City Councilor Belinda Ray of District 1 Who Initiated the 90 Day Moratorium on the Hill.

By Carol McCracken  (Post # 2,614)

A vote on a ninety (90) day moratorium on construction of  buildings adjacent to parks on Munjoy Hill has been postponed until Monday,November 21st.  The moratorium  is the initiative of District 1 City Councilor Belinda Ray.  It was motivated because of a preliminary plan  for a tall condominium to be built on Sheridan Street, below Sumner Park, a North Street park.   The moratorium would be in effect from October 5, 2016 until January 4, 2017 if the City Council approves it later this month.

The sweeping view of much of the park, Sumner Court,  would be blocked by the construction of the  34-unit high rise planned by Bernie Saulnier, a Saco developer.  The moratorium would only affect projects adjacent to parks in the R-6 Zone on Munjoy Hill, which is Councilor Ray’s District.

Meanwhile, the Historic Preservation Board is deliberating over whether or not to designate Sumner Park a historic place.  The City has not responded to several requests for information as to the time table on this decision.

The first reading was held on October 17, 2016.   Two readings are required before the City Council can act.