New Pier Options?

The City Council meets today to consider what do with the Maine State Pier. While it would be good to have some development, let's not rush into something just for that. Agreeing to some stupid proposal just because it may create some jobs in the short term would be a mistake we'd be stuck with. Though I'm sure Ocean Properties will gladly offer to solve all our problems.

"They will hold a workshop session this afternoon to examine three possible paths. The options were laid out in a memo Friday from City Manager Joseph Gray:

• Put the pier up for a second round of competitive bidding from developers.

• Have city officials draw up a new pier plan and seek a developer to build it.

• Resume negotiations with Ocean Properties, the Portsmouth, N.H.-based company that lost a controversial competition to develop the pier to Olympia last year. The company is still interested, and has said it has funding for the project.

Today's meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall."

- Portland Press Herald