Portland Planning Board backs removal of 100-foot entertainment buffer

The Portland Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend that the City Council remove the 100-foot separation requirement for entertainment businesses in downtown zones. The board also held its first workshop on a proposed 63-unit affordable housing development at 41 Ashmont Street, where public comment was divided over the project's scale and neighborhood impact.

Key points

• The board approved a text amendment to Chapter 14 of the Land Use Code, eliminating the 100-foot buffer between entertainment businesses in B3 and WCZ zones.
• Staff noted the amendment aligns with the comprehensive plan and that the police department supports the change for more efficient resource deployment.
• The board began reviewing a proposal for two affordable apartment buildings at 41 Ashmont Street, comprising 30 supportive housing units and 33 senior units.
• Public comment was split, with some residents opposing the project's height and density in a residential neighborhood while others supported the addition of affordable and supportive housing.
• A board member raised concerns about the proposed waiver to reduce the access driveway width from 24 feet to 20 feet, citing emergency access and lighting issues.
• Staff clarified that the two buildings will be on separate lots but are being reviewed as a single major site plan application.

Next steps

• The planning board will hold a second workshop to conduct a detailed review of the site plan for the 41 Ashmont Street project.
• Staff will continue reviewing the application and provide comments to the applicant team regarding outstanding items.
• The board will consider a traffic study and parking analysis if deemed necessary based on further review.

Read the full transcript