South Portland council approves road closures

Bryant Street, Arbutus Avenue to be shut Saturday for neighborhood ‘block parties.’

SOUTH PORTLAND — At their most recent meeting, South Portland city councilors approved four separate requests to close city roads, deemed to be something of a record by city officials.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen two closings [voted on] in the same night, let along three,” said Councilor Tom Blake. “It’s becoming quite fashionable.”

Two of the closings were for “block parties,” which prompted comment from Councilor Maxine Beecher.

“I’m delighted to see neighbors getting together like this,” she said. “I think it demonstrates the sense of community that exists here.”

The block-party closures are both for Saturday, Sept. 17. Bryant Street will be closed to traffic from 3-9 p.m., while Arbutus Avenue will be closed from No. 26 to No. 37 from 1-7 p.m.

The third road closure will be on Saturday, Oct. 29, when Mountain View Road and Nutter Road will both be shut off from noon to 9 p.m. so South Portland High School can host the MBDA High School Marching Band State Finals.

“For people who’ve never seen this, it’s quite a kick,” said Councilor James Hughes. “I encourage everyone to get out and take a look.”

The last closure is further out, not set to take place until Feb. 17-18, 2012, when the South Portland-Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club will host the city’s first Winter Festival, to be staged in Mill Creek and Thomas Knight parks. During the festival, Hinckley Drive will be closed between Ocean and Cottage streets.