09/10/2020
My notes from today's public meeting on Bramhall Square Redesign:
Panelists: Mike Tremblay, Braden Drypolcher, Liz Trice, Will Savage
Public: Addy Smith- Reiman, Alan McLellan, EH, Hans, Jordan Thompson, Ken Capron, Nik F, Pamela Borkc, Rob Weiner, Zuzana Duffy, AA, Bobbie Lamont, Alvah, Christine Grimando, Michaela Cavallero
Hans Breaux:
VP of PNA, lives on Grant Street
Urban Retreat addresses site issues best, invites use from multiple directions, and available for multiple types of uses, would like to see more shade tress on North-South along pedestrian route across from Quiero and salon to make it into a pedestrian street. Doesn't think people appreciate views much from that location – wouldn't prioritize views. Would love to see a polar bear as a sculpture, maybe with belly tup so that hat one could sit on and feel caressed.
Jordan Thompson:
Lives on Boynton Street.
Considering issues with housing and homelessness, wants to make sure that park doesn't have an hostile elements like spikes or things intended to keep people from laying down.
Addy Smith Reiman
Director of Portland Society for Architecture, lives on State Street
Seconds Hans' comments, particularly about the bears. Chris's idea was fun and clever and cheeky, and it would be a shame to miss such a playful opportunity. Thinks the views haven't been taken advantage of because it hasn't been facilitated; the park is an untapped gem, It would be nice to have it as a respite, and a place where people would rest and watch the sunset. It's beautiful festive moment on the Western Prom. We were intriqgued by your topical approach as we know there are a lot of public works practical concerns. We support any opportunity to do this in phases, can do additional fundraising etc.
Mike: yes, has asked team to do in phases.
Matt & Pamela Brock:
Parkside residents on Sherman Street.
Likes Concept 3, with raised. Likes that having it elevated separates it from the street a bit, Likes that there are a lot of seating areas – likes that people could use it for different purposes.
Mike: one of the other goals was to try to tie Bramhall to other parks, including revitalization of Congress Square, Bramhall is a missing link between Congress Square and Deering Oaks.
Rob Wiener
Historic Preservation
Not in a position to comment except to say that this will be part of a process with the historic preservation board, and there would be public meetings and public comment taken at those meetings. We look forward to seeing those projects move forward. It's great to see that the whole context is being examined.
Liz Trice
Owner of PelotonLabs, lives on Brackett Street
Likes and Dislikes:
Urban Tree Fort
Likes: lanterns- (maybe we could have a pandora installation that is there year round) trees, tables, bus shelter opens to both sides of park.
Ye Old Portland
Likes: terraced with focal point, big rocks to climb on
Dislike: lack of tree canopy, doesn't feel cozy or protected.
Urban Retreat:
Likes: using earth instead of decking, bear sculpture
Dislike; lack of tree canopy, location of bike rack – should be closer to PelotonLabs/in front of businesses – that location does not have eyes on it, and should be more of a focal point.
Urban Tree Fort 2
Likes; Coziness of enclosed platform, large plantings
Dislike: lack of tree canopy
Urban Mullet “History in the front, and a party in the back”
Dislike: I can't understand the proposed play feature.
Also, agrees with the idea of no “hostile” elements – we've learned from Congress Square that the more we make a park welcoming, the more it works for everyone.
Mike: looks like 2&3 are top winners, and people care about seating. We are in a process for public art.
Hans: it would be great to see a unique custom bus shelter integrated artfully
Mike: it might comes down to budget – which would be a standard stock downtown bus shelter. If we have budget then we can incorporate that, or it could be in phases. We'll let Mitchell refine their concepts and see what shakes out.
Michaela Cavallaro:
Lives on Cumberland Ave in the Bramhall block.
Loves the accesibility of the zoom meeting -is watching with 14 year old daughter while cooking and eating dinner. Prefers designs that are open- doesn't like fences- they chop up what is already a small space, and separates people who are using the space. The more open the better. Also, is personally a fan of big granite steps. Skyler, my 14 year old, walks through every day, and is very concerned about trees and stormwater management
Mike:
Thank you, very helpful, there were a bunch of granite stones removed as part of MMC renovation, those are available. We might prioritize designs that can reuse materials we have.
Wants to show how simple improvements can help a square.
After this meeting will move forward with one concept or combination of concepts, and then go to historic preservation, potential bid next spring, dependent on funding. The budget is manageable – it's not millions of dollars; we're hopeful that some combination of grants and stimulus will get us there, and if not, we'll put it in the queue for capital improvement. The project has a website - http://portlandmaine.gov/2578/Bramhall-Square-Redesign
You can still send your thoughts on the 4 designs to: [email protected]
DPW is in the design process of redesigning the Bramhall Square park, located at the intersection of Congress Street, Deering Avenue, and Bramhall Street.
