Name

IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences

Location

Portland, ME

Joined

1 year, 9 months ago


IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences Projects

Recent Activity

IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 week, 3 days ago
Rich- Thanks for reaching out. When you are back and settled, email us at Info@rouxcampusportland and we would be happy to set up a meeting. In the meantime, please sign up for updates (at the bottom of the Overview page) so you can follow the project and get notifications of upcoming meetings.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 3 weeks, 2 days ago
We are working on just that kind of analysis as we calculate transportation needs for Phase 1, and will be prepared to discuss further at a later Neighborhood Forum.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 3 weeks, 3 days ago
Mari- We share your enthusiasm! The Roux Campus is going to be a tremendous asset for Portland, and we welcome input from anyone and everyone with an interest in the project.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 3 weeks, 3 days ago
We welcome your interest, thanks for reaching out. The Community Advisory Group (CAG) has not yet been formed, but information about the CAG will be posted on this website, including how to get involved. The CAG will include representatives from the East Deering neighborhood and many other interested groups representing education, sustainability, recreation, bicycle, pedestrian, rail, public transit, business and Portland Harbor. The goal of the CAG is to share information and seek input on project planning and development. We look forward to working with the Community Advisory Group and the public as we plan for Phase 1 of the Roux Campus. We are also hosting regular Neighborhood Forums, held in person and online. These forums are a great way to stay current on the project, ask questions, provide feedback and hear about upcoming activities. The next Neighborhood Forum will be April 27. Details will be provided in the Updates section of this website.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 month ago
We are committed to building on-campus housing for students, junior faculty and others as space allows. It is important for students to have a convenient place to live, and this will also contribute to campus vitality and reduce local traffic impacts. We hope to submit a site plan permit in the summer/fall of this year, which will include the number of units to be included in the first phase of the campus buildout.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Roger- Please send an email to Info@rouxcampusportland.org so we can get in contact and discuss your suggestion.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 2 months ago
We are currently evaluating existing and potential bicycle and pedestrian connections between the site and both the East Deering neighborhood and the Peninsula and will work with MaineDOT and the City of Portland towards creating better connections to encourage these alternative modes. Your feedback on the need for a new pedestrian bridge is timely and will be shared.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 2 months ago
As the housing units are anticipated to be significantly occupied by students, faculty and staff of the Roux and partners on site, it is likely that a portion of them will decide to not bring a vehicle (residential students for example have very low auto ownership). There will certainly be a portion of the residents who will choose to own a car and park it on the site, but we plan to reduce that need by subsidizing transit to and from the peninsula so that busses run often enough that it is a viable commuting option. As phases of the site are developed, we will be monitoring the traffic and parking to see if the goals are being met and will adjust future phases accordingly. Each phase will require submittal and approval of the Traffic Movement Permit by the City of Portland which will include a review of traffic and parking requirements.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 2 months ago
Kymberly - We are still in the early stages of planning and permitting the Roux Campus, and construction of the first phase will take more than a year so there is no application process at this time to apply for an apartment.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 4 months, 1 week ago
We too, love the tradition of the now-famous tree on top of the Bean Building, which is why we have taken it down for repairs. Keep an eye out next week when it will be back in all its glory.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 5 months, 3 weeks ago
The Historic Preservation Board has made a recommendation to the Council that the B&M Cannery building be designated as a local historic landmark. The recommendation also includes a statement that the Board found the building on the pier to be noncontributing due to its poor structural condition and therefore can be demolished. The Council will consider the Board’s recommendation at its meeting on October 17th.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 5 months, 3 weeks ago
We are committed to pursuing all alternative modes of transportation to reduce the use of single occupancy vehicles. The Roux Institute Campus is currently being designed for bike and pedestrian access with safe paths of travel to and from the surrounding communities. We are working with bike and pedestrian groups across the city to establish best practices and plans, and are eager for any additional ideas or feedback. The railroad is not on our property and we have told both rail and trail advocates that we would work with them and provide direct connections to the site should new rail and/or trail corridors be successful. We would welcome a chance to meet and discuss our plans as it relates to bike, pedestrian and other modes of transportation if you are interested or have ideas. Please message us at Info@rouxcampusportland.org
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 7 months, 3 weeks ago
