South Portland has introduced a comprehensive draft plan aimed at redefining the future of land surrounding and beneath existing petroleum tank farms. This over 100-page document, developed after years of community input and research, outlines potential zones for business and residential development over the next 15 years, pending City Council approval.
The plan emphasizes several key objectives, including fostering balanced economic growth, enhancing housing availability, and promoting climate resilience and environmental stewardship. Committee members have designated specific areas, termed “unique growth zones,” for substantial development. Notably, the Nutter Hill and eastern waterfront zones, currently home to petroleum tanks, are earmarked for mixed-use development, integrating residential spaces.
Both Nutter Hill and the eastern waterfront include parcels owned by the **Portland Pipe Line Corporation**, a subsidiary of Canadian oil company **Suncor**. Speculation has arisen regarding the potential sale of over 200 acres of land owned by the corporation throughout the city. In a proactive approach, South Portland officials previously communicated with Suncor, urging the company to divest its properties and remediate the land before any sale.
Earlier this month, a Suncor representative stated that while no decision to sell has been made, the company would keep the city informed about any developments.
Milan Nevajda, South Portland’s Planning Director, stressed that the comprehensive plan serves as a guide for the community’s vision, regardless of current land use. “We have to figure out what it is the community wants to do there, regardless of what’s there on the ground today,” he explained. The plan aims to encourage a transition to alternative industries and address zoning to reflect community needs.
Redefining Nutter Hill and the Eastern Waterfront
The Nutter Hill neighborhood, which encompasses a 100-acre tank farm alongside residential areas and schools, has been identified as a prime location for redevelopment. The draft plan encourages the establishment of a mixed-use neighborhood that could provide over 1,000 housing units, a pressing need given South Portland’s ongoing housing shortage. The city currently faces an average demand for 54 new housing units each year, which significantly exceeds the growth rate of 27 available units annually.
In April, SMRT Architects presented a vision for the Nutter Hill area at a community forum organized by the “Toss the Tanks” campaign. The proposal includes the removal of existing above-ground tanks and the development of a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood that integrates green spaces and a high-density core.
Similarly, the eastern waterfront, located between Front Street and Bug Light Park, is also set for significant changes. The draft plan calls for rezoning in this area, permitting residential development away from the water’s edge, with increased density further inland. The potential for buildings up to six stories on land currently owned by the Portland Pipe Line Corporation has drawn both interest and concern among residents.
While many welcome the proposed changes, not all community members are in favor of residential developments near the waterfront. Concerns about coastal flooding, the health impacts of nearby petroleum tanks, and increased traffic have generated heated discussions during the planning process.
Dr. Priscilla Skerry, a naturopathic doctor and member of a local advocacy group, has voiced concerns regarding health risks associated with the tanks. Her group is advocating for a 1,000-foot buffer zone between bulk petroleum storage and new residential developments. “We’ve got a long way to go to correct this situation,” she stated, emphasizing the need for transparency and stricter regulations regarding the tanks.
The comprehensive plan draft will undergo a state review, and the city plans to engage the community through a series of outreach initiatives in the coming months. Residents and stakeholders will have opportunities to provide feedback on the draft, which will inform any necessary revisions before the plan is presented to the Comprehensive Plan Committee and City Council.
As South Portland grapples with significant changes on the horizon, the successful implementation of this comprehensive plan could reshape the city’s landscape and address critical housing and environmental issues for years to come.
