10/8/2008 - Commercial Street Named a Great Place in America
By: Nicole Clegg

10/8/2008 - NEWS ADVISORY
City of Portland
389 Congress Street
Portland, Maine 04101
www.portlandmaine.gov
CONTACT: Nicole Clegg, 207-756-8173, 207-272-4477 (cell) nicoleclegg@portlandmaine.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2008

Commercial Street Named a Great Place in America
American Planning Association designates Commercial Street as one of the 10 great streets in the US.

What: Today, the American Planning Association announced that it has selected Commercial Street as one of the 10 Great Streets in the US for 2008. Chosen for its unique role in the city, Commercial Street was singled out for its distinctive character, strong sense of place, and mixture of uses including marine and fishing industries, tourism, retail trade, commercial offices, and residential housing.

Built in the 1850’s on top of old piers and fill dumped into Casco Bay, Commercial Street has evolved through the decades into the financial center for the city and served as the linchpin for the Old Port’s revitalization, economic growth and tourism in Portland. It is a place where tourists, fishermen, local businessmen can be found sharing the same countertop or bench.

As a part of National Community Planning Month, the APA announced its selections for 10 Great Streets, Great Neighborhoods and Public Spaces this morning to recognize and celebrate places that are enjoyable, safe and desirable for people to work and live. For more information about the APA’s 10 Great Street or to see the other designees, visit planning.org/greatplaces.

Who: City Councilor Kevin Donoghue will be joined by Commercial Street business owners to celebrate this recent award.

“Commercial Street has served as the backbone of our city for more than a century,” stated Councilor Donoghue. “It’s where Portland’s working waterfront, tourists and new development converge and we are honored to receive the designation of one of America’s Great Places.”

When: Wednesday, October 8, 2008
2:00 PM

Where: Corner of Moulton and Commercial Street
Portland

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