Community Development

As a planning graduate of the Muskie School, I have worked to bring public participation into the planning process for our neighborhoods; I also worked to invest in low-income neighborhoods of District One.  Some initiaves I have worked on include:

Neighborhood Planning: With much support from the Muskie School of Public Service, I have initiated several planning projects driven by meaningful public participation for Franklin Arterial, Adams School, East Bayside, Congress Square, and Peppermint Park.

Community Agriculture: I worked to expand gardens on North Street and Boyd Street, worked to create a new community garden at Trott-Littlejohn Park on Peaks Island and  legalized the raising of backyard chickens, and am currently working on an initiative to allow residents who harvest fresh produce on their own property to open farmstands.

Trails and Open Space: I have secured major investments for Lower Fort Sumner Park, Peppermint Park, Adams Playground, and play area at the East End Community School.  I also worked for establishment of several new trail connections throughout the East End, including the reopened Jack Path and the construction of the steps at Fort Allen Park.

Wind Speed Testing: I worked to eliminate zoning barriers to gathering wind speed data.  I have also supported local efforts to test wind speeds on Peaks Island and Munjoy Hill.

Community Policing: The Police Department will soon add six officers, leading to the reintroduction of foot patrols, thanks to a Federal grant known as COPS;  I worked hard to re-establish a community policing post in Kennedy Park.

For more information visit the links below:
www.portlandmaine.gov/eligiblehcdareas.pdf
www.portlandmaine.gov/cdbgdraftpriorities.pdf