Portland mulls measure to curb storefront vacancies

MAP / COURTESY of the CITY OF PORTLAND Portland's proposed storefront vacancy management ordinance targets these downtown streets, outlined in blue.

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By Tina Fischer

As part of the city of Portland’s effort to stem the rising tide of vacancies, and vagrancy, along Congress Street in the Arts District, the office of Housing and Economic Development is proposing an ordinance to encourage property owners to fill the empty spaces with temporary art installations and experiences.

Owners of vacant storefronts along Portland's Congress Street could face fines of up to $7,500 if they do not collaborate with the city to fill their empty spaces.

The proposal is in response to concerns about crime in the city's Arts District.

Greg Watson, director of housing and economic development, told Mainebiz that the City Council may take up the measure at a regularly scheduled meeting on July 14. He also underscored that it is one of several approaches being looked at by the city, along with an increased police presence in the area.

An additional aspect of the proposal is expanding the areas of the city to come under the ordinance by creating a Pedestrian Activities District that could include parts of the Old Port and Commercial Street. Watson said that change would require planning board review.

17% vacancy rate

Vacant spaces currently constitute 17% of the properties in the stretch from the corner of High Street where the Portland Museum of Art is located, to Merrill Auditorium on the eastern side of City Hall, according to Watson. (The rate does not include Renys, which plans to leave 540 Congress St. by the end of the year.)

Under the proposed ordinance, property owners who take no action to improve their buildings would face fines between $250 and $7,500, depending on how long they are left vacant.

The hope is that empty storefronts will appear less forlorn, more welcoming and attract more visitors. The effort could also give more exposure to local artists.

In addition to sprucing up the vacant spaces, the Commercial Vacancy Ordinance is designed to promote more collaboration between the city and property owners to bring new businesses into the area, and create a registry to track vacancies. No impact is projected to the city budget.

As an additional boost, the city council has approved an interest-free loan program to assist property owners in improving their ground-floor, street-facing spaces by potentially adding more lighting and undertaking repairs.

The draft ordinance has been in the works since last spring with input from property owners, Creative Portland, Portland Downtown, Maine College of Art and Design and an ad hoc Arts District Solution group.