Portland’s Art Rule Fills Empty Stores | Portland Maine News

Portland, Maine’s bold new ordinance is turning vacant storefronts into canvas—owners must register empty spaces or pay a $250 fine, but they can avoid it by displaying art. Since enforcement began, 11 vacant spots have been filled, and many remaining ones now sport artwork to stay compliant. While some business owners saw it as an economic burden, others like Ed Gardner report renewed downtown energy and fuller streets. The rule, with no end date, aims to keep the city vibrant and combat urban blight. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/620d7c0e729f46b5