Portland, ME

Portland Development Corporation

The Portland Development Corporation board will review and vote on several financial items, including an amendment to the Kaboss Microenterprise Grant Agreement, a $5,000 Business Continuity Loan for Ericka Inacio Aesthetics and Wellness LLC, and amendments to the Job Creation Grant Program Guidelines. The board will also accept minutes from the July 16 meeting and receive the Treasurer's Report for July 2026. Some items may be discussed in executive session due to confidential information.

• Vote on amendment to Kaboss Microenterprise Grant Agreement
• Vote on $5,000 Business Continuity Loan for Ericka Inacio Aesthetics and Wellness LLC, 306 Warren Ave.
• Vote on amendments to Job Creation Grant Program Guidelines and award recommendations
• Treasurer's Report for July 2026, including loan delinquency report
• Accept minutes of July 16, 2026 meeting

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on August 20, 2026, to consider a single appeal: a Practical Difficulty Variance request to reduce the minimum front yard setback from 20 feet to 9 feet 3 inches at 119 Tarbell Avenue for an addition. The meeting includes instructions for remote participation and written comment submission.

• Practical Difficulty Variance (ZBA-003667-2026) for 119 Tarbell Ave to reduce front yard setback from 20' to 9'3" for an addition
• Property is in the RN-1 Residential Neighborhood Zone (Tax Map 330, Block G, Lot 004)
• Owner Brant Haflich will represent the appeal

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority board will consider a lease request from Marine Trade Center, LLC, potentially in executive session, and vote on recommendations from the Portland Fish Exchange Subcommittee to lower the annual seller representative fee to $250 for a one-year trial and adjust the scratch fee to 32 cents. The board will also discuss a facilities update, a board retreat with possible facilitator funding, and approve the July 16, 2026 meeting minutes.

• Vote on request from Marine Trade Center, LLC (lease, possible executive session)
• Vote to lower Annual Seller Representative Fee to $250 for vessels/captains selling their own fish (one-year trial)
• Vote to adjust scratch fee to 32 cents to match combined seller/buyer fee
• Discussion and possible vote to allocate funds for board retreat facilitator
• Approval of July 16, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

The Portland City Council is holding a special meeting with a lengthy agenda of orders and amendments. Key items include amending the 202 Woodford Street Affordable Housing TIF district to align with new state law, accepting several grants, and amending city code on entertainment businesses and opioid settlement funds. The meeting also includes appointments and routine approvals.

• Order 22-26/27: Amend 202 Woodford Street Affordable Housing TIF district to start 30-year term after certificate of occupancy, per LD1783
• Order 24-26/27: Accept $225,000 in FAA/state/Jetport funds for ADS-B transponders in 57 airfield vehicles
• Order 27-26/27: Appropriate $386,037 from Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund to Hope Acts for Hope House rehabilitation
• Order 31-26/27: Remove 100-foot separation requirement for entertainment businesses in B-3 and WCZ zones
• Order 32-26/27: Establish dedicated fund for opioid settlement funds, adding emergency winter warming services as priority

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will meet remotely to approve minutes from its August 17 hearing and consider an appeal filed by Avesta Housing Development Corporation challenging the assessments of five properties: 307 Cumberland Avenue, 220 Oxford Street, and 67, 61, and 55 Elm Street. The board will review the applications, applicant exhibits, and the assessor's response and exhibits before deciding. Public comment can be submitted by email or offered live via Zoom.

• Appeal of assessments for 307 Cumberland Avenue, 220 Oxford Street, 67 Elm Street, 61 Elm Street, and 55 Elm Street by Avesta Housing Development Corporation
• Review of applicant exhibits A-X and assessor's exhibits 1-21
• Approval of minutes from the August 17, 2026 hearing
• Remote meeting via Zoom with public comment options

City Council

The Portland City Council is holding a special meeting with a public comment period, consent items for entertainment licenses, and unfinished business including accepting a $4,028 donation for a police canine vest and adopting the 2026 National Electrical Code. The council will also receive the final report from the Social Housing Task Force, which is a communication requiring no formal action.

• Order 17-26/27: Indoor entertainment license for Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. at 5 Commercial Street
• Order 18-26/27: Auditorium with indoor entertainment license for Good Theater at 631 Stevens Avenue (change of ownership)
• Order 14-26/27: Accept $4,028 donation from Diane Ricciotti for a police canine ballistic vest
• Order 16-26/27: Adopt 2026 National Electrical Code by reference into City Code Chapter 6
• Communication 1-26/27: Final Report and Recommendations from the Social Housing Task Force

Planning Board

Ad Hoc Committee

The CDBG Priority Setting Task Force is meeting to review social services and development applications and to review a draft of its report. The agenda is procedural, with no specific funding amounts or project names listed.

