News Flash

City Arborist Andy Gagnon and the Parks crew have been working in Hinckley Park over the past week pruning dead branches and removing dead trees leaning over the trail for the safe enjoyment of the park. Any dead trees or limbs that were not a safety hazard were left for wildlife. Similar work will occur at other sites this spring and summer. Questions about tree work? contact the City Arborist at agagnon@southportland.gov. 207-767-7670, ext. 1.

Additional tree information can be found at: https://southportland.gov/735/Trees

At the end of February, community members will access City Council and Board & Committee meeting agendas and minutes through our new online platform, Diligent Community. Community is replacing BoardDocs. The City website will link to Community when our platform launches, anticipated on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

Community will make it easier for community members to see upcoming meetings, access agendas and minutes, and search for archival information. Watch this video for a tutorial on navigating the platform.

Questions about the new system? Contact the City Clerk's office at (207) 767-3201.

Message from City Clerk Jessica A. Hughes:

We are incredibly proud of the strong tradition of civic service upheld by our Election Clerks. For many years, these dedicated individuals have been the bedrock of our local democratic process, ensuring every election is conducted with integrity, accuracy, and efficiency.

Our Election Clerks are not merely temporary employees; they are committed stewards of democracy. They embody the utmost professionalism, ensuring strict adherence to procedures and maintaining the trust of the community in the results. The passion for democracy and their meticulous attention to detail concerning all facets of election law. This level of commitment is what guarantees the fair and secure election.

A letter has been sent to local political party committees for nominations to serve as Election Clerks.  As your City Clerk, I want to share, we are actively recruiting committed, impartial, and detail-oriented residents to serve a two-year term.  You will be on the front lines of democracy!

Key Responsibilities:

• Voter Assistance: Greeting and directing voters, verifying registrations, and issuing the correct ballots.
• Process Integrity: Maintaining accurate records,  providing ballot security, and upholding all election laws and procedures.
• Polling Place Management: Assisting with the setup and closing of the polling place, ensuring a smooth and organized voting environment.
• Impartial Service: Performing all duties with strict neutrality, offering courteous and effective service to all members of the public.

Why Serve?

Serving as an Election Clerk is one of the most direct and rewarding ways to contribute to your community. The integrity and efficiency of our local democratic process depend on dedicated Election Clerks.

• Uphold Civic Duty: Play a vital and non-partisan role in securing the foundation of our democracy and instilling public trust in election outcomes.
• Community Connection: Work alongside fellow citizens, meet your neighbors, and foster a spirit of civic engagement.
• Training & Compensation: Receive paid, comprehensive training on election procedures and equipment, and earn compensation for your service on Election Day.
• Gain Valuable Skills: Develop skills in time management, detailed record-keeping, and public interaction under pressure—all highly valued in any professional setting.

State Law (Title 21-A Sec. 503-A) requires that the municipal officers consider all nominations and appoint election clerks for a two year term by May 1st of each even-numbered year. All nominations are received by April 1, 2026 shall be considered for appointment of qualified voters. Election Clerks that are appointed will be selected and scheduled by the Warden before each election in accordance with Title-21-A Sec. 503-A(4)(5).

Apply Online Today

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – South Portland is proud to announce the launch of four new Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in Legion Square Park (5 Cottage Road). Starting now, these convenient, pay-for-use chargers will be open to the public, making it easier to charge your EV while visiting the vibrant Knightville neighborhood. 

WHEN: February 11, 2026

WHERE: Legion Square Park, 5 Cottage Road, South Portland

WHO: All members of the public

WHY: These new chargers mark an important step toward the City’s climate goals, including those outlined in the One Climate Future climate action plan, which prioritizes greater access to EV infrastructure.

In 2024, the City of South Portland partnered with Energy Management Consultants, Inc. to win a $40,000 grant through Efficiency Maine Trust’s EV charging initiative. This enabled the City to install four Level 2 EV charging ports in Legion Square Park, located next to the post office. The grant covered two thirds of the project cost, while the City paid for the remaining third with capital funds.

“We’re thrilled to bring more EV charging to South Portland’s downtown,” said Julie Rosenbach, the City’s Sustainability Director. “By making charging visible and convenient, we’re supporting cleaner transportation and helping our community make the shift to electric.”

Each charging port will deliver up to 11.2kW, offering drivers up to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. With four ports available, four vehicles will be able to charge at the same time. Users can access the chargers using the SWTCH app at a rate of $0.34 per kWh, plus standard credit card convenience fees. 

The City of South Portland is transitioning to a pay-for-use model for public EV charging. EV chargers located at City buildings are now for municipal fleet use only, with the exception of the public pay-for-use chargers at the Community Center. The goal is to promote an equitable and financially responsible expansion of South Portland’s EV charging infrastructure.

This project is part of Efficiency Maine’s broader statewide effort to expand public EV charging infrastructure. It is supported by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant Program, which aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across the country. Between July and December 2024, Efficiency Maine awarded grants for 34 projects that will install 255 Level 2 charging ports throughout Maine.

For more information about South Portland’s climate action efforts, visit the Sustainability Office webpage.

Join us for Sweet City Services: Gems for South Portland Residents on Weds., Feb. 11, 2026 from 6 to 7:30 PM at the Main Library! Tap into services your city offers, from wildly popular programs to lesser-known treasures. Treats & sweet stories provided!

As the City’s Comp Plan Committee (CPC) considers feedback from the public on the final draft of the new Comprehensive Plan, we are sharing information that may be helpful pertaining to Bug Light Park.

The new Comp Plan seeks to preserve Bug Light Park in perpetuity. More than that, the plan intends to grow/improve the park and its offerings to the community. Here’s information that’s helpful to know:

While the City owns the majority of the land at Bug Light Park, Portland Pipe Line Corporation owns two adjacent parcels that extend the Park – think of those parcels as the woodsy section that is on the right as you drive toward the boat-ramp parking lot.

The City negotiates an access arrangement annually with Portland Pipe Line Corporation, to allow public use of these parcels. We have been fortunate that Portland Pipe Line has not sought to develop these lands, and has continually allowed public use of that area, but the lands are not formally protected as a park. 

Additionally, the properties are in the Shipyard Zone, which currently allows industrial/commercial development, structures as tall as 86 feet, and unlimited paving. This current zoning is far off from the vision that the community and CPC has for this area.

The CPC’s policy is to protect Bug Light and this adjacent land from development. The Comp Plan’s KLUPA 21B deals with this land south of Bug Light Park (Lots 7-2D and 7-2E). Until the City controls the land, the Comp Plan must guide what could occur on the properties under private control. The City cannot compel a property owner to use their land as a public park, especially through zoning, without providing compensation for a loss in property rights. 

The CPC believes that the City’s Comp Plan must protect the community’s interests even under private ownership (things including open space, public access, public views, coastal resilience, etc.). The Plan must limit undesired development, without creating a prohibition on development that would cause the City to face legal action. 

So, as the City works toward the goal of formally preserving these private lands, the Plan proposes these policies to curb undesired forms of development (at a minimum): 

1. Reduce the allowed heights to 3 stories (down from 86 ft that is currently allowed) and limit allowable uses to only working waterfront activities, as many members of the community support. In the event the City cannot acquire the land to extend Bug Light Park and the property owner no longer allows public access, we need to protect against undesired forms of development. 
2. Seek to “maintain the [same] amount of land for public use” as provided by the Portland Pipe Line properties. This ensures that if a property owner is not willing to allow public use on this land, the City would seek to gain other nearby land to add an equivalent area to Bug Light Park. 
3. Seek to “reserve land closest to the water to establish connected public access, open space, and flood-resilience measures.” This policy ensures that, even if private development occurred on these parcels (because the City was not able to acquire the lands), areas closest to the water would be usable by the public and coastal resilience measures could be installed. 

The CPC has emphasized its priority for the parcels south of Bug Light Park: to acquire or permanently preserve that land. Under current draft Comp Plan policies, if the City is prevented from achieving that goal, we can be assured that the only alternative use would be working waterfront with significant public access and coastal frontage preserved.

Provide Feedback on the Comp Plan

A final draft of the City’s new Comprehensive Plan is available for public comment through February 15, 2026. We invite you to use the simple click-to-comment feature online to share your feedback, or stop by the Main or Branch Library or the Planning and Code Office (Hamlin building) to review a printed copy. Public comments are also welcome at upcoming CPC Meetings, including the one tonight, Wednesday, February 11, 2026 and another on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, both from 6 to 9PM in City Hall Council Chambers. Additional meetings will be scheduled as needed. Visit the Comp Plan website for meeting info.

What do you want to see in South Portland's next school superintendent? Take the South Portland School Department's online survey to share your thoughts.

Your input will help SPSD create a Leadership Profile that reflects the values, priorities, and aspirations of our community.

For more information about the process, visit spsdme.org/superintendentsearch.

In coordination with the Water Resource Protection Department, Vortex Services will be rehabilitating the Sewer Lines in front of residences in some neighborhoods through trenchless methods. Upcoming schedule and locations:

• 2/2 lining on   Bellevue Ave.
• 2/3 lining on Vincent St.

