Downtown planters to take hiatus

To the editor:

Since the summer of 2020, Portland Main Street Connect, along with the Portland Redevelopment Commission, installed planters on Meridian Street in downtown Portland.

Through summer, fall and winter, residents have been able to enjoy blooms and greenery that beautify the downtown corridor.

I am writing to inform the community about an unavoidable delay in our continued downtown beautification efforts. The planters that grace our streets, adding vibrancy and character to our downtown area, will remain empty the rest of this year and into 2024. We regret to announce that due to current and upcoming road construction, we must postpone filling the planters until the fall of 2024.

The decision to delay this project was not made lightly. The road construction, which aims to enhance the safety and accessibility of our downtown area, is a necessary step toward modernizing our infrastructure. While we understand the inconvenience this may cause, we believe the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term disruption.

The construction process involves vital improvements such as resurfacing the road, updated crosswalks and new accessibility features to ensure that our downtown remains accessible to all members of our community. These enhancements will not only contribute to the overall aesthetics but also create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging foot traffic and supporting local businesses.

We understand the significance of the planters in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere in our downtown area. Rest assured, once the construction is completed, we are committed to filling the planters with an array of seasonal blooms and greenery to revitalize our streets and provide an aesthetically pleasing space for all to enjoy.

During this time, we will be removing the planters and will take this time to do routine maintenance on the planters to reinforce and renew the planters, so when they come back to our streetscape, they will be able to be used for years to come.

In the meantime, we encourage residents to explore the many other wonderful aspects our downtown area has to offer. From the local shops and eateries, festivals held on downtown streets and in Brick Alley, to the public art installations, there are still numerous reasons to frequent our vibrant community hub.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work toward a more accessible and appealing downtown environment for all. Together, we can look forward to a revitalized space that reflects the heart and soul of our community.

Sincerely,

Reda Theurer-Miller

Portland Main Street Connect