Portland waterfront workers question zoning change for Hearts of Pine stadium

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • August 18, 2026

Workers who rely on Portland’s western waterfront for their livelihood are organizing against a zone change required for the Hearts of Pine’s stadium plans at Cassidy Point. Mariners working in commercial shipping, tugboat operation and more say they’re concerned about losing a substantial swath of industrial waterfront property — and future jobs — following the Aug. 4 unveiling of a $50 million soccer stadium proposal. The team has an agreement to purchase about 8 acres of property at the western edge of Commercial Street along the Fore River, which includes a commercial pier. However, in order for the 9,000-11,000-seat stadium to move forward, the city would need to approve a zone change.