The Trenchless Rehabilitation Procedure being utilized allows for zero excavation and minimal disruption, however house services may be blocked for a short period of time. Please limit heavy use (washing machines, showers, etc.) of water while work is completed in your area.

Should you have any questions please call: David Hash at (207) 313-6251 or the Vortex OFFICE at (207) 897-3348.

UPDATE 8:10 AM: Broadway has re-opened. Ocean St. is still closed. Updates will be posted to our Facebook page.

⚠️ ROADS CLOSED: Thurs 1/29 AM. Due to a water main break, Ocean Street is closed between Broadway and Highland Ave, and Broadway is closed between Ocean and Cottage (near Library, Mahoney). Expect delays. Find alternate routes. 

Portland Water District is responding. We will post an update when we have more info.

REMINDER: Due to the impending storm, curbside trash and recycling will be on a delayed schedule this week (the week of January 26, 2026). Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday on Thursday, Thursday on Friday, and Friday will be collected on Saturday. Reminder: Please barrels curbside in your driveway apron, at least 3 feet from any obstacles, by 7 AM on collection day. Bins on top of, or behind, snowbanks will not be collected.

City of South Portland offices and facilities will be CLOSED Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather. Many services are available online 24/7. Visit https://southportland.gov/onlineservices. Stay safe!

WINTER WEATHER ALERTS for Saturday, January 24 through Monday, January 26, 2026

EMERGENCY PARKING BAN:An emergency parking ban is in effect.

• Begins: Sunday, 1/25 at 5PM
• Ends: Tuesday, 1/27 at 6AM

No parking is permitted on any city street during the ban. Vehicles violating the parking ban are subject to ticketing and towing. Get parking ban notices and other weather-related email notifications. Sign up for "Public notices, updates and alerts" at southportland.gov/signup. Learn more about the winter parking and temporary parking options at: southportland.gov/winterparkingban

CITY OFFICES & FACILITIES CLOSED:All city offices offices and facilites are closed Monday, January 26 due to the weather. Many services are available online 24/7: https://southportland.gov/566/Online-Services

TRASH & RECYCLING SCHEDULE CHANGE:Due to the impending storm, curbside trash and recycling will be on a delayed schedule next week (the week of Jan. 26). Tuesday will be collected on Wednesday, Wednesday on Thursday, Thursday on Friday, and Friday will be collected on Saturday. Reminder: Please barrels curbside in your driveway apron, at least 3 feet from any obstacles, by 7 AM on collection day. Bins on top of, or behind, snowbanks will not be collected.

FREEZING TEMPS: Take caution in the extreme cold this weekend. If you observe or are aware of someone with medical needs during the cold snap, contact South Portland Fire-EMS. If you have a general concern, contact the South Portland Police Department. Always dial 911 in an emergency. If power outages should occur, the City may open a warming shelter. This will be announced on our website and social media channels. For anyone in need, there is an emergency overnight warming shelter in Portland this weekend. Visit the City of Portland website for info.

SNOW REMOVAL:Do not place or push snow or ice into public streets, sidewalks, or any city property. This is prohibited by city ordinance. This includes snow moved by contractors—property owners are responsible for their contractor’s actions. Get more winter weather/plowing season reminders at: southportland.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/421

City of South Portland crews work around the clock to the clear the streets, followed by the sidewalks, during and after a storm. Please have patience and follow all city ordinances to help ensure our Public Works crews can do their work and make the roads safe for travel. If you have an issue to report, please use our Citizen Requeste Portal. Your request will be directed to the appropriate staff for action. Please note that response times may be delayed during winter operations. southportland.gov/reportanissue

STORM CLOSURES:Should city offices and facilities close or have a delayed opening during inclement weather, an announcement will be posted on our website, southportland.gov, on our social media channels, and shared with news outlets. Get email notifications of a closure: sign up for "Public notices, updates and alerts" at southportland.gov/signup

NOTICE: Sewer Line Rehabilitation

In coordination with the Water Resource Protection Department, Vortex Services will be rehabilitating the Sewer Lines in front of residences in some neighborhoods through trenchless methods. Upcoming schedule and locations:

• 1/23 lining on Lowell St. 
• 1/28 lining between Bowers St. and Bellevue Ave. 
• 1/29 lining on Vincent St.
• 1/30 lining on Bellevue Ave. and Pillsbury St.

The Trenchless Rehabilitation Procedure being utilized allows for zero excavation and minimal disruption, however house services may be blocked for a short period of time. Please limit heavy use (washing machines, showers, etc.) of water while work is completed in your area.

Should you have any questions please call: David Hash at (207) 313-6251 or the Vortex OFFICE at (207) 897-3348.

Nutter Rd. is closed today, Monday, January 12, 2026 for drainage improvements. The road is expected to re-open around 4 PM. There will be access to the back parking lot at the Community Center during the closure.

Traffic Alert: Highland Ave. between the Transfer Station and Wainwright is single-lane traffic due to a work crew in the road. Flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Work is expected to be completed by 3 PM today, Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Thank you for subscribing to receive Public Notices, Updates, and Alerts from the City. You can also follow the City of South Portland on Facebook and Instagram to see more messages and updates like the one below.

Dear Community,

We'd like to thank you for your patience with garbage and recycling collection over the last few weeks, especially those of you on the Wednesday route.

A Christmas Eve snowstorm impacted trash and recycling pickup that day, as Casella, the company the city contracts with for collection, cancelled service due to the weather conditions. Casella was unable to accommodate an extra pickup due to the holiday week, but agreed to pick up the following Wednesday, including any extra trash that had accumulated. The city also welcomed impacted residents to bring overflow garbage to the Transfer Station the weekend following the missed pick-up, free of charge. Casella offered that residents could bring their trash to its Transfer Station in Westbrook as well.

Casella did return to collect last Wednesday (New Years Eve) as planned, but they were not able to pick up the entire route. This is because there was so much extra garbage and they needed to load the overflow by hand, and they ran out of time to collect the whole route. (City ordinance says they are only able to collect between 7 AM and 9 PM.) They returned on the New Years holiday to pick up any trash they were unable to get to on Wednesday.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding that the combination of bad weather and the holidays made for a challenging garbage and recycling pickup the last few Wednesdays. Please understand all did our best under the circumstances, but we understand this was an inconvenience, especially during the holidays when trash builds up. For anyone who missed the updates we posted on social media (the algorithm is tricky that way sometimes), please sign up to receive email notifications for "Public Notices, Updates & Alerts" at southportland.gov/signup.

Finally, thank you to the Casella staff who worked to collect all of the accumulated garbage, to our South Portland Public Works staff who cleared the snow and salted the roads all day on Christmas Eve, and to the staff who responded to many inquiries about the changed collection schedule. It takes a village sometimes.

Thanks, everyone.

Curbside Christmas tree collection begins today, Monday, January 5, 2026. Place decoration-free trees curbside. If there is a snow event prior to your pickup, please prevent trees from being buried in snow. If you should miss the collection period, trees can be brought to the Transfer Facility, free of charge.

Casella, the company the city contracts with for garbage and recycling pickup, confirmed with us today that anyone whose trash was not picked up last Wednesday due to the company's snow cancellation may leave bagged overflow trash next to bins for collection Weds. Dec. 31 ONLY. This applies to the Wednesday route only.

All recycling must fit in a bin or be brought to the South Portland Transfer Facility (there is no charge for recycling). Please do not leave loose recycling curbside.

Casella announced this morning that it has suspended Wednesday trash/recycling collection due to the inclement weather. We will send an update once they communicate their plan for collecting today's route.

Casella, our waste collection company, has advised us that because this week already includes a holiday delay for Christmas, they will be collecting Wednesday’s route next Wednesday. They noted they will gladly take any extra material that has accumulated as a result of the additional delay at Casella's Westbrook Transfer Station, located at 594 County Rd in Westbrook, between now and next Wednesday. They are open Sat 8-1, and Tue 8-4.

City offices & facilities will close at 5 PM on Tues., Dec. 23, 2025 due to expected snow. This includes the Community Centers & Library. As of this posting, trash collection is NORMAL for Tues. & Weds. Will update this post if a change is announced.

Due to the inclement morning weather and early closure for the holiday, City offices & facilities will be CLOSED all day Wednesday, December 24, 2025. This includes the Library & Community Centers. Garbage and recylcing pickup will proceed Wednesday as normal. If Casella announces a change, we'll post an update. As a reminder, Thursday's route will be collected Friday and Friday's route will be collected Saturday this week and next week due to the holidays.

Senior Property Tax Assistance

Senior Property Tax Assistance applications are available now and must be returned by April 30, 2026. 

• Seniors who are 65 or older may apply.
• To be eligible, you must have qualified to receive a tax credit under the Maine Property Tax Fairness Credit program.
• You must include a copy of your 2025 State Tax Return (1040ME) and Schedule PTFC with your application. 
• Applications may be dropped in the secure drop boxes by the front and rear door of City Hall. 
• You must apply every year. 
• Those who qualified last year and those who inquired about the program this fall will receive this year's application in the mail. 
• Visit the Tax Relief Programs webpage to access the online version of the application and get more information. Paper applications are also available in the Treasury office at City Hall.

