Pedestrian Improvements Sparking Controversy

[George Rheault]

Portland assisted living residents voice safety concerns over traffic changes

I think the concern from the elderly residents appears to have more to do with temporary construction chaos.  It is not clear what the issues are with the long-term plan here (original OR revised).   TV journalism is hard and WGME is almost always bad at it.  The status quo was certainly NOT great AND the tv report does helpfully include the bit from the city that the assisted living facility administrators were included in the planning discussions and effectively endorsed them as safe for their residents.

Ben Chipman, former long-serving state legislator (House & Senate), has been rumored to be interested in city elected office.  So no surprise he is happy to make noise about this to sharpen his bona fides if he does decide to run at some point.

Chipman lives on Cumberland Ave & Mayo Street.  So nowhere near the project site.  I am not entirely sure how he would have taken an interest in this situation but obviously someone asked him to get involved on their behalf.