I agree with almost everything said in the letter to the editor “On cold-storage proposal, give good of city the priority” (May 2, Page A4). However, it’s unfortunate that the writer (Josh Baston) believes cold storage and scenic views are the issues concerning many West End residents.
Portland needs a cold-storage facility on the waterfront. West End residents agree, and we accept that its construction will affect public and personal views. It’s the city’s proposal to rezone the western waterfront to allow buildings 75 feet tall that concerns us.
Current zoning allows building heights of 45 feet and requires that construction be linked to maritime commerce. Data supplied by Eimskip and the Maine Port Authority strongly indicate that a cold-storage facility 45 feet in height would be adequate for Portland’s current and foreseeable needs.
Rezoning to 75 feet and easing maritime restrictions would do a few things. They would encourage Americold to move operations at its Read Street facility to the huge waterfront warehouse. They would shift truck traffic to the waterfront for all manner of product unrelated to marine commerce. They would transform the West Commercial Street gateway from one that welcomes residents, commuters and tourists with Portland’s unique blend of residential and commercial waterfront into a tunnel of high industrial walls.
We have one remaining mile of waterfront property. Let’s use it wisely.
Jo Coyne
Portland
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