Pennies Will Be Discontinued

Due to the removal of pennies from circulation, pennies will no longer be available as change for cash transactions with the City once current supplies run out (expected in mid-2026). Cash purchases will be rounded to the nearest $0.05. 

Following the standard banks will adhere to:

• If the total is $10.01 or $10.02, you will pay $10 cash.
• If the total is $10.03 or $10.04, you will pay $10.05 cash.

Payments made with credit cards, debit cards, or other non-cash methods will not be rounded.

Tax Assessor Brent Martin presented assessment data for Fiscal Year 2026 at the December 9, 2025 City Council meeting. Watch the meeting and view the presentation.

Dear Community Member,

Thank you for your interest in the Mahoney City Center & Public Safety Buildings Project!

An important project milestone is coming up at the next Mahoney City Center Committee (M3C) meeting on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 6PM in City Hall Council Chambers, and we invite you to join and share your thoughts with the Committee! There are two public comment periods, including one at the start of the meeting.

Here's what's on the agenda:

• Public Hearing to select a conceptual design proposal to recommend to the City Council. M3C will continue its discussion of 3 options for the Mahoney building (including whether to maintain the theater and/or gym area space for community use). Cost estimates for each option are expected to be presented, as well as estimates to renovate city buildings at their current locations. The design team is currently finalizing these estimates to present to the Committee on Tuesday.
• An update from the Funding Plan Subcommittee on its research to date into potential funding sources for the project to help minimize the property tax impact on taxpayers. 
• An update from the Communications Subcommittee on public input received from the many hundreds of community members who have taken part in outreach events and shared their input in the Community Space Needs Survey. Thank you for participating and helping to shape this project!

View the meeting agenda and materials.

Can't make the meeting? No problem! You can email comments to the Committee at M3C@southportland.gov. Watch the meeting live on SPC-TV or online.

Get the latest updates on the project at: southportland.gov/mahoney

Last chance to take the survey! What kinds of community spaces do you think we need in South Portland? Take the city's 3-minute survey at https://bit.ly/CommunitySpaceNeeds to help inform decisions about the future, including community-oriented spaces at the proposed new City Center at Mahoney. The survey closes Tuesday, December 9.

The City of South Portland is exploring a public bikeshare program to help fill gaps in our transportation network. We are seeking your feedback to understand how a bikeshare program might best serve people in South Portland. The survey takes about 3–5 minutes to complete. Take the survey.

Due to inclement weather, all city offices and facilities, including the Community Center and Library, will close at 5 PM today, Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Tonight’s City Council meeting has been postponed. Join us in City Hall Council Chambers on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM, or watch live online.

The city has been notified that CSX Transportation will be working to repair an issue on its railroad track on Broadway near the intersection with Evans St. on Monday, December 1 beginning around 2 PM. South Portland crews will assist with traffic control and aim to maintain 2-way traffic. However, delays are expected. Please plan accordingly.

Join us Monday, December 1, 2025 at 4 PM in the South Portland High School Lecture Hall for the Inauguration Ceremony for Councilors Elect Richard Matthews, Carter Scott, and Natalie West, and the installation of the 2025-2026 Mayor, Elyse Tipton, immediately followed by the installation of School Board members Eleni Richardson, Daniel Feller, Tyler Smith, and George Risch. The School Board will also appoint Rosemarie De Angelis as Chair and Adrian Dowling as Vice Chair.

There is a force main break on Lincoln St. near the intersection with Main St. Shaw Brothers is on site conducting the repair. Traffic is down to one lane in this area, and there may be delays today, Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Please plan an alerternative route. 

City facilities will have a delayed opening at 9:30 AM on Tuesday, November 18, as staff will be taking part in the annual Employee Appreciation Breakfast. The Community Center will open at 10 AM.

At the November 6, 2025 City Council meeting, the Council approved updates to South Portland’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Ordinance (Chapter 27, Sec. 27-1558).

The updates are in response to changing EV market conditions, developer feedback, and shifts in federal funding. They are designed to make requirements more cost-effective and easier to comply with, while still supporting South Portland’s commitment to clean transportation by increasing the number of EV chargers in South Portland in a way that is both practical and impactful. 

The revised ordinance will take effect on November 26, 2025.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Simpler requirements: The previous “EV-capable” parking space requirement has been removed to focus on EV-installed parking requirements.
• Small parking lots exempt: The minimum lot size has been increased. Only parking lots with 25 or more spaces that are newly built or reconstructed will be subject to EV-installed requirements.
• Fewer required chargers: The percentage of new or reconstructed spaces that must have EV chargers has been reduced, and a maximum number of chargers has been set.
• New “EV-Ready” standard: All newly built residential units with dedicated parking within 25 feet of the structure must now include wiring and infrastructure to easily add a charger later.
• Support for affordable housing: Affordable housing projects will have a cap of two required EV chargers.
• More flexibility: Options for off-site installations or in-lieu fees are now available.

For more information on the changes to these regulations please contact Community Planner Marin Stephens at 207-347-4133 or mstephens@southportland.gov.

South Portland Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department will be removing cattail plants from Mill Creek Pond in November or December 2025. 

Cattails are taking over the shoreline of the pond and expanding throughout it, as it is a very shallow man-made pond. It is not fed by any natural water source and does not drain into a natural water source.

Visitors enjoy Mill Creek Park in all seasons, including in the winter for recreation and ice skating. The cattails are reducing the size of the pond allowing a smaller amount of area to skate. If we don't stay ahead of this now for maintenance it will be a lot more costly and time consuming to deal with later when half the pond is covered in cattails.

The other reason for the removal is to reduce breeding and nesting areas for ducks and geese, and hopefully reduce the amount of goose droppings around the park. 

The Parks Department will drain the pond a foot or so down as the first step. Crews will then use an excavator to dig up the cattails in the pond and haul it away. Anything crews can't reach with the excavator will pulled or cut by hand.

Curbside leaf collection will begin on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Please place leaves curbside in a pile in biodegradable bags by 7 AM on November 12. Bags not curbside by this date may not be collected. Leaves may also be brought to the Transfer Facility, year-round, free of charge, during normal hours of operation and during special hours every Sunday in November, 8 AM to 3:30 PM.

Submit your nominations for the 11th annual South Portland Business Awards! Nominate a business or businesses that make a difference in our community. Winners will be announced at the Business Awards Ceremony scheduled for February 25, 2026. Nominations will be open until November 17. To learn more about the award categories or to nominate a local business, head to our nomination form.

We hope you can join us this Saturday, November 15 from 9 to 11 AM in the Mahoney gym (rear entrance) for the City Center Design Deep Dive! Doors will open at 8:45 and the event will begin promptly at 9. Please help us plan for the event - RSVP today! (Your RSVP is helpful, but not required).

Join us for the Mahoney City Center Community Design Deep Dive!

WHAT: During this lively session, attendees will weigh in on community space options at the proposed new Mahoney City Center site. Community members will be invited to give input on indoor and outdoor spaces, the Library, city service areas, community-centered elements of the Police Station, and access to and around the site.

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9 to 11 AM. The event will begin right at 9 AM. Doors will open at 8:45. Please plan to arrive early and stay for the duration of the event.

WHERE: Former Mahoney School (240 Ocean St.) gym. Use the rear entrance on Broadway.

WHO: South Portland community members, committee members, City staff and members of the project design team

WHY: The Mahoney City Center Committee and design team want to know what community spaces and features South Portland residents would like to see as part of the proposed new City Center at Mahoney. Your feedback will be used to inform the design of the proposed project.

RSVP: Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to help organizers plan for the event. Please respond via this form.

Please note that while the Mahoney building is not ADA accessible, there will be an accommodation for those unable to use stairs. A tour of Mahoney will follow the event.

Questions? Contact Shara Dee at (207) 347-4143 or sdee@southportland.gov.

Casella / Pine Tree Waste (the garbage/recycling company the City contracts with for collection) had some breakdowns last night that caused them to not finish the Wednesday route.  Here is a partial list of streets affected. They'll be back to collect today, Thursday, November 6, 2025.  

• Smokehouse
• Barnstable
• Tamarack
• Cross meadow
• Elderberry 
• Boysenberry
• Winding
• Old farm
• Some of Highland
• Jessica Ln
• Spurwink

Join us for the Mahoney City Center Community Design Deep Dive!

WHAT: During this lively session, attendees will weigh in on community space options at the proposed new Mahoney City Center site. Community members will be invited to give input on indoor and outdoor spaces, the Library, city service areas, community-centered elements of the Police Station, and access to and around the site.

WHEN: Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 9 to 11 AM. The event will begin right at 9 AM. Doors will open at 8:45. Please plan to arrive early and stay for the duration of the event.

WHERE: Former Mahoney School (240 Ocean St.) gym. Use the rear entrance on Broadway.

WHO: South Portland community members, committee members, City staff and members of the project design team

WHY: The Mahoney City Center Committee and design team want to know what community spaces and features South Portland residents would like to see as part of the proposed new City Center at Mahoney. Your feedback will be used to inform the design of the proposed project.

RSVP: Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to help organizers plan for the event. Please respond via this form.

Please note that while the Mahoney building is not ADA accessible, there will be an accommodation for those unable to use stairs. A tour of Mahoney will follow the event.

