Bayside Block Party Will Include Food Trucks and Music.

It’s a Block Party motivated by unique circumstances said Robert Sylvan, Vice President of the Bayside Neighborhood Association.  He’s referring to the Bayside Block Party set for Wednesday, June 18th from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at 72 Parris Street.

There are several factors that make this Block Party unique.  First, the Party will be held in the parking lot of the former Portland Food Lab, at 72 Parris Street.  It’s property owned by wealthy west end resident Justin Alfond.  A committee of the BNA is getting ready to present a proposal to Alfond to assume ownership of the property.  The Bayside Neighborhood Assocation would  use the property  to house a non-profit to support diverse members of the community.

The need for this kind of support is great.  The need is compounded by the imminent demise of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center (IWC) due to federal funding shortfalls.  It is the ultimate goal to fill the hole left by the IWC and bridge the gap between the many organizations in our neighborhood serving diverse under-recognized populations.

The Block Party also follows “The New York Times” brutally graphic article on April 16, 2025:   “Faces of a Meth Surge,”  The in depth article  focused on the Bayside neighborhood’s struggle with the addiction that is possibly overtaking the previous drug of choice Fentanyl.  The article said that people who use meth become anxious and violent.  Unlike users of Fentanyl, there is no medicine that can reverse an overdose of meth.

Food trucks Banh Mi and Grilled Cheese Food will be on site and there will be music in the parking lot at 72 Parris Street.  And great people who appreciate your support at this time!

“We think we deserve a chance to put a different side of our community in the spotlight,” said Mr. Sylvan.  “We hope you will help us to do this for our neighbors and friends.”