tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24704854.post2010827657466026180..comments2020-10-08T08:13:26.151-07:00Comments on Portland Greens: Captain Bill Linnell's Guest Column in the PPHPortland Greenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14474210403388196434noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24704854.post-9014268489562391952007-09-29T11:47:00.000-07:002007-09-29T11:47:00.000-07:00Wrong. I absolutely, positively don't necessarily ...Wrong. I absolutely, positively don't necessarily support Olympia, though my opponents all seem to support Ocean Properties no matter what. While I admire their sense of loyalty, my loyalty belongs to Portland taxpayers. If elected, I may well support a bid from Ocean Properties, but I am not going to hand over our tax base without a competitive bidding process that passes the straight face test. Significant changes have been added, therefore we must modify the request for proposal (RFP), otherwise we risk only having one active bidder. That is terrible public policy. Taxpayers need every nickel we can get out of this project, not a promise to "sign now and we'll figure out the price later". Why the full court press? --Portland harbor is not going to disappear into the sea after November 6. The election cycle may be important to some, but it should not dictate what we do with this critical public policy decision. The pause that Councilors just took already resulted in a $6 million increase in one offer. Let's see what the market will bear. <BR/> <BR/>Captain Bill LinnellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24704854.post-2381709586439815812007-09-28T16:04:00.000-07:002007-09-28T16:04:00.000-07:00Lets be candid and move forward on Pier Developmen...Lets be candid and move forward on Pier Development.<BR/> I<BR/>"Let's wait " is political speak for "I support Olympia's plan" because their stall tactic is to pick up a fifth vote (in the at large seat or in my District 3) in the November election. I don't want to play those games and I will tell residents straight up, as a long-time Portland advocate for modernizing our waterfront and former economic development director, that I support Ocean Properties and here's why:<BR/><BR/>We have the opportunity in hand to approve the Ocean Properties Deepwater berthing and the build out of the Maine State Pier, including the mega-berth that this company has stated they will put six million dollars in escrow for. <BR/><BR/>This is the proposal that will create a Modern Working Waterfront; one that respects and enhances the character of Portland as a great seaport rich with tradition. Six new or enhanced businesses all related to the marine industry and integrated with the Ocean Gateway Marine Passenger Terminal. The objective is to achieve the highest quality waterfront design that respects and enhances the character of Portland while embracing the identity of this great seaport. This is real, sustainable development for the City and State of Maine. This is what the Ocean Properties team proposed on February 22, 2007. <BR/><BR/>· A new business to the City with over 120 employees. OCP will consolidate its call-center reservation company, a marine related business, into their new office building. <BR/><BR/>· Expansion of our established cruise ship business. Ocean Property will bring its nationally recognized cruise ship business to the city, expanding a critical business that the city has invested substantial time and treasure into.<BR/><BR/>· An established Portland business will expand operations at the agricultural and fishing wholesale and retail building proposed for the pier. This not only serves to enhance our local markets, but it is designed to support farms throughout the state.<BR/><BR/>· The high-speed inner coastal ferry meets the needs of a modern transportation system that the State of Maine has been advocating and planning for decades. In addition it has the potential to move agricultural goods to market from Maine farmers, via water, rather than roads.<BR/><BR/>· Portland will finally get a luxury waterfront hotel. The OCP is proposing a true gem; a facility esteemed in detail that will promote the aura of a world-class seaport over the entire site.<BR/><BR/>· This proposal will sustain and enhance the Portland tugboat fleet with a new pier dedicated to this important marine use along the waterfront. The tug berthing is another critical component of the modernization of the working waterfront.<BR/><BR/>In a time when many cities are taking initiatives for positive urban design and redevelopment, the City of Portland has a wonderful opportunity to realize similar goals. The Ocean Properties proposal will become a catalyst for change within the immediate area and provide significant benefits for our Portland community.<BR/><BR/>The time to act is now. We may not have this opportunity after Nov. 6.VoteForDonovanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07321225536328291723noreply@blogger.com