Questions? Contact Shara Dee at (207) 347-4143 or sdee@southportland.gov.

John Switzer, the superintendent of Highland Memorial Cemetery, is retiring this month after a 33-year career highlighted by significant improvements to the 14-acre property.

“It’s the best job I ever had,” said Switzer, 81, who will be relocating with his wife to Arizona to be closer to their children and grandchildren. “The chance to help people through a difficult situation and provide their loved ones a final resting place has been a special privilege.”

John “Linky” Erskine has been hired by the Highland Memorial Cemetery Association Board of Directors to succeed Switzer. Erskine’s primary responsibilities will focus on the upkeep and continued improvement the grounds and equipment. His wife, Michelle, will be responsible for burial plot sales, records and details.

Both men had been colleagues at South Portland’s Parks Department, which Switzer headed for many years. He retired from that job in 2010. Erskine retired from the department in 2024.

Switzer faced myriad challenges when he took on the part-time job in December 1992. Some cemetery records were amiss, and the property itself had lacked regular upkeep. Few families chose the cemetery to bury loved ones. But by that point, said Switzer, “the board became more active,” and a master plan was envisioned that could “bring Highland Memorial Cemetery out of obscurity.”

The results are easy to see. Granite walls and entries, a granite sign, multiple flagpoles and a dramatic veterans’ monument and columbarium enhance the area closest to Highland Avenue. A gazebo and a large, two-story garage and storage facility have also been built during Switzer’s superintendency. With greater visibility, a little advertising and some word-of-mouth, the nonprofit, non-denominational cemetery has established itself as a popular burial site. Its open land, surrounded by woods and trails, has also attracted a strong community of dog walkers, walkers, bikers and hikers.

Tim Michaud, president of the board of directors, called Switzer “the heartbeat of the cemetery, from meeting with people at their saddest time to keeping the grounds in top condition.” He said the board anticipates that the level of services and compassion Switzer established will continue under the Erskines. For more information about the cemetery, see highlandmemorialcemetery.org.

The Economic Development Department is happy to introduce Economic Development Intern Tavia Godfrey and Economic Development Project Manager Ted Choi!

Tavia is a student in the Muskie School of Public Policy at USM, seeking a Masters degree in Policy, Planning & Management.  Tavia received her bachelor's of science from the University of Vermont, majoring in community development and applied economics with a double minor in public communications and community entrepreneurship.  She has also worked in a diverse set of roles as an Americorp volunteer in Baltimore, General Manager at Old Smith Farm and Operations Manager at Highroller Lobster.  

Tavia assists in a variety of economic development department tasks with a focus on Business Marketing & Outreach.  Her projects include the Business Recognition Program - Out & About, Business Spotlight and the Annual Business Awards.  She leads our social media program and produces the monthly economic development newsletter. Tavia is instrumental in developing our business database and will be integral in the digitization of the Business Resource Center that will include a searchable business database and user friendly tools to support new, existing and aspiring businesses in our community. 

Ted is a graduate of the Master of Public Administration program at Auburn University with a certificate in Economic Development. He earned his bachelor's of arts from Auburn University majoring in Political Science. 

Ted has worked in a range of roles across community and economic development, including with Opelika Main Street and Lee-Russell Council of Governments. He currently assists the South Portland Economic Development Department with a variety of projects supporting business growth, downtown revitalization, and job creation efforts.

Welcome, Tavia and Ted!

The South Portland Police Department (SPPD) is one of only four municipal agencies in Maine accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). CALEA is a voluntary, non-governmental credentialing authority that promotes professional excellence in public safety by maintaining standards and offering accreditation programs for law enforcement agencies.

SPPD is currently undergoing the process for re-accreditation with CALEA. As part of the assessment process, CALEA provides a web-based public comment portal to allow community members to provide feedback. The posting of this portal is required under CALEA Law Enforcement Standard 45.2.3.

The purpose of this public comment portal is to gather input on the South Portland Police Department’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement with the community, delivery of public safety services, and overall performance as a candidate for re-accreditation. Comments may include commendations or concerns and are an important part of the department’s continuous improvement efforts and commitment to professional excellence. We invite you to submit your comments today.

Please Note: CALEA is not an investigatory agency. Therefore, the public comment portal should not be used to submit complaints or request investigations. To file a formal complaint or commendation, please contact the South Portland Police Department directly.

Additionally, those submitting comments will receive only an acknowledgment of receipt. All submissions will be reviewed for relevancy to CALEA standards and considered in the accreditation process.

To submit a comment about the South Portland Police Department, please visit the CALEA Accreditation public comment portal.

Absentee voting has begun! Get info.

• You can vote absentee without cause now through October 30, 2025 at City Hall. Or you can pick up your ballot to complete and return later. You do not need a reason to vote absentee.
• Alternatively, you can request that your absentee ballot be sent to you in the mail. Request your absentee ballot online or call the City Clerk's office at (207) 767-3201 by 10/30.
• The Clerk's office will have special hours for election services only Sat. 10/18 & Sat. 10/25 from 8 AM to 12 PM, plus Tues. 10/28 until 7 PM.
• Polls will be open 7 AM - 8 PM on election day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
• You can register to vote at City Hall or at your voting place on election day.
• All absentee ballots must be returned to City Hall by 8 PM on November 4.
• See sample ballots, polling locations, a link to info about the School Bond Referendum questions, and more on the November 2025 election page.

⚠️ There will be lane closures on Western Ave. near Basic Fitness Center starting Tuesday, October 7, 2025 and lasting approx. two weeks as a new pedestrian crossing is installed.

Travel will remain open in both directions, with traffic delays possible. Please plan ahead and use caution when traveling through the work zone. 

The Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off is Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Russ Lunt Municipal Services Facility. You must have a current transfer station sticker or proof of residency.

Learn more on the Household Hazardous Waste page.

The Maine Turnpike Authority has informed the City of the following night closures for paving/road repairs:

• Exit 45 Northbound beginning Tuesday, 9/23 from 7 PM to 5 AM
• Exit 45 Southbound beginning Sunday, 9/28 from 7 PM to 5 AM

The work for each will last approximately 3 days. Work is weather dependent.

The Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC) will discuss draft city-wide strategies and neighborhood-specific policies in upcoming public meetings. Here’s what’s on the upcoming schedule:

• Nov. 5 and 19: CPC meetings to finalize the draft plan and send to the community for input
• Nov. 24 - Jan 28.: View the complete draft plan, submit feedback online or in person at both libraries
• Feb. 4: CPC meeting to review feedback and finalize plan for Council's review

View the meeting calendar on the Comprehensive Plan website for details. Can't attend the meetings? Submit written comments to compplan@southportland.org.

by Robyn Landes, intern

A collection of vintage silver jewelry. Midcentury glassware and a Kenmore sewing machine, reminiscent of a different era. A life-sized cement statue of a Labrador retriever. Delicate ceramic plates. Each item tells a story. The eclectic mix of stuff weaves together seemingly disparate South Portland community members, who become connected through their everyday items. A resident’s beloved puzzle now lives in a neighbor’s cabinet; the new puzzle keeper banters with a friend, sipping mugs of tea as they attempt to fit the pieces together. 

The South Portland Transfer Station is often brimming with residents borrowing, sharing, and reusing items. There, right next to South Portland’s Electric Tool Library, sits the Swap Shop. On a single Saturday in June, over 190 people visited the Swap Shop throughout the day, stumbling upon unexpected finds, ranging from puzzles and pogo sticks to hanging stained glass lamps, all while chatting with neighbors. People brought boxes overflowing with things they no longer needed, holding hope that a neighbor might find a use for them. The Swap Shop is a home for people’s unwanted stuff, remnants of milestones, and former periods of life. The sheer number of residents flocking through the unassuming white garage doors, which open up to reveal an abundance of miscellaneous yet alluring things, highlights the Swap Shop's unforeseen way of bringing people together. 

Volunteers sustain the program. Elle McCarthy, Swap Shop volunteer, reflected that, “people truly value the Swap Shop and are cognizant that it wouldn’t exist without those who volunteer their time to keep it going.” Volunteers manage the space and embrace a constant flow of visitors, many of whom are regulars. These swapping enthusiasts return week after week to socialize, search for something new, or give away items to grant them a second life. Out of 102 survey respondents who entered the Swap Shop this summer, 34% visit often. Something draws them back.

One visitor remarked, “When my granddaughter was young, we'd go and choose something, keep it for a few weeks, then return it for a new choice.” There is always something new to find. Another frequent visitor applauded the Swap Shop’s commitment to “community, ecology, and treasure-hunting.” Swappers unearth joy in the search for the unexpected, chatting with volunteers, or finding meaning in giving to others in our community. The Swap Shop builds both social and ecological resilience, as it promotes resource sharing and waste reduction, while bringing neighbors together. 

The Swap Shop is a space where climate resilience meets community in a tangible way. Its impact extends beyond diverting items from the landfill to fostering a community exchange of stuff. While people’s primary motivation for visiting is often to donate or look for things, socializing is embedded in the Swap Shop’s ethos.

Now in its 10th year, the Swap Shop continues to function as a vibrant community hub. We are so grateful for our volunteers who make it all possible. 

