SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The City of South Portland is hosting a Waterfront Resilience Open House to share the results of the City’s ongoing work to analyze and plan for risks to coastal neighborhoods posed by sea level rise and extreme weather. Learn more about the City’s work on coastal resilience at: www.southportland.gov/coastalresilience
WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 2024 from 4-6:30 PM
WHAT: Drop-in Open House led by South Portland Planning and Sustainability staff. Community members will learn how the City’s waterfront neighborhoods are projected to be impacted by climate change and be the first to explore new data, maps, and resources on sea level rise that the City has developed in collaboration with Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG).
Attendees will also have the opportunity to share ideas and discuss strategies for building climate resilience in their neighborhoods with City staff. Planning Department staff will incorporate public feedback and ideas shared during this event into the update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the guiding document for South Portland’s future.
WHERE: Hamlin Gymnasium, Planning and Development Offices (829 Sawyer Street, South Portland, ME)
WHO: South Portland residents, employees, and business owners, as well as City staff and representatives from Greater Portland Council of Governments
WHY: In the wake of the powerful January 2024 storms that caused flooding and damage in South Portland, including the destruction of the former fishing shacks on Willard Beach, the City invites community members to join for this interactive Open House. During the event, the City will gather input from the community and share about the work it is doing to address climate risks to South Portland’s waterfront. City staff will share the most up-to-date information and maps about projected sea level rise, and potential impacts to our coastal neighborhoods and assets. The City will also share pathways for community members to engage with its ongoing climate resilience planning efforts.
One such pathway is the City’s Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) update. The Planning Division is currently seeking community involvement in its update to the Comp Plan, the guiding document for City decision-making and policy through the year 2040. Community members will have additional opportunities to weigh in on the Comp Plan during upcoming public engagement events in May and June. See events as they are added and learn more ways to get involved at: www.southportland2040.com
About the City of South Portland
The City of South Portland is a vibrant Southern Maine community of nearly 27,000 residents and over 1,500 businesses located on picturesque Casco Bay. www.southportland.gov
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