News

Portland Proposes Building New Public Safety Headquarters

Portland Proposes Building New Public Safety Headquarters

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


PORTLAND, Maine (AP)   Portland city officials have proposed building a new public safety headquarters building near the Cumberland County Jail.

City Manager Jon Jennings unveiled the idea Tuesday as the council’s Economic Development Committee went into closed session to discuss a possible land swap to acquire three parcels of state-owned land, including the parcel near the jail. The Portland Press Herald reports Jennings’ proposal could complicate planning efforts to replace the city-run Oxford Street Shelter.

Officials had previously identified the land Jennings singled out as a possible location for a new shelter.

Jennings and City Councilor Belinda Ray say the two proposals are not mutually exclusive, arguing the parcel would be large enough for both a public safety building and a homeless services center.

Latest Headlines

1 day ago in Local

Trump Shuts Down Offshore Wind in New England; Nova Scotia Eyes Opportunity

The administration’s freeze on U.S. ocean wind projects could set clean energy back a decade. Nova Scotia’s massive Wind West project hopes to fill the gap and even sell power to the U.S.

1 day ago in Local

Federal Policy Could Push Hundreds of Mainers Out of Long-Term Housing

HUD plans to cut funding for permanent supportive housing and shift to transitional programs, leaving vulnerable Mainers at risk of homelessness. Advocates warn shelters could be overwhelmed.

1 day ago in Local

Maine Announces $550K in Grants to Boost Coastal Resilience

The state just announced $550,000 in grants to help communities prepare for future storms and flooding. Towns and regional groups can apply for funding to strengthen infrastructure and plan for climate risks. Applications are due Jan. 5.

1 day ago in Local

Portland Unveils Maine’s First Electric Boat Charger

Portland just unveiled the state’s first electric boat charger at Wright’s Wharf. The move is part of a push to cut emissions and noise in the marine industry.

1 day ago in Local

Overdose Deaths Continue to Decline in Maine for Third Year

Overdose deaths have dropped for the third year in a row! Fatal overdoses are down 23% compared to last year, and officials credit naloxone distribution and expanded treatment options. If the trend continues, Maine could see the fewest overdose deaths in six years.