This is an excellent question, and as you would expect, we are working with the City, particularly the Fire Department to ensure the site is safe every day and in the event of any emergencies.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 7 months, 3 weeks ago
We are working closely with the City of Portland and numerous trail groups to maximize bicycle and pedestrian access to the site and connections to the other trails in the area. Through new trail access to the site and alternative transportation incentives, we have an opportunity to build in best transportation practices from the start. We don't own the old rail bridge so can't weigh in on that option, other than to note that rebuilding it would be very costly.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 7 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you for your enthusiastic support Kellan! We are very focused on sustainable design and alternative transportation methods. To learn more about our plans, and weigh in if you choose, consider attending the Portland Planning Board workshop on August 9, beginning at 4:30. The public notice and Zoom link are in the Updates section of this website.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
We are open to suggestions.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Thank you for these thoughtful suggestions. We will continue to work through the exact building locations, shapes and sizes through the Site Plan process, and will keep these in mind as we progress. Unfortunately, the building on the pier is structurally unsound and needs to be demolished for safety concerns. We are very excited to restore the adjacent Bean Building however.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Thanks for your suggestion. We've heard a lot of great ideas, but this one is new to us and we will give it consideration.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
We agree with your goal of getting cars off the road, which is why we are committed to providing pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders safe and welcoming access to the Roux Campus. For example, we are planning a new bike and pedestrian path under the north side of Tukey’s Bridge, connecting with the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and other City trails. We are planning to add dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks on Sherwood Street from Veranda Street into the entrance of the site. We are also working with the Metro to increase the frequency of the #7 bus, or a complimentary future service, to provide convenient transit options for our users to and from downtown Portland. Northeastern University will be offering subsidized Metro passes to its students. There is so much we can do to provide alternatives to driving. We hope you will follow our progress. To your specific question on the railway bridge, this is not part of our property and we are not in a position to consider any changes to it.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
We hope you will continue to follow us to learn more about plans for the Roux Campus, and how they have changed in direct response to public feedback. The organization developing the Roux Campus is a non-profit – the Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences. The mission of the campus is to be a place where education in high tech fields thrives alongside research labs, start-ups and business and community partners, to create economic opportunity at all levels. We will be creating public open spaces and access to the waterfront which has been closed off for much of its history.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Sustainability and resiliency are key factors in the design of the waterfront Roux Campus, and any underground parking is being designed with an understanding of sea level rise on this site. Though some parking could be lower, we have identified elevation 21 as the minimum for any new interior occupiable spaces, and critical building systems would also be located at or above this level.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Thanks for your suggestion. We've heard a lot of great ideas, but this one is new to us and we will give it consideration.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 10 months ago
Thank you for your question. We are dedicated to make our site as safe and welcoming for transit riders, bicyclists and pedestrians as possible. The City is currently planning to add bike lanes on Veranda, which should help a lot in the near-term, and we will be building off of that. We are planning to add dedicated bike lanes and sidewalks on Sherwood Street from Veranda into the entrance of the site, then will have bike and pedestrian trails throughout and around the site. We are also working on a new access point to the site for bikes and pedestrians from the Back Cove trails under the north side of Tukey’s Bridge (similar to the path under the south side of the bridge). Once on site, the wide trails will allow users and the public to access the different parts of the site, including the public open spaces, the waterfront and the pier. In addition to bikers and pedestrians, we are very focused on access to public transit. We have been collaborating with the Metro and are committed to work with them to expend their service for this area and provide convenient transit options for our users to and from downtown Portland. Northeastern University is committed to offer subsidized Metro passes to students as well.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 10 months ago
We understand your concern and have heard it from others. Please join our June 2 Roux Campus Roundtable where we will detail the changes we have made to our plans for the Roux Campus in response to public feedback. You can register for the 5:30 Zoom session in the Updates section of this website. We hope to see you there.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 1 week ago
As to parking, the 20-year plan could require as many as 2,000 spaces although we are currently reducing the program somewhat in response to public comment. The five-year plan needs between 500 and 700 spaces. Some will be underneath the Roux Institute building (early concept) and we will maintain the existing B&M parking lot which together will meet our Phase 1 parking needs. Long term, we will be working to minimize traffic and parking demand and but may also need to offer some off-campus parking and bring people in by shuttle.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 1 week ago