Do you have a story about an item you donated to the Swap Shop? Or a favorite item that you’ve found? We would love to hear about your experience!  Please share with rlandes@southportland.gov. 

As you may know, the credit card processor the city uses to process credit card and e-check payments charges fees for these transactions.

As of September 15, 2025, the credit card processor charges a fee of 3.5% on all credit card transactions processed at City Hall, the Library, Public Works and Citizen Self Service, our online platform for looking up and paying tax bills and parking tickets. The processor charges a minimum fee of $2.50 for any transaction.

For example:

• If you are paying a bill for $10, you will be charged $12.50, $10 of which goes to the City and $2.50 of which goes to the processor. 
• If you are paying a bill for $100, you will be charged $103.50, $100 of which goes to the City, and $3.50 of which (or 3.5%) goes to the processor.

The processor charges a flat fee of $1.95 for customers paying with an e-check. For those desiring to pay electronically who would like a lower fee, we suggest this option.

Here is important information about your FY26 property tax bill, which covers the period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Your Tax Bill

• Your amount due is available online now and your paper bill is expected to go out in the mail around September 22. Your first payment is due November 15, 2025. Because this is a Saturday, your payment must be received by Monday, November 17.
• You can pay your bill online, by mail, in person, or by depositing your payment in the secure drop boxes next to the front and rear doors of City Hall.
• Two payment stubs will be included with your paper tax bill. Please be sure to keep the second stub and return it with your May 15, 2026 payment. 
• If you would like email reminders when tax payment due dates approach, sign up.
• You are always welcome to pre-pay your entire balance or pay in installments as frequently as you’d like, as long as the amount owed is received in full by the due date.

(Please note: our credit card processor charges a fee of 3.5% on all credit card transactions, with a minimum fee of $2.50 on all transactions. The processor charges a flat fee of $1.95 for e-checks. Learn more.)

About the Mill Rate

Upon the Assessor’s office finalizing its work, the final FY26 mill rate (or tax rate) is $13.65. This equates to $13.65 for every $1,000 in property value, representing a 3.4% increase in the tax rate from last year. This is lower than both the 4.6% increase projected during budget discussions and the rate initially projected by the Assessor. 

About Property Valuation

As a reminder, the State of Maine Constitution dictates that a property’s assessed value must be based on market value. To maintain fair and equitable assessed valuations, every taxpayer sees a different increase or decrease based on the market conditions of each property type, property features, and location. The City does not collect any additional tax revenue when property valuations are adjusted. The City only collects the amount required to support the approved school and municipal budgets, split among taxpayers according to state rules. The Assessor will be sharing detailed data in the coming weeks. This information is tentatively scheduled to be reviewed at the next City Council business meeting on October 21, 2025. The meeting materials will be posted on BoardDocs by 4:30 PM the Thursday prior to the meeting.

Questions? Get in Touch!

If you have a question about your assessed property value when you review your bill, the Assessing office welcomes you to reach out. Their staff is happy to take a closer look at your property. You can call them at 207-767-7604, or stop by their office at 41 Thomas St., just behind City Hall, during regular business hours (Monday through Thursday 7:30 AM to 5 PM).

If you have a question about your tax bill that is unrelated to your property valuation, the Finance office is always happy to help. Email finance@southportland.org, call (207) 767-7612, or visit City Hall during regular business hours (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 AM to 5 PM and Tuesday 9 AM to 6 PM).

UPDATE (6:30 AM Wednesday, August 26, 2025) - Broadway is BACK OPEN to two-way traffic. Initial paving is scheduled tonight from 7 PM to 7 AM. The aim overnight tonight is for Broadway to be open but with alternating traffic. However, Broadway may need to close again overnight for this work.

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UPDATE (1:30 PM Tuesday, August 26, 2025) - Portland Water District is currently working to repair the water main break on Broadway. Water service is expected to be restored to residents today between 4 and 5 PM today (Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025) if no additional issues arise. 

Following this, the City's subcontractor will begin box-cutting the damaged and compromised sections of road and sidewalk. Once excavation is complete, they will fill and compact the area. When the work is finished, the City's Public Works Director will inspect the site. If the road is deemed safe, Broadway will reopen with a temporary gravel surface sometime tomorrow morning, Wednesday, Aug. 27.

Milling and base paving of the area is tentatively planned for tomorrow (Wednesday) night, beginning at roughly 7 PM. Final paving will occur next week, the week of Sept. 1. The City has requested that this be done overnight, but we cannot yet confirm the timing.

>>Please be aware that this schedule could change based on various factors. We will update this post with any new information.

Thanks, everyone, for your patience as all parties work to resolve the issue as quickly as possible! 

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UPDATE (11:30 AM Tuesday, August 26, 2025) - Portland Water District anticipates that repairs to the broken water main on Broadway will take approximately two days to complete. Once the pipe has been repaired, Public Works will assess the condition of the roadway and make a plan for repairs, as significant material was washed away during the incident. Please continue to avoid this area and travel via alternate routes.

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A significant water main break has occurred on Broadway this morning, Tuesday, August 26, near the intersection of Huntress Ave (in the area of Dairy Queen) that has impacted the entirety of the roadway. All traffic (both eastbound and westbound) is being diverted between Main Street and Church Street.

Please seek alternate routes. We expect this to be a lengthy closure. Check the City Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cityofsouthportland) for updates.

You can now request your absentee ballot for the November 4, 2025 election! Here is some helpful information:

• You do not need a reason to vote absentee. 
• Request your absentee ballot online via the State website. You can also stop by or call the City Clerk's office at (207) 767-3201 to request your ballot.
• If you request an absentee ballot, it will be sent to you in the mail in late September/early October.
• If you would prefer to pick up your absentee ballot or vote absentee at City Hall, you can do this beginning in late September/early October (date TBD once the Clerk's office receives ballots).
• Absentee ballots must be returned to City Hall by 8 PM on election day.
• In addition to regular hours (M, W & Th 7:30 AM - 5 PM and T 9 AM - 6 PM), the City Clerk's office will be open special hours for election services only: Saturday, October 18th 8 AM to 12 PM; Saturday, October 25th 8 AM to 12 PM, and Tuesday, October 28th until 7 PM.
• Sample ballots will be posted on the city website once available. Visit the November 4, 2025 election page.
• Wondering if you’re registered to vote or have an election question? Contact the City Clerk at (207) 767-3201.

Maine DOT has informed the City that they will be performing repairs on the Casco Bay Bridge this TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 from 6 AM until approximately 12 PM. There will be single lane closures on the side heading into South Portland. Expect delays or seek an alternate route.

Exciting news: A draft of the update to the Comprehensive Plan—the guiding document for growth and development in South Portland over the next decade—is nearing completion. The work will pause for a summer recess and continue this fall with public engagement and committee discussion. You'll be able to view the draft plan, submit feedback online or in person at both libraries, and make comments during upcoming committee and Council meetings. A Comp Plan-focused City Council workshop was originally planned for early September, but due to public feedback that the timing is not ideal for those returning from vacation and the back-to-school transition, the Mayor has rescheduled it. Unfortunately, it could not be postponed to the next month's workshop agenda because the Council's workshop schedule is fully booked until the spring. However, the schedule may be adjusted in the coming weeks. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the process so far, and we look forward to announcing the new schedule and ways to participate soon. Keep an eye on the Comp Plan website: https://southportland2040.com/

The City expects that property owners will receive tax bills in the mail in September. A single tax bill with two payment stubs will be included. Payments are due November 15, 2025 and May 15, 2026 (or the following Monday when these dates fall on a Friday, weekend or holiday, such as this fiscal year). After tax bills are mailed, you are always welcome to pre-pay the entire balance or pay in installments as frequently as you’d like, as long as the amount owed is received in full by the due date.

Learn more and sign up for email alerts when payment due dates approach on the Treasury page, and read about the Assessing office’s FY26 tax commitment process in this memo from the Tax Assessor to City Council.

The Mahoney City Center Committee (M3C) is laying the groundwork this summer to transform the former school property into a consolidated municipal campus and community destination with theater, meeting spaces, outdoor spaces and more, designed to serve South Portland for the next 100 years. If approved by voters, the center will comprehensively solve pressing and costly facilities needs at aging municipal buildings and create a new community-centered hub for city services, arts, culture and connection.

M3C formed subcommittees that are working on an engagement plan to welcome our whole community into the visioning and planning process, a funding plan to explore all funding possibilities, and guiding principles to inform the design of the campus.

The Committee holds public meetings monthly. Meeting dates/times are posted on BoardDocs and at southportland.gov/mahoney. Subcommittee meetings are posted on BoardDocs. Contact the committee any time at M3C@southportland.gov, or use this short form to submit questions and ideas!

Meet the Mahoney City Center Committee (M3C)! The Committee is made up of South Portland residents representing every district plus city staff, city councilors, and non-voting members including representatives from the project management and design teams. Watch this short video introduction from the Committee!