• Review and accept minutes from August 12, 2026 meeting
• Social Services & Development Application Reviews
• Review Draft PSTF Report

Ad Hoc Committee

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board is meeting to handle routine business: approving June minutes, electing a vice chair, and reviewing rent increase applications. The board will take public comment on a large increase at 132 Marginal Way and check the completeness of three other applications.

• Public comment on rent increase for 132 Marginal Way (196 units) by West Bayside Partners LLC
• Completeness checks for rent increases at 56 Federal St, 1303 Forest Ave, and 24 Rowe Ave
• Election of Vice Chair
• Approval of June 24, 2026 minutes
• Rent Control Report Q2-2026 and annual report update

Historic Preservation Board

Parks Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Portland Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on September 3, 2026, to consider one new appeal. The board will decide whether to grant a practical difficulty variance to reduce a rear yard setback for a residential addition. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Practical Difficulty Appeal ZBA-003667-2026 at 119 Tarbell Ave
• Request to reduce minimum rear yard setback from 20 feet to 8 feet
• Property is in the RN-1 Residential Neighborhood Zone
• Applicants are owners Christina Wolf and Brant Haflich

HHS and Public Safety Committee

Planning Board

City Council

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

Creative Portland Corporation

Land Bank Commission

Portland Fish Pier Authority

City Council

Housing & Economic Development Committee

Historic Preservation Board

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

Public Art Committee

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

Zoning Board of Appeals

Portland Development Corporation

City Council

Planning Board

Ad Hoc Committee

City Council

Zoning Board of Appeals

Parks Commission

City Council

Housing & Economic Development Committee

Creative Portland Corporation

Historic Preservation Board

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

HHS and Public Safety Committee

Planning Board

Land Bank Commission

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

Portland Fish Pier Authority

Zoning Board of Appeals

Portland Development Corporation

City Council

Housing & Economic Development Committee

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

Historic Preservation Board

Public Art Committee

Planning Board

Ad Hoc Committee

City Council

Historic Preservation Board

Creative Portland Corporation

Zoning Board of Appeals

Parks Commission

Planning Board

HHS and Public Safety Committee

Land Bank Commission

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

City Council

Housing & Economic Development Committee

Public Art Committee

Historic Preservation Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Planning Board

Ad Hoc Committee

Historic Preservation Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Parks Commission

City Council

Planning Board

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

Public Art Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

City Council

Ad Hoc Committee

Zoning Board of Appeals

Parks Commission

Rent Board

The Portland Rent Board will hold public comment on three rent increase applications for properties on William St and South Grafton St, and review the completeness of a fourth application for a unit on Eastern Promenade. The board will also consider approval of findings of fact and conclusions of law from a previous case. The meeting is conducted via Zoom.

• Public comment on rent increase for 72 William St (3 units, owner Wilbur Cheever)
• Public comment on rent increase for 76 William St (3 units, owner Wilbur Cheever)
• Public comment on rent increase for 22 South Grafton St (2 units, owner Stacy Salvo)
• Completeness review for rent increase at 340 Eastern Promenade #213 (owners Julie & Daniel Sullivan)
• Approval of Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law

Historic Preservation Board

Public Art Committee

The Portland Public Art Committee is meeting to handle routine business and several action items. The Committee will vote on recommending the deaccession of the Jewel Box Bus Shelter from the Public Art Collection and consider maintenance priorities from a completed conservation assessment. They will also discuss the FY26 Annual Report and FY27 Proposed Budget, which the City Council will vote on August 24, 2026, and receive updates on a new artist commission and the public art fund.

• Vote on recommending deaccession of Jewel Box Bus Shelter from Public Art Collection
• Consider conservation maintenance priorities from assessment by Tuckerbrook Conservation, LLC
• Discussion of FY26 Annual Report & FY27 Proposed Budget; City Council vote scheduled for August 24, 2026
• Update on Gabriel Frey artist commission for First Light Commons
• Discussion of encumbrances for new public art acquisitions

Housing & Economic Development Committee

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will meet to approve minutes from a prior hearing and consider an appeal of the property assessment for 1 Bay Avenue, filed by John J. Harris on behalf of the owners. The agenda includes only these items and standard procedural steps; no other substantive matters are listed.