As you may have seen in our March 23 Roux Campus Roundtable presentation, we are paying close attention to One Climate Future and the Climate Action Plan and aspire to meet those goals on the Roux Campus. We are fortunate to have an existing cooling water permit for air conditioning and we have great southern exposure for active and/or passive solar. There is also the potential for geothermal, though the engineering work on that has not begun. We expect the structures will be mostly mass timber, with some steel. We can’t commit to getting all the way to net-zero because the last 10-15% can be prohibitively expensive, but we will get as close as possible. We want the Roux Campus to be a model of sustainability at every level and this includes not just building and site design, but transportation and waterfront restoration to more natural contours.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 1 week ago
The square footage in the zoning proposal is the area for each programmatic use deemed necessary to meet the goals of the Roux Institute and we don’t need specific dimensions in order to have programmatic goals. We are continuing to work on this part of the proposal in response to input from the public and changes may be forthcoming.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 2 weeks ago
As you note, traffic and parking will be major issues for the neighborhood, which is why we will be holding a public meeting focused on these issues in the next 4-6 weeks. Notice of the meeting will be in the Updates section of the website, and you can subscribe to receive all such notices via email.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Yes, as was stated in response to your question at the April 6 meeting, we are aware of the new housing on Sherwood Street and will factor that into traffic assessments. We intend to have a future public meeting focused on the traffic issue as we recognize it is an important consideration for neighbors and those who use this section of Washington Avenue.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Yes, we are definitely following the Veranda Street bridge reconstruction.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 2 weeks ago
We agree! The new Veranda Bridge project certainly offers potential for new trail connections, and our proposed trail under the north section of Tukey's Bridge, connecting the Roux Campus to existing Portland trails could complement and possibly connect to the trail you describe.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 4 weeks ago
At this point in the zoning phase there are no such specific plans, but when we have those details we will share them publicly.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 11 months, 4 weeks ago
We have been able to send notices for the Roux Campus Roundtables in a more timely fashion. This is the second required Neighborhood Meeting and the first in-person meeting, so confirming the site took more time than planning for the Zoom meetings. Please note that by signing up for Updates on this website, you will be immediately notified of upcoming meetings.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
We are planning to offer and incentivize alternatives to bringing a car on campus, however we recognize that some will need to park a car and we can't price it out of reach. We haven't determined pricing yet, in this early zoning phase, but appreciate your input.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
The Roux Campus will be open and welcoming to the public, with green space and waterfront access for pedestrians. We envision a public walking path all along the shoreline, so this will be a major improvement from what has existed for the past 100+ years. Currently 10 acres on the 13 acre site are impermeable surface, such as pavement or building footprints, and our plan will substantially increase the amount of permeable surface. Traffic has been an on-going issue in this part of Portland, and we are focused on multiple ways to reduce additional cars coming to the campus. This includes new bike and pedestrian access, public transit subsidies, car and bike share, among other means. We will be discussing traffic issues at length at the upcoming Roux Campus Roundtable at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, March 23. You can register in the Updates section of this website.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
We will continue to hold Roundtable meetings throughout the permitting process. These forums have helped us understand the public's questions and concerns, and given us a chance to address them as best we can. It's a valuable on-going dialogue that helps shape a project over time. We also learn what people are excited about and how we can make the project even better for the neighbors and the City of Portland. There will also be public workshops and hearings as part of the City's review process. In between Roundtable meetings, please feel free to send comments to info@rouxcampusportland.org.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
These are excellent points which we will try to address at the next Roux Campus Roundtable on March 23.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
Thanks Cheryl, we are excited to make this campus a model for bicycle and pedestrian access, while also encouraging public and carpool transport and car shares.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
The Roux Campus Institutional Development Plan (IDP) we recently submitted is our initial draft, not the final product. We are currently focused on getting input on the IDP through multiple channels, including this website and public meetings. The IDP will change over time as we incorporate that feedback, and balance it with the needs of the Roux Institute. The final version will reflect this input, and include a summary of all the comments received.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