The Committee is working at the direction of the City Council and in collaboration with the community to transform Mahoney into a consolidated municipal campus and community destination with theater, meeting spaces, outdoor spaces, and gymnasium designed to serve South Portland for the next 100 years. If approved by voters, the center will comprehensively solve pressing and costly facilities needs at aging municipal buildings and create a new community-centered hub for city services, arts, culture and connection. Learn more about the project and learn how to ask your questions and contact the Committee at: www.southportland.gov/mahoney

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine – The City of South Portland and the Rotary Club of South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine will host a free community celebration in honor of the 150th anniversary of Portland Breakwater Lighthouse, known as Bug Light, on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM at Bug Light Park. Visit www.buglight150.org for event details.

The celebration begins at 11 AM with a performance by the Ideal Maine Band. At 1 PM, a brief ceremony will highlight the significant role the Rotary Club has played in the restoration and maintenance of the lighthouse. Festivities throughout the event will include:

• Crafts for kids led by the South Portland Public Library and City of South Portland park rangers
• Bug Light photography display contributed by local camera clubs 
• Sale of books, mugs and solargraph prints
• Actors costumed as lighthouse keepers
• Local historians and groups that care for Maine lighthouses
• Poetry and information about coastal resilience
• Food trucks

Visit the Rotary Club’s table to learn about Bug Light and maintenance of the lighthouse. Commemorative mugs and limited edition signed solargraph prints by Christian Fielder are available for sale. Proceeds support lighthouse upkeep.

Bug Light, whose iconic image is featured on the City of South Portland seal and logo, opened in June 1875. The unique structure stands 24 feet high and is constructed of brick with a cast iron exterior. The design is based on the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates, outside of Athens, Greece, which is dedicated to choral music.

The City took ownership of Bug Light in 1985. The South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club joined as a funding partner with the City to complete a rehabilitation project in 1991. Since then, the Rotary Club has managed the repair, upkeep, and maintenance of the lighthouse—both financially and with hands-on work. The City oversees and maintains the park.

Lighthouse tours will not be offered during this anniversary event. However, the Rotary Club invites the community to join for tours on Maine Lighthouse Day on September 13 and the Bug Light Car Show on September 3. Small groups and schools can also the contact Rotary to schedule a tour on another date.

Parking for the 150th anniversary event will be available both on site and at the Southern Maine Community College parking lot on Broadway, with vans providing transportation to the park for those who need accessibility accommodations.

Would you like to see more public art in South Portland?  The City of South Portland Public Arts Committee is seeking input from community members of what type of public art would be great to see in the City. Please take this short survey. Your input will help the Committee promote and develop more opportunities for public art throughout South Portland. Check out two recent public art installations made possible by the Public Arts Committee.

Mill Creek mural by artist Erica Sedler, 2025

Thinking about running for office? Attend our info session on Monday, July 21 at 5:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.

The elevator at City Hall is out of order. If you arrive at City Hall during regular business hours and cannot climb stairs, please call the number on the sign and a staff member will assist you. Please note that the elevator will not be operational for tonight's City Council meeting.

The part required to repair the elevator has been ordered, and we will send an update and post on our Facebook page once it's functioning. Thank you!

Please see the below news release from the South Portland Housing Authority.

Greenbelt Portion Reopens as Betsy Ross Crossing Welcomes Tenants

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (July 14, 2025) –  A portion of the Greenbelt Walkway in South Portland reopened this week as construction wraps up on South Portland Housing Authority’s Betsy Ross Crossing, a new affordable housing project for seniors. 

A quarter-mile section of the Greenbelt Pathway, detoured since late 2023, is now open following the completion of Betsy Ross Crossing—a five-story, 52-unit addition to the existing Betsy Ross House independent living complex for seniors. 

The Greenbelt Walkway is a popular 5.6-mile off-road trail used by thousands of hikers and residents each year. It runs from the Wainwright Athletic Complex near Scarborough’s town line to the historic Bug Light Park, where Liberty Ships were built during World War II. In South Portland, the path runs along Broadway, Preble Street, and Henley Street, passing directly through the Betsy Ross property. 

“We really appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility with the detour, and the community support we’ve seen through the process,” South Portland Housing Authority Director Mike Hulsey said. “Betsy Ross Crossing is now open, and able to support our seniors who need affordable housing.”

Betsy Ross Crossing addresses the growing need for affordable senior housing in the region. Leasing is underway, with the first residents moving in on July 23. The new building expands the Betsy Ross campus to 175 total units—123 of which were established when the original complex opened in 1999. 

The new development offers modern, accessible apartments with on-site resident services, free Wi-Fi, a meal plan, and organized activities. Located directly on the Greenbelt, residents enjoy walkable access to Bug Light, Southern Maine Community College, and Willard Beach. 

Betsy Ross Crossing is open to seniors aged 55 and older with limited incomes. Income limits range from $54,540 for a one-person household to $77,880 for a four-person household. Rents average $1,332 per month for a one-bedroom unit, with the two-bedroom unit renting for $1,597. 

For more information or to apply, visit http://www.spha.net or call the South Portland Housing Authority at (207) 773-4140.

About South Portland Housing AuthorityEstablished in 1943, the South Portland Housing Authority (SPHA) provides quality, equal opportunity housing for low to moderate income, elderly, individuals with disabilities and families in need. The SPHA provides affordable rental housing to more than 1,100 households including rental assistance through programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV). For more information visit http://www.spha.net/.

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Maine DOT has informed that City that I-295 Exit 4 NB is scheduled to be closed from 8 PM the night of Sunday July 13th through 5 AM the morning of Monday July 14th. A signed detour will be in place: Exit 5 to Fore River Parkway, End at Commercial St. 

The City of South Portland is partnering with Greater Portland Council of Governments to try out road safety improvements on Westbrook Street. This temporary "demonstration" project uses low-cost, temporary materials to test out and get feedback on improvements (read more in the GPCOG news release below). Learn more about this and other Vision Zero projects and share your feedback at www.visionzerogreaterportland.org. Please direct any questions to safestreets@gpcog.org.

NEWS RELEASE: Portland, South Portland and Saco launch temporary street safety projects

PORTLAND, Maine — July 2, 2025 — This summer, the cities of Portland, Saco and South Portland are using roadway paint, flexible traffic posts and speed bumps to temporarily redesign select streets. The goal: test improvements aimed at making the roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers—before committing to permanent infrastructure changes.

On July 8, weather-permitting, road crews will install the temporary safety features in two locations:

Saco: Main Street (Route 1) at the Thornton Academy crossing. Road crews will begin work at 12 a.m., on July 8, and complete the work by 6 a.m., July 8.

South Portland: Westbrook Street at MacArthur Circle West. Road crews will begin work at 12 p.m., July 8 and complete the work by 3 p.m., on July 8.

Work at a third location, in Portland on Washington Avenue from Veranda Street to Ocean Avenue, is scheduled for later in July. 

All installations will be removed by Nov. 15, ahead of winter snowfall.

These three demonstration projects are the first of nine such projects planned across the region over the next three years.

Between 2017 and 2021, 92 people were killed and more than 580 were seriously injured in traffic crashes across Greater Portland. Although pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists are involved in only four percent of crashes, they account for 40 percent of traffic fatalities.

In response, the Greater Portland Council of Governments in partnership with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine and the cities of Portland, Saco and South Portland, is launching three “quick-build” or demonstration projects at locations identified in the Vision Zero Greater Portland action plan. Vision Zero is a data-driven initiative to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2045.

The nine demonstration projects and seven additional planning studies are funded by a $637,000 federal Safe Streets for All grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, with the Greater Portland Council of Governments contributing a 20 percent local match.

“We’re working to improve the safety of everyone who uses our roads,” said Cashel Stewart, Transportation Planning Manager at the Greater Portland Council of Governments. “This is an opportunity to pilot safety improvements at intersections and corridors that face the most critical safety issues.”

“These projects are about more than paint and posts,” said Andrew Zarro, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “They’re about protecting lives. Streets like Washington Avenue, Westbrook Street, and Main Street have long needed safer designs. Now we get to test real solutions in real time.”

The Maine Department of Transportation is also supporting the effort.

“Low-cost, temporary installations can be essential to identifying roadway safety solutions while engaging the public,” said Dakota Hewlett, Active Transportation Planner for the Maine Dept. of Transportation. “Demonstration projects allow communities to test improvements before investing in permanent infrastructure, ensuring the final design meets both safety needs and public support.”

Saco: Route 1 at Thornton Academy

In Saco, the project focuses on Route 1 at the Thornton Academy crossing, with the aim of improving pedestrian safety and slowing traffic. The city will install flexible posts, signage, roadway paint, and speed tables that calm traffic by elevating a vehicle’s full wheelbase.

“Saco is joining with other communities to show how our roadways could function differently,” said Emily Cole-Prescott, Saco Planning Director. “We’ll collect data before and after installation to inform future infrastructure decisions. We know it may take time for drivers to adjust, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we study the results.”

More than 85 percent of survey respondents said this section of Route 1 does not meet the needs of all users, citing speeding and unsafe crosswalks. A recent speed study found about 40 cars per hour exceeded 40 mph.

Road crews will begin work at 12 a.m., July 8, and complete the work by 6 a.m, July 8.

South Portland: Westbrook Street

In South Portland, temporary improvements will be installed on Westbrook Street at MacArthur Circle West. The project includes flexible posts and paint markings designed to improve pedestrian safety, calm traffic, and reduce dangerous turns.

