South Portland needs to Toss the Tanks | Letter
The time has come for South Portland to Toss the Tanks.
For far too long, our air has been affected, our waterfront has been dominated by aging petroleum infrastructure and some of our most valuable land has remained out of reach for the people who call this city home.
Imagine what could be:
- New housing
- New businesses
- Public waterfront access
- Parks and open space
- A stronger local economy
- Cleaner air
- A healthier community
- A broader tax base that supports city services without sacrificing quality of life
One only needs to look at the new Hearts of Pine facility to see how a pollutant eyesore can become a vibrant community hub.
This is not just an environmental conversation. It is a housing conversation. An economic development conversation. A public health conversation. And most importantly, it is a conversation about the future of South Portland. Who do we want to be in the next 100 years?
Cities that thrive are willing to rethink yesterday’s land uses to meet tomorrow’s needs. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our waterfront into something that serves residents, attracts investment and reflects the values of the community.
I am calling on South Portland city leadership to embrace that vision and begin planning for this generational rebirth. South Portland deserves a waterfront built for people, not tanks. Prosperity, not pollution.
Casey Oakes
South Portland
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Tagged: letter to the editor