Thank you Paul, you are totally correct that we are trying to find the right balance between obtaining the density we need for housing and other uses (startups, labs, etc) related to the Roux Institute while creating new green space for the public and campus residents to enjoy. I hope you will join us at the March 23 Roux Campus Roundtable, and sign up for Updates so you can continue to follow our progress.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
Thanks Mark, you have definitely captured the vision for the Roux Institute and the campus that will host it. I hope you will sign up for Updates to continue to follow our progress, and plan on attending the next Roux Campus Roundtable later this month. The date and time will be in the Update section of this website.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
In fact, we are absorbing comments from all three public sessions so far, from this website and from meetings and calls with neighbors and others. This engagement will continue and is vital to our planning process. In the Institutional Development Plan (IDP) application, we addressed issues that were raised at our roundtable meetings, such as traffic, open space, sustainability, resiliency, access, and more. Once we proceed to the site plan stage, you will see a lot more specifics as the Roux Campus takes shape. Between now and then, we look forward to input from the city and the public to guide those plans.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year ago
We are in the preliminary stages of site design, and are doing our best to take into consideration all the feedback we are hearing, so thank you for your input. Our challenge is to accommodate the many uses on site which are integral to the success of the Roux Institute, such as housing, research, labs and startups, while also trying to create waterfront green space for residents and neighbors. The need for on-site housing illustrates the balance we are trying to achieve. In order not to exacerbate the housing shortage in Portland, we need to build hundreds of units of housing on site. These issues are being explored in the zoning phase now, from which specific proposals will emerge in the site plan stage later. We are grateful for all the feedback to help us achieve something special and unique, where the Roux Institute can thrive and new opportunities abound.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Absolutely, we can discuss the number of parking spaces when our plans are further along. Currently we are in the zoning phase, after which comes the more specific site plans. We intend to build housing on site for students and others, along with subsidized transit and car share availability, all of which will reduce the demand for parking.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Susan- Thank you for that suggestion, which I have passed along and discussed with other neighbors who agree with you.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
That is the plan Lucas. As you say, the Roux Campus is being designed to foster innovation, attracting world class talent and creating jobs and new opportunities for Mainers and beyond. If you haven't already, please check out the Roux Institute at Northeastern University, given your interest in the incubator program. https://roux.northeastern.edu. It is currently in leased space in Portland and growing fast.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Thanks for the input Lucas! The #7 METRO bus will be a critical component of non-auto travel to the area, but we are also hoping to create bike and pedestrian access under the north end of Tukey's Bridge, which would connect the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and other city trails right to the Roux Campus. The improvements at the junction of Route 1 and Veranda Street just south of Martins Point will also offer improved access for those on foot or bike, and having housing right on the Roux Campus will minimize the need for a vehicle.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
The issues you raise about sustainability and resiliency are front and center of our plans for the site. For over 100 years this has been an industrial site with a largely impervious footprint and reconstructed shoreline. We intend to restore the shoreline to its more natural contours, increase greenspace and reduce the amount of pavement to increase permeability, As we have stated in our public presentations at the Roux Campus Roundtables (see Update section of this website), the Roux Campus will be a model of sustainability, following the City's One Climate Future and 2030 Vision. The site is being designed to facilitate public access, and create spaces to enjoy the waterfront and views back to the city. We hope you and others will enjoy viewing the osprey nest from the Roux Campus for years to come.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
We fully appreciate that access to I-295 is critical to the East Deering neighborhood, the city of Portland, and ultimately to the Roux Campus, which is why we are currently evaluating transportation infrastructure needs associated with each phase of development. We are working with MaineDOT and the City on transportation needs in the vicinity of I-295 Exit 8. To reduce traffic impacts, we are planning a campus with on-site housing for students, so they will minimize the need for a vehicle. In addition, Traffic Demand Management (TDM) measures such as transit subsidies and car share availability will also be implemented. As part of our Phase 1 application, we will submit a Traffic Movement Program which will undergo public review in concert with the site plan. Allison, if you would like to discuss this in person or by phone, please reach out to info@rouxcampusportland.org and we can arrange to carry on the conversation.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Allison- We are hoping to build a pedestrian/bicycle path under the north side of Tukey's Bridge (closest to the site) which would connect the site to the Back Cove, East End and other existing and future city trails. Does that answer your question, or did you have something else in mind?
