You are invited to attend a meeting later today, Wednesday, January 16, 2019, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm on the preliminary design future for Franklin Street. The meeting is in Room 24 (basement) of city hall. Portland representatives will be presenting and seeking public input on preliminary construction plans.

Haven’t we been through this exercise previously?

“Back in 1967, in the name of urban renewal, the razing of “Little Italy” on Franklin Arterial, began because it wanted to clear the city of its slums. Around 100 structures were demolished and countless families forced to move elsewhere. There are still people living in the area who remember those difficult days for their families because of the break-up of a close-knit community. This transformation led to Franklin Street becoming a major automobile throughway for travelers. It probably led to the neglect of the Hampshire Street corridor which businessman David Sussman (and former husband of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree D-ME) is trying to rebuild. He never did do that. Franklin Street has never been a part of the neighborhood it backs up to. In 2006 Hill resident Markos Miller and some friends of his sought to make Franklin Street more accessible to walkers, bicycles and a place to experience community again. In 2008, a grass-roots effort led by Markos Miller was created. It was supported financially by the city, when Joe Gray was city manager.” March 13, 2009 from munjoyhillnews.com

For comments or questions, please email Jeremiah Bartlett, Program Manager, or call him at 207 874-8891,