Letter: Hope Ave parcel should become a conservation property

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 8, 2025

Portland Planning can finally close the Hope Avenue permit application, initiated over two years ago by Miami-based developer GenX Capital Partners, since the parcel is going into foreclosure. Throughout this years-long saga, GenX botched a development in Saco and had an unfinished condo complex foreclosed in Cumberland. And, in the two-plus years that the Hope Ave permit has been active, GenX neglected to pay its property tax, damaged the Presumpscot River Preserve, refused to pay the ensuing fine and failed to appear at any of its court hearings, forcing Portland to issue a motion for contempt of court. Portland should designate this parcel for conservation to protect the delicate and beautiful Presumpscot River and adjacent preserve. ~ Emily-Anne Garland, Scarborough