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Michelle- We hear you, we just don't have definitive on-campus parking numbers yet, because we are still in the conceptual phase of campus design and traffic studies are not yet complete. We should have more detailed information to share in the near future, and there will be plenty of opportunities for input going forward. In the meantime, we would be happy to meet with you one-on-one to discuss this further.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
In a few years when the Roux Campus is up and running, we hope you will both enjoy the newly created access to the waterfront on campus, and the opportunity to rent a kayak or paddleboard, or even take a water taxi to downtown Portland.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
We are aware of the path you mention but haven't looked at that exact route, as it would cross multiple private properties. We know this is a priority because there has been a lot of work done by trail groups and others to explore pathways to Falmouth. The 2015 Martin's Point Pathway Report by the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) and the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS) is an exhaustive look at the issue. We have been in contact with multiple trail groups to explore improvements in the area. You may know that we are hoping to add a connecting trail under the north side of Tukey's Bridge to connect the campus to the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and other city trails. That at least would be a step in the right direction.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Yes, we are considering a variety of amenities for campus residents and neighbors, including some type of child care. We are interested in learning more about what would make the Roux Campus a valuable addition to the neighborhood. Thank your for your suggestion!
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 1 month ago
Our stated goal of limiting on-site parking was a reference to our goal of limiting the number of cars to and from the site. We intend to build all the parking we will need on site, and agree it is critical that Roux Campus users do not park on any surrounding streets. Our goal is to create a campus where the student residents will not need a vehicle and we will set that expectation to reduce parking demand. Through other Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures such as transit subsidies and car share availability, we will reduce the need for other site users to bring a vehicle to campus. It is understandable that neighbors would have this concern, and we are happy to work with anyone, along with city to determine the best way to regulate parking in the neighborhood either preemptively or if a problem arises. We can also look to the University of Southern Maine which has implemented parking regulations that have been effective at reducing parking in the neighborhood surrounding their campus.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
John- I apologize that your email was unanswered, I will check with the website provider. Please email me directly to set up a time to talk and get your questions answered. elizabeth.swain@powereng.com
I look forward to talking, and perhaps most importantly, listening.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
We have heard this from so many people in the neighborhood and around Portland. Waterfront access and views of Casco Bay which all can share are just part of what will make the Roux Campus a welcoming place for everyone.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
The opening image on the website of the B&M buildings fading into a conceptual vision of the Roux Campus was our attempt to be open and transparent about the change proposed for this peninsula. The scale of the project is large so it can accommodate the Roux Institute and ancillary office space, housing, retail, recreation, and wonderful public green space, which is possible due to the concept of having taller buildings with smaller footprints. Our goal is to create an entrepreneurial ecosystem that will significantly enhance economic opportunity in Maine and beyond, while also serving as a great amenity to East Deering and the other neighborhoods of Portland.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
East Deering is a wonderful, diverse part of the city of Portland and it still will be when the Roux Campus is completed. Although the East Deering neighborhoods don’t abut the B&M peninsula due to the presence of the rail line and Maine Yacht Center to the north and I-295 to the west and south, the Roux Campus will be a substantial change from the old industrial site, and you are correct that it will look and feel different. Our goal is to build a project that compliments the historic community of East Deering in its use and design.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
We absolutely want to earn the trust of our neighbors and engage the community while we are still in the design phase. That is why we have been reaching out through public meetings and a website. There is no design for the campus at this early stage, just a possible vision to give the public a feel for what it might look like in Phase 1, to inform the zoning process. Our intent is to engage interested parties now, before we get too far into our design process. We have a vision for a dynamic, publicly accessible campus that is enjoyed by neighbors and residents; walking trails and waterfront access are just a few of the amenities we want to offer. We feel that bringing graduate education, research and startup businesses in fields that will create new jobs and benefit all of society is a good thing for the city of Portland.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
Thank you for this perspective from a nearby neighbor. While we can't speak for the Maine DOT, we have heard a lot about the need for upgrades to facilitate pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access in this area, and our proposal will include plans to address those issues. Stay tuned for more information.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
That is valuable feedback, thank you and keep it coming. We have every intention of making a welcoming entry to the site that the neighbors and the city will be proud of.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
Michelle- I am happy to provide the names of the presenters at the Roux Campus Roundtable and apologize that we did not all introduce ourselves fully. We will next time!
