Portland committee recommends First Light Commons for new park, backs trail agreement

The Sustainability and Transportation Committee voted to recommend First Light Commons as the name for the new Harbor Commons Park and endorsed an interlocal agreement for the Casco Bay Trail. The committee also supported a letter of support for the Libbytown Safe Streets grant and reviewed a pilot traffic calming plan for Payson Park.

Key points

• Committee voted unanimously to recommend First Light Commons as the name for the new park, citing its connection to Wabanaki history and the Underground Railroad.
• Councilors approved a recommendation to send a letter of support for the Libbytown Safe Streets for All grant application, which is due May 26.
• The committee endorsed an interlocal agreement to form a Casco Bay Trail Board of Supervisors, noting that no future funding is obligated for the city beyond the current CIP.
• Staff presented a pilot traffic calming plan for Payson Park, including a road closure on Catapult Drive and new bike lanes, funded by a $100,000 donation from the Back Cove Music Festival.
• The committee reviewed a plan to update Chapter 6 energy standards for city-funded projects, with staff scheduled to return with recommendations in the fall.

Next steps

• Submit the Safe Streets for All grant application for the Libbytown project by May 26.
• Implement the Payson Park traffic calming pilot, including road closures and restriping, during the summer of 2026.
• Conduct a technical review of Chapter 6 energy standards with consultants and report back to the committee in the fall.

Read the full transcript