Bug Light needs to be protected

To the editor,

Bug Light Park is considered South Portland’s premier park. But it’s security and value has been threatened by the proposed development of Yard South right next door. Bug Light’s proximity to a proposed 30-acre urban cityscape including four 18-story buildings, retail and office space, restaurants, and other California or Florida inspired development renders the park significantly endangered. The fact the South Portland City Council has declined to protect Bug Light against development by granting a conservation easement and the danger intensifies. Bug Light needs to be protected; the Yard South development is a very treacherous and thoughtless concept.

Bug Light (Portland Breakwater Light), at 26 feet tall, was first constructed of wood in 1855 and rebuilt in 1875 using cast-iron plates. It is revered for its tiny size and elegance. Few may know that the lighthouse’s architect, Thomas U. Walter, also designed the U.S. Capital east and west wings as well as the Capital dome. Bug Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 19, 1973.

When World War II began an energetic neighborhood known as Cushing’s Point lived next to Bug Light. The location became desirable for the construction of Liberty ships needed for the war effort. In 1942 the entire neighborhood was razed to create two shipyards, which eventually became the New England Shipbuilding Company and where 274 Liberty ships were built.

The words on the small memorial sign at the entrance to Bug Light Park provide a glimpse into the incredible sacrifice made by these residents of South Portland and enhances the level of respect for this historic park: “This park memorial is dedicated to all families whose homes and heritage were destroyed in 1942 so a shipyard could be built during World War II. This area known as Cushing’s Point at Ferry Village, consisted of many homes, some built by their owners or families and had been lived in by three generations. A close-knit community, whose families enjoyed the beach, fields and stores felt it was, “‘The best place in the world to live.'”

The park includes a memorial and outdoor museum documenting the Liberty ships. The community honors both the people who lived here and the workers (including my father) who built ships here but the Yard South proposal ignores the poignant history of the park and further marginalizes it by suggesting that South Portland needs an urban center.

I am especially concerned with the 18-story buildings that will tower over diminutive Bug Light and destroy the view from the Portland Observatory. As a docent I gaze to the southeast from the top and worry about the potential of tiny Bug Light lost under four 18-story towers full of millionaires and Portland Head Light completely obscured.

Bug Light Park, as an icon of South Portland deserves to be protected from the rapacious development envisioned by Yard South. Cushing’s Point should also be sheltered from the negative consequences of having been built on brownfields created by urban fill and of a future subject to 8.8 feet of sea-level rise. This historic area and lighthouse are adjacent to 13 benzene-spewing oil and gasoline tanks; gasoline is both flammable and explosive.

This is clearly not a suitable location for high-rise residential development, which will most certainly diminish the beauty and serenity of Bug Light Park. Public awareness of this development that could shatter the character of South Portland is minimal. Projects of this magnitude and impact need to be vetted before the community for input; my neighbors have asked when they will get a chance to vote on this massive and ill-conceived project.

I am hopeful the NoYardSouth initiative sponsor a referendum to halt rezoning in the last remaining working waterfront in the city. Bug Light is not the only memorial in danger from Yard South – the character and history of South Portland is also at risk.

Barbara Dee

South Portland

Candidate has experience, commitment

To the editor,

Your vote for Linda Cohen on Nov. 7 will be the best decision you can make for South Portland. Linda has experience and commitment second to none. Her years working in city government, her connections in state government, and her time spent as an elected official in South Portland give her the knowledge, insight, and strength to handle the good times and the challenging times that come with being an elected official.

I have experienced Linda’s dedication to this city as an elected official and as a resident and taxpayer of South Portland for over 40 years. You can bet she’ll have my vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Linda Boudreau

South Portland

Candidate understands budgets, needs

To the editor,

I am writing this letter to give my support to Rosemarie De Angelis who is running for District 3 school board in South Portland. I have known Rosemarie for over 40 years and her commitment and dedication to this city is without question. I first met her when she worked in the schools and know her to be a strong advocate for all children, no matter their level of ability or need. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes is right and will use her voice, even if it is not the popular view.

Additionally, with her experience on the council, she also understands budgets and the needs of all citizens, whether we have children in school now or not.

The largest portion of our taxes goes to schools so we should all care who represents us. Rosemarie is balanced, thoughtful and persistent in her position. Remember, we all vote for everyone so if you are a resident of South Portland, you have a chance to vote for her. I hope you do.

Kathleen Hanson

South Portland

Candidate brings experience

To the editor,

I strongly encourage my fellow South Portlanders to reelect Rosemarie De Angelis to the South Portland School Board. As a new father of a 1-year-old, now more than ever I’m looking for a school board candidate that will ensure the long-term well-being of the South Portland school district. Rosemarie is just that candidate. She brings a depth of experience – as the former mayor and lifetime educator – and a willingness to adapt to the future – as a strong advocate for both refugee and asylum-seeking families and for housing for both current and future residents.

Rosemarie will be ready to serve families and students from day one. She has been an adept leader on the school board representing District 3 for a partial term. In this role she brings her expertise as a teacher and former union representative to address the needs of teachers and staff so they can be well situated to provide the education our children require. Rosemarie is also pragmatic. As a former mayor, she knows that our city and school district need to operate within the budgetary constraints presented by funding public education through local property tax assessments.

The school board weighs a complex mix of factors in order to promote high quality education for our children. No one is better suited to that job than Rosemarie. Please join me and vote to reelect Rosemarie De Angelis to the school board this fall.

Robert M. Liscord

South Portland

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