Chuck Hewett - Executive Director of the non-profit Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences (IDEALS) which is developing the Roux Campus
Rick Kobus - Tsoi Kobus Design
Sam Reiche - Chief Operating Officer and Director of Real Estate for IDEALS
(These three were in the room and visible on the Zoom call; the others who provided answers:
Jenn Conley, traffic engineer, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc
Mary Costigan, attorney, Bernstein Shur
Elizabeth Swain, Public Engagement for IDEALS, POWER Engineers
Denise Cameron, civil engineer, Woodard & Curran
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
We envision the waterfront as free of fencing and other barriers that prohibit public access along the shoreline, and where paved surfaces at the water’s edge are replaced by native vegetation. Our goals include protecting the health of Casco Bay, improving the ecological function of the site, and making the site resilient to climate change. We are in the initial stages of planning for the waterfront portion of the project and are interested in community input and will be happy to share more as the design progresses.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
We plan to file an application with the city of Portland early next year. At this point the plans are conceptual, the buildings have not been designed yet. There will be multiple opportunities for public input as plans progress, and we look forward to feedback on how you and others might use and enjoy the Roux Campus.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
Thank you for this valuable input Christian. We are keenly focused on managing and mitigating potential traffic impacts and are implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs on multiple levels to minimize vehicle use. If we are successful in constructing a trail under the western side of Tukey's Bridge, it will facilitate easy pedestrian and bicycle access from the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and mid-town trails. Our intention is to design access around best practices from the outset.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 3 months ago
Sandra- The deadline has been extended and I hope you will try to sign up again. The postcard took longer to be delivered than we expected, due to the holidays I'm sure. We apologize for the inconvenience this caused, and hope you will join us tomorrow night.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
RESPONSE: Thank you for this valuable perspective. We look forward to working with the city, state and other groups to expand trail access. I hope you will continue to follow plans for the Roux Campus and offer input and learnings from your years on the Portland Planning Board.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Thank you Jim C., you've flagged three key issues which we are intensely focused on, and look forward to further input particularly with regard to traffic and alternative means of transportation to and from the site. Parking is planned for underneath several of the buildings, so as not to take up valuable new publicly accessible green space on the campus.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Thank you for your comment - we agree! In our first year, we've partnered with more than 15 academic and research institutions to co-develop accessible enrollment opportunities for Maine undergrads, co-fund sabbaticals for Maine-based faculty, and launch collaborative research projects with leading experts in the fields of AI, computational medicine, genomics, and more. We look forward to utilizing the facilities and resources of the new campus to continue and expanding this exciting work with our partners. ~ The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Our plan is to actually create green space! Currently 9.8 acres of the 13.5-acre site are impervious surfaces, such as asphalt and roofs. Our plan is to add green space, reducing the impervious surfaces to only 5.6 acres, or 43% of the site. Adding walking and biking trail connectivity is a priority, both for recreation and commuting. Imagine being able to bicycle to work at the Roux Campus!
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
The B&M building will be at the heart of the campus, and the familiar Christmas tree we all love will continue to be lit every year during the holiday.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Then 2025 can't come fast enough because that is when we plan to have the first phase of the campus complete and open to the public!
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Housing is a very important component of the Roux Campus, because we know it's a big issue in Portland and beyond. Thank you for your words of encouragement. We are very excited about the potential for new connecting trails.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
That is exactly the plan. Let's work together to make it happen.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Thanks, we are excited to help bring this vision to life, with input from the public and the city of Portland.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
We have definitely heard that this is an issue and look forward to working with neighbors, trail groups and others to help improve pedestrian access. As you may know, we hope to put a new trail under the west side of Tukey's Bridge for access to the site from the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and mid-town trails.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
We agree, that is why we are working with trail groups and individuals such as yourself to maximize these opportunities. Feel free to share more ideas about trail connectivity.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Thank you, we agree. The Roux Institute at Northeastern University and the dynamic Roux Campus will be a huge asset to Portland and the entire state of Maine.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
That is good to hear. We are excited about the potential to connect existing trails to and from the site, and look forward to working with organizations and individuals who have ideas about how to take full advantage of these walking and biking opportunities, both for recreation and commuting.
IDEALS - Initiative for Digital Engineering and Life Sciences commented on Roux Campus Portland 1 year, 4 months ago
Access is a very important issue, especially for those living nearby. At present it will be off Sherwood Street, which is the current access route into the site. For those planning to bike or walk to the campus, we are hoping to make a trail under the west side of Tukey's Bridge, to connect to the Back Cove, Eastern Promenade and mid-town trails. We also intend to work with Greater Portland Metro to facilitate convenient bus access. We are preparing a long-term plan for the site, so over time additional access may come to pass. Alternative transportation to and from this site is a priority in the project design.