• Appeal of assessment for 1 Bay Avenue, CBL: 083A R001001, owners Peter & Diana Harris, filed by John J. Harris
• Approve minutes of August 4, 2026 Board of Assessment Review hearing

Portland Fish Pier Authority

The Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors is meeting to discuss routine business, including approving the July 9, 2026 meeting minutes and receiving the Portland Fish Exchange Manager's Report. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of July 9, 2026 meeting minutes
• Portland Fish Exchange Manager's Report
• Public comment via email by 12:00 p.m. the day before the meeting
• Next regular meeting set for September 10, 2026

Police Citizen Review Subcommittee

Social Housing Task Force

The Social Housing Task Force will review and approve minutes from its July 8 meeting and discuss the draft of its final report. Members will also consider next steps and the City Council process for the report. The meeting is open to the public with written comment accepted by email.

• Review and approve minutes from July 8, 2026 meeting
• Discussion of draft final report of the Social Housing Task Force
• Next steps and discussion of City Council process

Land Bank Commission

The Portland Land Bank Commission will meet in person to discuss new business including the University Park Play Space and approval for archaeological and geotechnical boring for the Falmouth Spur redesign. They will also review old business such as Stroudwater Boat Launch funds and an outreach flyer draft, along with updates on Davis Pines and the Portland House undeveloped parcel. The meeting includes a citizen comment period and acceptance of May meeting minutes.

• Approval for archaeological and geotechnical boring for Falmouth Spur redesign
• University Park Play Space discussion
• Stroudwater Boat Launch funds review
• Outreach flyer draft review
• Davis Pines and Portland House undeveloped parcel updates

Sustainability and Transportation Committee

Ad Hoc Committee

The CDBG Priority Setting Task Force is meeting to review and accept minutes from the previous meeting, discuss final application reviews and grant maximums, and review the final report. The agenda includes reviewing social services and development applications, with a next meeting scheduled for August 29, 2026.

• Review and accept minutes from July 29, 2026 meeting
• Final meetings overview: M9 application review and grant maximums, M10 report review
• Final report review
• Social services and development application reviews
• Next meeting August 29, 2026, 8AM-10AM via Zoom

The Portland PSTF committee reviewed and approved multiple changes to the CDBG application, including consolidating diversity questions, merging financial need prompts, and standardizing leveraged funding categories. The committee also approved instructions for applicants to select a primary goal and add prompts about target audiences and sustainability. The application will be finalized at Meeting 10.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (4 yays, 3 abstentions)
• Approved instructions requiring applicants to select one goal aligning with their project
• Approved adding a prompt for target audience and community involvement in program design
• Voted to consolidate two diversity questions into one 10-point question (subject to Corporation Council review)
• Agreed to maintain prompts for LMI percentage and verification
• Approved updating sustainability language to 'maintain or increase service delivery'
• Voted to split construction location prompt to include census tract and LMI impact
• Approved asking how projects meet Portland's development standards and building codes

Civilian Police Review Board

The Portland, ME Civilian Police Review Board is meeting to discuss and approve meeting minutes, review case presentation standards, and prioritize tasks and goals. The agenda is primarily procedural, with no major decisions or discussions on specific policies or ordinances. The board will also hold an executive session to discuss an internal affairs case.

• Review of Case Presentation and Review Standards SOP
• Prioritization of CPRB Tasks and Goals
• Executive Session (Discussion of IA Case for Review)
• Scheduling of Meetings (September through December 2026)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a proposed text amendment to eliminate the 100-foot separation requirement between businesses with entertainment licenses in the B-3 and WCZ zones, which would also permit amplified music. A workshop will also be held for a major site plan application at 41 Ashmont Street proposing two affordable apartment buildings totaling 63 units with 10 parking spaces. The board will also receive reports from the July 28, 2026 meeting, including approval of a major site plan at 879 Congress Street.

• Public hearing on text amendment to repeal Section 6.8.14, removing 100-foot separation requirement for entertainment businesses in B-3 and WCZ zones
• Workshop on major site plan at 41 Ashmont Street: two multi-unit affordable buildings (30 and 33 units, 63 total) with 10 parking spaces in B-1 zone
• Approval of major site plan at 879 Congress Street by Portland Housing Development Corporation (vote 5-0)
• Waiver of Site Plan Standard 13.6.1.E for Transportation Demand Management Plan at 879 Congress Street (vote 5-0)

Parks Commission

The Parks Commission will hold nominations and a vote for its Chair and Vice Chair. The body will also discuss the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process and outreach.