“This project will help us gather data to improve safety in the Maine Mall area,” said Melissa Hutchins, Public Works Director for South Portland. “We’re testing solutions to protect pedestrians and reduce crashes near the transit hub. The results will guide future safety upgrades in this busy corridor.”

More than 75 percent of survey respondents said this part of Westbrook Street does not meet the needs of all users, describing it as “confusing,” “tense,” and “busy.”

Road crews will begin work at 12 p.m., July 8 and complete the work by 3 p.m., July 8.

Portland: Washington Avenue

Road crews are anticipated later in July, with a subsequent press release to provide more information on this project.

In Portland, temporary measures on Washington Avenue between Veranda Street and Ocean Avenue will aim to improve pedestrian crossings, improve bicycle facilities, limit unsafe maneuvers, and reduce vehicle speeds throughout the corridor. The changes will be implemented with flex posts, mountable speed bumps, and roadway paint. 

The flexible traffic posts are made of durable plastic. They will be placed outside of vehicle lanes to calm and channelize traffic. 

More than 80 percent of respondents to a survey about this section of Washington Avenue said the street does not meet the needs of all users. They cited unsafe lane changes, crosswalks, bike lanes, speed and congestion as top concerns.

A speed study found that 12 percent of vehicles exceeded 35 mph during non-peak hours along this corridor.

“We’ve worked in recent years to improve safety and access on Washington Avenue north of I-295,” said Jeremiah Bartlett, Transportation Systems Engineer at the City of Portland. “Thanks to GPCOG and Safe Streets for All funding, we can now test strategies to reduce speeds, enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure, and decrease dangerous turning conflicts. If the data shows that these work, we hope to make them permanent.”

We're delighted to announce the winner of the My Future South Portland youth poetry contest. Congratulations and THANK YOU to Julietta (Jules) Vázquez for her poem "Fourteen Square Miles of Tomorrow." The contest called for young people to submit their vision for the future of South Portland. This poem will be featured in the City's new Comprehensive Plan, the foundational document currently underway that will guide the next 10 years of growth and development across the community. We hope you enjoy and are inspired by the Jules's poem!

Fourteen Square Miles of Tomorrow

by Julietta (Jules) Vázquez

The air hums electric on summer nights,streets stitched with bike lanes and wildflowers,Casco Bay sparkling like a kept promise beyond the pinesWe walk barefoot through damp park grasswhere concrete once ruled,laughing under streetlights fueled by sun,breathing deepno smog, no sorrow.The lighthouses still stand,older than memory,their beams sweeping across a city that finally listens to the tides.Ferry horns echo across murals and open-air markets,kids dart between food trucks and music rising from the docks,while surfers and old sailors swap stories by the fire.Neighbors trade seedlings and second chances,front porches flicker with guitars and open doors,housing isn't a prizeit's a promise.The ocean, once bruised by our forgetting,shimmers clean, whales carving silver arcs through the open blueand the tides carry only hope to the shoreHere, we don’t build wallsWe build tables, longer and longer,until no one stands aloneSouth Portlanda city stitched together by hands,hearts,and the stubborn beliefthat tomorrow deserves our best today.

About Jules

Julietta (Jules) Vázquez is a proud Taíno descendant, dancer, and community advocate from South Portland, Maine. A recent graduate of Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, she’s headed to the University of Southern Maine to study Biochemistry on a Pre-Med track. 

When she’s not writing, she’s on stage with Maine State Ballet, leading environmental research through the Baxter Plastics Project, or serving as the youth representative on the South Portland Human Rights Commission. Jules is passionate about storytelling, science, and social justice. In her free time, you can find her at the beach, listening to music, hunting for secondhand treasures in Portland, or discovering her next favorite iced coffee. 

⚠️Update on Casco Bay Bridge 4:35 PM: The bridge is now functioning. There was a mechanical issue likely due to the heat. Traffic is still heavy and will take a while to clear. Expect slow traffic if you need to travel on or around the bridge this evening.

⚠️ Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 4:15 PM - The Casco Bay Bridge is currently stuck open preventing traffic from going northbound into Portland. Expect significant traffic on and around the bridge. At this point it is unknown when the issue will be resolved. Will update this post when new information is available.

The South Portland Community Center Casco Bay Room will be used as a Cooling Center on 6/24 and 6/25 from 12-9 PM. The Main Library is also open regular hours and available as a cooling center. If you or someone you know needs a break from the heat, come by. You can also charge your devices at these locations.

The right lane of Broadway heading west when coming off of the Casco Bay Bridge will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, May 29 from 7 AM to approximately 11:30 AM for a manhole frame repair. Traffic will be single lane until just past Anthoine St. Bridge traffic may be impacted. Please plan accordingly.

The Boat Landing at Thomas Knight Park (under the Casco Bay Bridge) is closed until further notice. The docks will not be put in the water this season (Summer 2025) due to major repairs that are required to ensure safety. Thomas Knight Park and the pier remain open.

The Treasury is accepting new car registrations up until 30 minutes prior to closing (extended from 15 minutes prior). This change is to ensure that those seeking to register a new car complete the process. Registering a new vehicle must be done in person.

City Hall Treasury Hours:

• Mon, Weds & Thurs: 7:30 AM - 5 PM (last new registration 4:30 PM)
• Tues: 9 AM - 6 PM (last new registration 5:30 PM)
• Fri: Closed

You can RENEW your car registration, pay taxes, pay parking tickets, and more online 24-7. Visit: www.southportland.gov/onlineservices

Erskine Drive (between Casco Bay Bridge and Waterman Drive) will be closed from 8AM to 3PM Tuesday, April 29, 2025 for road grading. The street will also be closed Wednesday, April 30 from 8AM to 3 PM to complete base pavement work.

The City formally issued Notices of Violation to the Jetport, its affiliated entities, and the Portland Catholic Diocese (Roman Catholic Bishop of Portland) regarding tree clearing in late January/early February 2025 at 36 Dawson Street and 1561 Broadway that violated city ordinances. View the 36 Dawson Street Notice of Violation (PDF) and 1561 Broadway Notice of Violation (PDF).

The issuance of these notices requires the co-violators to engage with the City (the Jetport is in active dialogue already) and work towards remedies for the violations. The following violations were cited: 

1. Unauthorized removal of Protected Trees - applies to both properties 

• This deals with all Protected trees removed that were beyond the FAA guidance for clearances in either the GQS area (1561 Broadway) and TSS area (36 Dawson)

2. Violation of the Site Plan ordinance - applies to both properties 

• This deals with the failure to receive prior Planning Board approval for work the amount of ground disturbance that was created in the course of tree removal.  

3. Unauthorized impacts to wetlands and their uplands - applies to 1561, potentially 36 Dawson upon verification of the wetland area. 

• This addressed known impacts, and will also track the wetland impacts that may be documented once the dispute between the wetland boundaries are resolved together with Maine DEP and Army Corps. 

4. Violation of Planning Board approval - applies to both properties 

• This deals with a failure to abide the conditions of approval from the 2019 Site Plan approval that was granted by the City, and includes: 
  • Failure to schedule a pre-construction meeting with the City and regulatory agencies 
  • Failure to establish erosion and sedimentation controls 
  • Failure to abide the selective cutting without stump removal and soil disturbance scope of work 
  • Failure to maintain work within the project boundaries

These notices of violation are a formal step toward resolution. The next communications on the tree removal incident will involve: 

1. Confirming the extent of the violation and the resultant fees/fines/mitigations 
2. Processing any approvals that should have been applied for, but were not.

These violation notices do not define the extent of violations as that is still under review due to the number of trees that were felled and the disputed wetland condition. This will be the focus of Code Enforcement's next steps.

City of South Portland property tax payments are due May 15, 2025. This is the second and final payment of the fiscal year. If you have not yet submitted your payment, you can pay several ways:

• Online via our Citizen Self Service portal (processing fees apply)
• By mail. Send checks to: City of South Portland Attn: Treasury, PO Box 9422 South Portland, ME 04116-9422
• By using the secure tax payment drop-off boxes next to the front and rear doors of City Hall
• In person at the Treasury office at City Hall (25 Cottage Rd., South Portland, ME) during regular business hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 AM-5 PM and Tuesday 9 AM-6 PM (Closed Friday)

If you have questions about your tax bill, please contact the Finance Department at finance@southportland.gov or (207) 767-7612. Helpful Tips

• Did you know you can pay your property taxes monthly, bi-monthly, or on whatever schedule works for you, as long as your amount due is received by the due date?
• The City and State offer a number of tax relief programs and exemptions that may reduce future tax bills. Applications for the City's Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief Program must by submitted on or before April 30 of each year. Learn about this and all available tax relief programs at: www.southportland.gov/taxrelief
• Have a question about your tax bill or your assessed property value? Check out the Tax Bill FAQ for answers: www.southportland.gov/taxbillFAQ

Visit the City website at www.southportland.gov for more information, or contact the Finance Department.

The Water Resource Protection (WRP) department has reached a critical milestone in the implementation of its Combined Sewer Overflow Facilities Plan (CSO Plan), which involves the replacement of the Pearl Street Pump Station and force main. Attend or watch tonight’s (April 8, 2025) budget workshop at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers or at http://bit.ly/SPCTV_Live to hear the presentation from WRP Director Fred Dillon.

