitable distribution of open spaces across the city.

The discussion focused on ensuring equitable distribution of open spaces and parks, considering the existing disparities in access. Suggestions included inserting language to emphasize equitable goals and priorities for park development and investment. The committee agreed on the importance of addressing this issue in future planning efforts.
Community Ambassador Program (02:34:01)
The committee supported establishing a community ambassador program to enhance community engagement.

The discussion revolved around establishing a community ambassador program aimed at involving traditionally underrepresented voices in community planning and decision-making. Despite concerns about staffing needs, the committee saw value in the program and discussed various ways to implement it, including partnerships and leveraging existing resources.
Environmental Health Impacts Monitoring (02:40:41)
The committee reviewed strategies for monitoring environmental health impacts, with a focus on emissions from tank farms.

The committee discussed refining the strategy to monitor environmental health impacts, particularly focusing on emissions from tank farms rather than permitting status. The goal is to emphasize fence-line monitoring and address multiple health risks in the community. There was consensus on the need for clearer language and alignment with community goals.
Discussion on Environmental and Health Impacts of New Developments (02:48:50)
The committee discussed the implications of adding new residential units, focusing on the health and environmental impacts.

The discussion centered around the language used in zoning regulations, specifically the word 'significant' in relation to new developments. Concerns were raised about the impact of adding new units versus maintaining existing structures, especially concerning air quality and environmental hazards. The committee debated the appropriateness of allowing additional accessory dwelling units (ADUs) given the possible environmental impact. Suggestions were made to focus on the sources of pollution rather than limiting development.
Consideration of Zoning Regulation Amendments (03:04:44)
The committee considered changes to zoning regulations to address residential developments.

The committee explored new zoning regulations that would permit residential developments only when health and environmental conditions are deemed acceptable. They discussed the importance of monitoring and assessment, and the potential need for health assessments before permitting new developments. The debate included whether to focus on long-term occupancy and how to define sensitive receptors such as schools and daycares.
Public Involvement and Transparency (03:08:10)
Public comments raised concerns about transparency and public involvement in decision-making.

During the public comment section, participants expressed concerns about the transparency of the decision-making process regarding zoning and development policies. There is a perception that public input is not adequately reflected in the final outcomes. There were calls for more clarity on how public comments influence policy decisions.
Public Comment on Environmental Health Concerns (03:19:45)
Public comments addressed environmental health risks associated with chemical exposure.

Members of the public raised concerns about the health impacts of chemicals such as benzene and xylene, which are present in the air near proposed development sites. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive health risk assessment that considers the cumulative impact of these chemicals. There was a call for the committee to take these health risks into account when making decisions on zoning and development.
Discussion on Public Input and Recordings (03:23:11)
Discussion on how public input and comments are recorded and made available on the website and in meeting minutes.

A discussion took place regarding the processes involved in making public input and comments available for the public to see. It was clarified that all public input is included on the website, and all comments are recorded in the meeting minutes and recordings.
Adjournment (03:23:41)
The meeting was adjourned after completing all business. Marty and Howard seconded the motion for adjournment.

After completing the business for the evening, a motion to adjourn the meeting was made and seconded by Marty and Howard. The meeting was officially adjourned.