(map courtesy of Greater Portland Landmarks)

Summary

    The problem of non-profit institutional expansion is complex:  by removing or converting residential housing, the institutions are simultaneously decreasing property tax revenue for the city and, some argue, worsening the housing shortage; in addition, institutions may be changing the character of their respective neighborhoods.  City planners try to walk the line between opportunity for institutional growth, providing housing, and maintaining neighborhood character.  It is up to the respective neighborhood to voice their opinions at the public hearings, and they are often put in the position of reacting to, rather than creating plans.  Neighborhood residents find that institutional growth is almost imperceptible because it usually happens one building at a time, hence the term “creep.”  Of course, this makes it difficult for people to notice that the neighborhood is changing until it has already changed.  Largely as a result of Waynflete and other institutions such as Mercy Hospital, USM, and Maine Med, the YMCA and 75 State St., the city has changed its planning policy and process.  As of 2000, institutions are held to a stricter standard and must demonstrate that their needs exceed their available developable area. The most significant policy implementation as of late has been the inclusion of the public during the workshop phase of the planning process.  As the city grows, institutional expansion will continue to be a prominent item on the agenda of Portland's public policy.  More and more residents are painfully aware of both prior and potential impacts, and the city is finally making it possible for them to get involved in planning for their own futures.  

[Introduction]  [History of Waynflete School]  [The Planning Process]  [Conclusion] 

 [Current Plans] [Construction]  [