15 Things That Would Make Downtown Portland Even More Amazing
We took to Facebook and asked you what would make downtown Portland even more amazing than it already is. Here's 15 of the best suggestions.
A NOSH ON EVERY CORNER
Nosh is a popular corner spot on Congress St. that serves terrific food, excellent craft beer and is an easy place to hang. One of our Facebook commenters suggested there just be a Nosh on every corner in Portland. We're looking into contacting the owner of Nosh to see if this is feasible. Stay tuned.
A BAN ON HIPSTERS
Not sure we can get behind this suggestion because as we started to think about it more and more...are there really THAT MANY hipsters in Portland? Are we accidentally qualifying all dudes with beards as hipsters? As far as we know, the local music scene has gotten pretentious and all the stores in downtown Portland sell more than just skinny jeans. It's going to be ok.
A GOLDEN STATUE OF MARK CURDO
We're all still reeling from the big announcement that Mark Curdo is changing career paths. One listener suggested we construct a golden statue of Mr. Curdo in downtown Portland for all he's done in the local music scene as well as raising money for charity. We find that to be a hard point to argue.
REGIONAL TRANSIT
While Portland already boasts a bus and rail system, some Facebook commenters were thinking there needs to be even more. Perhaps an increase in the number of buses? Maybe a larger and more flexible schedule? Or are we just looking for a trolley system in downtown Portland like San Francisco has?
MORE FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS WITH PLAY AREAS
The beer revolution in downtown Portland might be leaving some families a little bit jaded. One Facebook commenter passed along the thought, "Where are all the true family restaurants in town?" That's a fair complaint. Lots of high-end spots, several brewpubs, and several dives seem to make up the dining options in downtown Portland right now.
A JEWISH DELI
While the Full Belly Deli closing in Westbrook doesn't necessarily affect Portland, one of Facebook commenters suggested it was time for Portland to pick up the slack. Look at this picture below and ask yourself, when do you not want to eat that? Our stomachs are grumbling as we write this...
A BETTER DANCE CLUB SCENE
Those who have ventured into the Old Port for many years now understand that if you're looking to dance in downtown Portland, you're likely heading to Wharf St. One of the suggestions we received was an increase in places that play club music, but don't necessarily exist on Wharf St. Maybe it's the cobblestones...
MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
This has been a hot debate for several years running. Where is everyone going to live in this city if the rent keeps going up? While Portland continues to build up the waterfront, make national news for its culinary and beer making ventures, many of our Facebook commenters wonder "When is the affordable housing revolution going to happen?"
MORE PUBLIC RESTROOMS
Perhaps it's been an oversight when plotting and planning out downtown Portland but there does seem to be a severe lack of available public restrooms throughout the arts district and the Old Port. Restaurants and bars have become more protective in recent years over their restrooms so it's fair to wonder, if you've gotta go, WHERE DO YOU GO?
A LARGE SKATE PARK
Anyone who has been walking around the Old Port in the summertime can attest to a need for this. Depending on where you're trotting along, it can suddenly feel like you're running with the bulls as ten skateboarders come flying your way. Would a large skate park located near downtown alleviate the potential pedestrian injury and destruction to public property? It couldn't hurt...
BARS STAYING OPEN LATER THAN 1AM
It could be the #1 tourist complaint when it comes to those who enjoy nightlife, "Bars in Maine close WHEN?" We're unsure if the city of Portland could truly supersede a statewide law saying all bars must shut down at 1AM, but many of our Facebook commenters would like to enjoy the opportunity to do so. Residents around those establishments may disagree.
A GIANT MERRY-GO-ROUND OR FERRIS WHEEL
Here's a suggestion that sounds like we may be trying to rip Old Orchard Beach off. Would downtown Portland become even a larger family destination with something like this? Probably. Imagine an enormous merry-go-round at the back-end of DiMillo's waterfront parking lot? This is the 2nd suggestion that downtown Portland needs to become just a little bit more family-friendly.
MORE PRACTICAL SIDEWALKS
The brick and cobblestone sidewalks give downtown Portland that charm that very few cities have been able to capture. There's just one minor problem according to some of our commenters, THE WINTER. When built-up snow piles and ice begin to form on these gorgeous sidewalks, it suddenly becomes a game of life or death. Could Portland do more to make them safe? We suspect the answer is yes.
FREE PARKING FOR VISITORS
Countless residents and tourists look lost or angry over the lack of affordable/free parking in downtown Portland. In recent years, the price of parking garages and lots have increased substantially and it's easy to see why, no new lots are being constructed. As business booms and more people flood into the city, the tighter and pricier parking will become. It's time for downtown Portland to make a plan to alleviate the squeeze on tourist's, as well as resident's, pockets.
MORE OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Downtown Portland may get off easy on this one because the summer of 2016 is shaping up to be one for the record books in terms of outdoor shows. The Maine State Pier and Thompson's Point are poised to bring another summer filled with well-known national acts to Portland's waterfront. Perhaps the commenter was suggesting that the Eastern Prom be a destination for some shows?
So there you have it, our comprehensive list of terrific (and mostly plausible) suggestions for making downtown Portland even more amazing than it already is. Have more suggestions? Let us know right here!