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Log inCouncil approves towering tribute to late civic leader
Council approves towering tribute to late civic leader
by Outspoken on Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:45 am
Council approves towering tribute to late civic leader Paul D. Merrill
The board accepts the sculpture, titled 'Boom,' as public art and also grants it a height exemption.
By ELBERT AULL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
City councilors have cleared the way for a new piece of public art meant to bring some "Boom" to Portland's waterfront.
With a pair of 8-0 votes, the council Monday approved a 63-foot-tall tribute to local business and civic leader Paul D. "P.D." Merrill near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Supporters say the sculpture of interlocked industrial crane booms will be a fitting memorial to the former marine terminal owner – one that will double as a gateway to the city for motorists on Interstate 295.
"It fits what he stood for," said Councilor James Cohen, speaking of Merrill.
The Aaron T. Stephan piece will resemble a starburst or dandelion and stand on public land adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
The sculpture, titled "Boom," needed both the council's approval as public art and a zoning amendment because it would stand taller than the 45-foot limit for buildings in the area.
Councilors voted 8-0 to accept the art and grant an amendment that exempts city-approved public art from building height restrictions outside of residential zones. Councilor David Marshall was absent.
The city's Planning Board recommended the zoning change last month.
The tribute drew mixed reviews during a public hearing Monday afternoon.
Some asked whether the art will generate excessive glare when lit. One man questioned whether the privately funded project is a waste of resources.
"In a shrinking world, where most go hungry and resources are dwindling, are we not going to have to begin to reckon with our gluttonous consumption?" said Bill Slavick of Portland.
Slavick said a "living" memorial – a donation to the needy, for example – would be a more fitting tribute.
But councilors said the sculpture, with its industrial feel, was an ideal tribute to an outspoken waterfront business advocate who gave much to greater Portland.
"That's it – that's P.D. You totally captured it," said Councilor Cheryl Leeman, speaking publicly to Stephan, who was in attendance, about his sculpture.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222588&ac=PHnws
2001 Press Herald file
The board accepts the sculpture, titled 'Boom,' as public art and also grants it a height exemption.
By ELBERT AULL
Staff Writer Portland Press Herald
City councilors have cleared the way for a new piece of public art meant to bring some "Boom" to Portland's waterfront.
With a pair of 8-0 votes, the council Monday approved a 63-foot-tall tribute to local business and civic leader Paul D. "P.D." Merrill near the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
Supporters say the sculpture of interlocked industrial crane booms will be a fitting memorial to the former marine terminal owner – one that will double as a gateway to the city for motorists on Interstate 295.
"It fits what he stood for," said Councilor James Cohen, speaking of Merrill.
The Aaron T. Stephan piece will resemble a starburst or dandelion and stand on public land adjacent to the Veterans Memorial Bridge.
The sculpture, titled "Boom," needed both the council's approval as public art and a zoning amendment because it would stand taller than the 45-foot limit for buildings in the area.
Councilors voted 8-0 to accept the art and grant an amendment that exempts city-approved public art from building height restrictions outside of residential zones. Councilor David Marshall was absent.
The city's Planning Board recommended the zoning change last month.
The tribute drew mixed reviews during a public hearing Monday afternoon.
Some asked whether the art will generate excessive glare when lit. One man questioned whether the privately funded project is a waste of resources.
"In a shrinking world, where most go hungry and resources are dwindling, are we not going to have to begin to reckon with our gluttonous consumption?" said Bill Slavick of Portland.
Slavick said a "living" memorial – a donation to the needy, for example – would be a more fitting tribute.
But councilors said the sculpture, with its industrial feel, was an ideal tribute to an outspoken waterfront business advocate who gave much to greater Portland.
"That's it – that's P.D. You totally captured it," said Councilor Cheryl Leeman, speaking publicly to Stephan, who was in attendance, about his sculpture.
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=222588&ac=PHnws
2001 Press Herald file
"Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything."
Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
