PORTLAND — The city expects a developer to begin work by summer on the $20 million first phase of the Morrill’s Crossing project.

Penny Littell, director of the city’s Planning and Urban Development Department, said she expects Packard Development to obtain a building permit soon. The company has until July to begin site work, or their approvals for the project expire.

Packard first applied to the city for permission to build Morrill’s Crossing in 2003. The developer received approval from the city for a contract zone in 2004.

Since then, neighbors of the proposed project have sued the city in an attempt to stop development of the vacant land near Morrill’s Corner. The developer has also sued the city concerning the size of a new building for the Portland Boxing Club. The club is currently located on the property and is expected to get a new facility during the second phase of the project.

The neighbors lost their lawsuit, and courts sided with the developer over the boxing club size.

Littell said the first phase of the project includes a 60,000-square-foot Stop & Shop grocery store, other retailers and residential units to be built above those stores. The entrance to the 20-acre property is off Allen Avenue. 

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On April 6, the City Council approved vacating Rock Hill Street and a section of Magnolia Street, both of which currently run through the vacant parcel, at the request of the developer.

Kate Bucklin can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or kbucklin@theforecaster.net.

 

 

 

 


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