Portland, Maine’s City Council approved an order to purchase land in the city that would be used to help relocate two scrap yards: E. Perry Iron & Metal, and New England Metal Recycling. The city has been trying for several years to relocate the two facilities to another part of the city as it has attempted to redevelop the Bayside neighborhood of the city into a viable commercial and residential area.
In a meeting December 17th, Portland’s City Council voted 7-0 to purchase about 54 acres of land for $5 million. The plan is to use the site for the two scrap yards. Along with purchasing the land, the City Council looked at changing the zoning classification of the area to I-H, which allows scrap metal recycling facilities.
Also during the meeting the city of Portland entered into an agreement with New England Metal Recycling to purchase the property where it is looking to relocate.
According to local press reports as recently as last month the arrangement to relocate the facility seemed to have little chance of going forward. However, NEMR agreed to purchase 13 acres at the news location, opening up the opportunities for the city top move forward with its redevelopment plans.