• Nominations and vote for Commission Chair and Vice Chair
• Discussion on CIP Process and Outreach
• Committee organization
• Parks Division Report
• Land Bank Commission Report

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Portland, ME Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a hybrid public hearing on August 6, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to consider a practical difficulty variance for a residential property at 28 Waterville St. The applicant seeks to reduce the required side-yard setback to zero feet to enclose an existing covered porch.

• Practical Difficulty Variance (ZBA-003648-2026) for 28 Waterville St to reduce side-yard setback from 5 ft to 0 ft for porch enclosure

The Portland Zoning Board of Appeals held a hybrid meeting on August 6, 2026, and considered one new business item. The board voted 7-0 to deny a practical difficulty variance sought by Eliza Huber-Weiss for 28 Waterville St, which would have allowed reducing the minimum interior side yard setback from 5 feet to 0 feet to enclose an existing covered porch. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Denied practical difficulty variance (ZBA-003648-2026) for 28 Waterville St to reduce side yard setback from 5 ft to 0 ft (7-0)

Historic Preservation Board

The Historic Preservation Board will conduct a public hearing regarding proposed alterations at 279 Congress Street. The board will also hold a workshop to review new construction at 43 St. Lawrence Street.

• Public hearing: Review of Alterations at 279 Congress Street (St. Paul’s Parish Church)
• Workshop: Review of New Construction at 43 St. Lawrence Street (43 St. Lawrence Development, LLC & Tregunter Real Estate Management, LLC)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will meet to consider an appeal of the property assessment for 28 Meadow Avenue, owned by Kathleen Barron and Peter Dedych. The board will also vote on approving minutes from the July 30, 2026 hearing. No other substantive decisions are on the agenda.

• Appeal of assessment for 28 Meadow Avenue (parcel 083A A005001) by owners Kathleen Barron and Peter Dedych
• Consideration of draft minutes from July 30, 2026 Board of Assessment Review hearing

The Board of Assessment Review denied the appeal by Kathleen Barron and Peter Dedych of the assessment of 28 Meadow Avenue, finding the applicants did not meet their burden under Maine law to show manifest error in the Assessor's computation of fair market or just value. The board also approved the minutes of the July 30, 2026 meeting and authorized its attorney to prepare a written decision within 10 days. All votes were 2-0, with board member Lee Lowry absent.

• Approved minutes of July 30, 2026 meeting (2-0)
• Found board had jurisdiction over 28 Meadow Avenue appeal (2-0)
• Denied appeal of 28 Meadow Avenue assessment (2-0)
• Authorized attorney to prepare written decision within 10 days (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting (2-0)

Ethics Commission

The Ethics Commission is meeting to discuss the ongoing drafting of an Ethics Code. The body will also appoint a Chair and Secretary.

• Drafting Ethics Code
• Appointment of Chair and Secretary
• Approval of June 30, 2026 meeting minutes

City Council

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will hear an appeal of the property assessment for 616 Forest Avenue, owned by CAM Kenmar Portland LLC. The board will also approve minutes from the previous day's meeting and address any new business.

• Appeal of assessment for 616 Forest Avenue (CBL no. 125 L007001)
• Owner: CAM Kenmar Portland LLC
• Approval of minutes from July 29, 2026 hearing

The Board of Assessment Review unanimously denied the appeal of CAM Kenmar Portland LLC regarding the assessment of 616 Forest Avenue. The board found the applicant did not meet their burden of showing manifest error in the assessor's computation of fair market value. The board also authorized its attorney to prepare a written decision within 7 days.

• Approved minutes of July 23, 2026 meeting (3-0)
• Found board had jurisdiction over 616 Forest Ave appeal (3-0)
• Denied appeal of assessment for 616 Forest Ave, CBL no. 125 L007001 (3-0)
• Authorized board attorney to prepare written decision within 7 days (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:31 p.m. (3-0)

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will meet to appoint a Chair Pro Tempore and approve previous meeting minutes. The board will also review an assessment appeal for a property located at 1 Bay Avenue.

• Appeal of assessment for 1 Bay Avenue (Parcel ID 083A R001001), owners Peter & Diana Harris

Ad Hoc Committee

The CDBG Priority Setting Task Force is meeting to review the 2021 report and analyze the Roux Institute Portland Community Needs Report. The body will discuss scoring value assignments as part of its priority setting process.