Here's a brief overview: As described in WRP's presentation to City Council on July 16, 2024 (https://bit.ly/pearlstreetpres_071624), the Pearl Street Pump Station and associated force main were built over 50 years ago and are nearing the end of their useful lives. The pump station and force main convey all of the wastewater from the west side of the city to the wastewater treatment facility on Waterman Drive. WRP has, over the course of many years, made system upgrades in accordance with its DEP-approved CSO Plan. The next phase involves the replacement of the Pearl Street Pump Station and force main—a costly project, but one which the City must undertake to meet federal and state regulations. Learn more about this project and the work that’s been done to date at: http://www.southportland.gov/pearlstreetpumpstation

Sewer fees will fund this essential infrastructure project, and increases will be necessary in order to support it. The expected increases will bring South Portland’s sewer rate in line with other surrounding communities that have recently invested in new infrastructure or significant upgrades. Staff are also researching ways to mitigate the impact on rate payers, such as through grants.

While the increases are not expected to take effect until July of 2026, WRP wants to make sure the public is aware of the project and knows what to expect. The Department will be holding information sessions over the next several months following the budget presentation.

The City is aware of a sink hole on the Mahoney property field in the outfield near second base. The hole is 3-4' deep and 12-16" in diameter. The City has marked this area with stakes and caution tape, and we urge visitors to avoid this part of the field. These "voids" have occurred on this field in the past, and the hole is most likely due to weather effects and matter settling. Please avoid this part of the field until the City resolves the issue, which is expected by the end of the week.

UPDATE 5 PM: The hole has been temporarily filled and the Facilities Department will return later this week to examine further. Facilities will be staking the spot where the hole was. Please avoid this area while using the field.

The City of South Portland proposed a bill submitted to the Maine Legislature this week, which will correct technicalities with South Portland’s November 2024 referendum. The legislation is a means of addressing minor clerical oversights. There is no financial issue or error, nor any election problem, and the City fully expects the validation legislation to pass without incident.

Approximately 70% of South Portland voters approved two school bond referendum questions on November 5, 2024. As part of the borrowing process, the City’s Bond Counsel reviewed documentation related to the referendum and identified areas where the City did not fully meet state statute requirements. While all of the financial information provided to voters about the proposed bonds was accurate, it mistakenly left out certain state-required information. The City Bond Counsel recommended that the City pursue validation legislation to remedy the issue.

“The laws relating to referendum elections are complicated and these technical election issues do come up from time to time,” said the City’s Bond Counsel James M. Saffian, Esq., of Pierce Atwood, LLP. “When, such as here, the referendum questions are approved by such a wide margin, the most efficient way to move forward is to pursue the validation legislation that the City has proposed.”

The first error relates to the Notice of Election form. The Secretary of State provides this form to municipal clerks ahead of each election. Each clerk then completes the form and posts it to give notice of the election. Unfortunately, the Secretary of State’s office initially circulated an incorrect form for the November 2024 election. While a correct form was later circulated, South Portland’s City Clerk inadvertently used the initial form, which did not ask for ballot questions. Because the Clerk’s office was not aware it had used the initial incorrect form, the notice posted at the polling locations did not include the list of ballot questions for the municipal general election or referendum election. The City did post the specimen ballot itself, including the questions, in the newspaper and on the election page of the City website well ahead of the election (and promoted this resource widely). However, because including the questions on the notice is a specific state requirement, Bond Counsel identified this oversight. (Note: The City has reached out to Senator Carney’s office requesting an amendment to the legislation which would address the general election noticing deficiencies, as LD 1483 currently addresses only the bond referendum.)

The second error relates to the financial statement accompanying the Notice of Election and specimen ballots. There are several ways to meet this requirement, and the City has done it in different ways for previous referendums. For the November 2024 referendum, the City provided the accurate financial information with the debt breakdown. However, because an attested copy of the Bond Ordinance with the City Clerk's signature was posted as opposed to a financial statement with the Treasurer’s signature, this did not fully meet the statutory requirements.

Since learning of these issues, the City Clerk and Finance Director have put processes in place to standardize procedures and ensure that state statutes are met. The City of South Portland maintains one of the highest market credit ratings in Maine. The City will continue to engage Bond Counsel to ensure that it has met every bond requirement, and appreciates Counsel’s diligence in spotting and rectifying these oversights.

New Planning Board Public Hearing information has been posted.

The City Manager will present the proposed FY26 municipal budget during tonight’s City Council meeting. Join us tonight, Tuesday, April 1 at 6:30 PM in City Hall Council Chambers.

UPDATE: The Schools Superintendent will not present the School Department budget during tonight’s meeting at the request of the Mayor, as the School Board has not yet passed a budget. The Superintendent will present the Schools budget during another meeting in April (date TBD, with April 8 and 15 as possibilities).

Please note that the City Manager's presentation includes some information based on the Superintendent's proposed budget.

Get FY26 Budget Information:

Municipal budget

Schools budget

The City of South Portland invites South Portland Middle School and High School students to enter the "Our Future South Portland" Poetry Contest. We encourage students to imagine that South Portland is the very best city it could be in the year 2040. What is it like? Show your vision in a poem of 200 words or less. Poems should include ambitious but achievable ideas about the future. Poems may include ideas about community, the environment, housing and other topics that inspire. The writers of the two selected poems will win a $25 gift card to a local business and be published in the City's new Comprehensive Plan (currently underway). To enter, email your poem, name and grade by April 30, 2025 to Gretchen McCloy at mccloygr@spsdme.org.

New Planning Board public hearing information has been posted for March 26, 2025.

Starting the week of March 17, 2025, the Maine Department of Transportation will be restricting the ramp from Veterans Memorial Bridge to southbound I-295 to a single lane with a 12-foot width restriction. The ramp to southbound US Route 1 from Veterans Memorial Bridge will be closed and utilize a detour via Exit 3. This will be in effect until the fall of 2026. These closures are happening to accommodate bridge rehabilitation and the installation of replacement lighting. Read their full update and view map. 

The City completed beach scraping at Willard Beach in March of 2025. Read the FAQs below and learn more about the City's coastal resilience efforts at southportland.gov/coastalresilience

FAQs

What is “beach scraping” and why did the City do this at Willard Beach?

Beach scraping is a manual redistribution of sand that mimics natural beach recovery processes to regrade a beach and create a ridge or “sacrificial dune” for temporary storm protection. This is a near-term coastal resilience effort City Council directed staff to pursue following an October 2024 presentation by Peter Slovinsky of the Maine Geological Survey. View the presentation and learn more at: southportland.gov/coastalresilience under the "Current Initiatives" tab.

What occurred at Willard Beach?

On March 3 and 4, 2025, bulldozers moved sand up the beach. This was done with a DEP permit and under the direction of Sue Schaller of Credere Associates, who is an expert on beach scraping projects. The City did not ship in sand, and used only sand available on the beach. The effect is a regraded beach surface in the work area (where dunes were lost to storms), and greater sand at the top of the beach along the dunes.

Was this work permitted?

Yes, this work was permitted by Maine DEP. The Parks, Recreation and Waterfront department and Sue Schaller worked with Maine Geological Survey and the Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on the permit application.

What specifically was done, and what is the expected impact?

In the process of grading, a uniform beach slope emerged during the process of moving sand upslope. It was determined it would be best to keep that form. This uniform, gradual slope means that waves run across the beach width, and dissipate energy over distance. 

Under current DEP regulations, we had a limited amount of sand we could regrade. For that reason, we built as close to a 3 foot dune as we could achieve from roughly Willard Street to Myrtle Ave. The area at the bathhouse is the most stable, and no berm was created there as it would have interfered with the playground equipment. From Myrtle Ave to Beach Street, we were limited to a 2 foot berm due to the volume of sand we were allowed to move under the DEP permit.

The daily tides carry sand onto the beach, and gradually form a natural berm. The monthly high tides form a secondary berm a little higher up. In grading the beach, we used that sand to build a higher edge on the uppermost beach. Sand was not disturbed in the inter-tidal zone so that the high tide line would remain more or less at the same level. 

If this is a "sacrificial" effort, what protection or prevention can it provide?

This is a sacrificial berm; we know that it is a temporary measure. Storms, wave action and wind can affect the berm. However, this temporary measure provides some storm protection to infrastructure like the Willard pump station and could help to replenish and stabilize the dune system.

Can we walk on/around the berm?

It’s fine to enjoy the beach, but please avoid the upper berm. The hope is that more sand begins to accumulate there and a dune system could potentially exist in the future.

The South Portland Swap Shop, located at the Transfer Station (929 Highland Ave), is a space where South Portland residents can donate or pick up household items for free. The Swap Shop is generally open Tuesday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, mid-April through November (depending on volunteer availability).

The Sustainability Department is looking for Swap Shop volunteers this season for Thursday mornings, Friday afternoons, Saturday afternoons, and occasional fill-in shifts. For more information or to express interest, email Robyn Landes, AmeriCorp Resilience Fellow, at rlandes@southportland.gov.

Learn more about the Swap Shop.