• Review of July 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Review of 2021 CDBG Priority Setting Task Force Report
• Scoring analysis of the Roux Institute Portland Community Needs Report
• Scoring value assignment

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a proposed seven-story mixed-use building. The board will also conduct a workshop to discuss removing distance requirements between entertainment businesses in specific zones.

• Major Site Plan for 879 Congress Street: proposed 45,000-square-foot building with 54 100% deed-restricted affordable dwelling units and ground floor commercial space
• Workshop on text amendment to Chapter 14, Section 6.8.14 to repeal the 100-foot distance requirement between entertainment businesses in B-3 and WCZ Zones
• Report of decision: Approval of Major Site Plan for 19 Cedar Street (Vote 5-0)

Public Art Committee

The Portland Public Art Committee is reviewing a temporary art application to paint a mural on the public roadway at Commercial Street and Dana Street. The review panel will hear a presentation from the applicants, take public comment, and deliberate on the proposal.

• Temporary art application to paint a mural in the public roadway at Commercial Street and Dana Street

Finance Committee

The committee will hold a public hearing and vote on proposed changes to procurement policies. Staff will also provide a spending update on the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds.

• Public hearing and vote on procurement policy changes
• Spending update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds with less than $200,000 remaining

The provided document contains only the legal notice regarding public record requirements and the location of meeting archives. No substantive decisions, motions, or votes were recorded in this text.

Ad Hoc Committee

The Board of Assessment Review will first approve the minutes from its June 30, 2026 meeting. It will then consider a Joint Stipulation of Denial for the appeal of the assessment of 37 Rand Road (CBL 263A A006001) filed by Centro Heritage SPE 4 LLC. Any additional items may be addressed under New Business before the meeting adjourns.

• Approve minutes of the June 30, 2026 Board of Assessment Review hearing
• Joint Stipulation of Denial for the appeal of the assessment of 37 Rand Road (owner Centro Heritage SPE 4 LLC)
• New Business (if any)
• Adjournment

The Board of Assessment Review approved the minutes from June 30, 2026. The board also accepted and approved a joint stipulation of denial regarding the assessment appeal for 37 Rand Road.

• Approved June 30, 2026 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved joint stipulation of denial for assessment appeal of 37 Rand Road (3-0)

Civil Service Employment Subcommittee

The Portland Public Art Committee will meet remotely via Zoom. The agenda includes an applicant presentation, a period for public comment, and a review panel deliberation. No specific decisions or contracts are listed in the agenda.

• Applicant Presentation
• Public Comment
• Review Panel Deliberation

Rent Board

The Rent Board will discuss several rent increase applications, including a request for 196 units at 132 Marginal Way. The board will also review the Q2-2026 Rent Control Report and provide an update on the Rent Board Annual Report.

• Rent increase application for 132 Marginal Way (196 units) due to increased housing service costs
• Rent increase public comment for 72 William St (3 units)
• Rent increase public comment for 76 William St (3 units)
• Rent increase public comment for 22 South Grafton St (2 units)
• Completeness review for rent increase application at 340 Eastern Promenade #213

Peaks Island Council

The Peaks Island Council will meet to discuss several operational matters, including ferry dock trash maintenance and public works concerns. A motion to rescind the May 27, 2026 vote to transfer the Needs-based Ticket program and $2,500 to PITEA will be considered. The council may also vote on adopting a Memorandum of Understanding and hear a presentation on Public Utilities Commission proceedings. Additionally, the upcoming November general election with three council seats on the ballot is announced; nomination papers are due July 27.

• Motion to rescind May 27, 2026 vote transferring Needs-based Ticket program and $2,500 to PITEA
• Motion to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding
• Presentation on Public Utilities Commission proceedings
• General election November 3 with three council seats; nomination papers due July 27
• Ferry dock trash maintenance and public works concerns discussed

Housing & Economic Development Committee

The Housing & Economic Development Committee will accept the minutes from its June 30 meeting and hear a quarterly Rent Control report that requires no action. It will discuss possible amendments to the Rent Control Ordinance and consider changes to the City’s Tax Increment Financing policy. The committee will also review a $386,037 funding request from the Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Hope Acts, Hope House, and discuss a policy to enhance public support for the arts.

• Accept minutes of the June 30, 2026 meeting
• Discuss amendment(s) to the Rent Control Ordinance
• Consider amendments to the City’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Policy
• Review $386,037 funding request from Jill C. Duson Housing Trust Fund for Hope Acts, Hope House
• Discuss policy to enhance public support for the arts