Friends of Belfort
Your neighborhood. Your voice. Your community.
Join us in making the Belfort Street neighborhood a safer, more vibrant place to call home. Together, we're building a stronger community through thoughtful advocacy, meaningful engagement, and genuine care for our neighbors.
Donate TodayOur Mission
To promote public safety, responsible development, and community welfare in Portland, Maine through citizen advocacy, public education, and engagement in municipal planning processes.
Meaningful Engagement
We create opportunities for neighbors to connect, share ideas, and work together on issues that matter to our community.
Thoughtful Advocacy
We advocate for responsible development and policies that enhance public safety while preserving our neighborhood's character.
Genuine Care
At the heart of everything we do is a genuine care for our neighbors and a commitment to making our community the best it can be.
Our Neighborhood
Safe Neighborhood Streets
Community Character
Talbot School Community Hub
Local Businesses
Natural Spaces
Tree-Lined Streets
About Friends of Belfort
Friends of Belfort (FoB) was born from a simple belief: that neighbors working together can create positive change.
Our Story
Founded in 2025 by a group of residents who cared deeply about their community's future, our organization has grown into a vital voice for the Belfort Street neighborhood (and beyond) in Portland, Maine.
What started as conversations about traffic concerns and development pressures has evolved into a structured, effective nonprofit organization. We've learned that when residents come together with shared purpose and clear goals, we can influence decisions that shape our neighborhood's character and quality of life.
Our journey began when several longtime residents noticed increasing challenges in our area. Traffic was becoming more dangerous for families with children. New development projects were moving forward without adequate community input. Essential services seemed to be overlooked in city planning discussions. Rather than simply complaining about these issues, our founders decided to take action.
The early days involved a lot of learning. We studied municipal processes, attended city council meetings, and connected with other neighborhood organizations across Portland. We discovered that effective advocacy requires more than passion – it demands preparation, persistence, and the ability to work constructively with city officials, developers, and other stakeholders.
Today, Friends of Belfort represents dozens of residents who share our commitment to thoughtful community development. We're proud to be a network of engaged citizens who look out for one another and work together toward common goals.
Erica Berry
President
Community advocate and longtime Belfort Street resident
Liz Berg
Vice President
Neighborhood organizer and public safety advocate
Rachelle Lambert
Secretary
Community engagement coordinator
Friends of Belfort is a 501c3 nonprofit (tax ID 39-3242771) run by volunteers. We're always happy to hear from residents who have questions, concerns, or ideas they'd like to share.
Contact Us
What's Happening
Stay informed about current advocacy efforts and upcoming community events.
Calendar of Events
Community Meetings
Fundraising Events
Community Meetings
Saturday, September 13
10AM at Talbot School
Join us to discuss our next steps and fundraising strategy as we move forward with our appeal of the Planning Board's approval of Belfort Landing.
Saturday, October (Date TBD)
Moran's Market
Help us build our legal fund! Come out for an afternoon of family fun including face painting, a raffle, snacks, and more.
Sunday, July 6
Belfort Street
All proceeds supported our legal fund to Stop Belfort Landing—protecting our neighborhood and advocating for safer, smarter development.
Saturday, September 13
10AM at Talbot School
Join us to discuss our next steps and fundraising strategy as we move forward with our appeal of the Planning Board's approval of Belfort Landing.
FoB at Work
Despite serious concerns raised by neighbors and experts, the Portland Planning Board recently approved the Belfort Landing development—a 50-unit project with a sole vehicular driveway off Belfort Street, a small residential, closed loop cul-de-sac.
Based on the completion of two speed studies and a review of available crash data, Portland Department of Public Works does not find that Belfort Street is eligible for traffic calming.
However, assuming that Belfort Landing is built, based on its approvals, its Owner will monitor the street and be responsible for the installation of traffic calming if speed or crash patterns change.
📄 Read the full memo from DPW (PDF)Support Friends of Belfort
Friends of Belfort is dedicated to making our neighborhood the best it can be. We believe that by working together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and more connected community for everyone.
- •Create opportunities for neighbors to gather, connect, and get involved.
- •Enhance public safety and make our streets more inviting for everyone.
- •Support responsible development that preserves our neighborhood's character.
- •Advocate for the Belfort Street neighborhood with city officials.
- •Improve our public spaces, making our neighborhood a place we all cherish.
To achieve our goals and expand our initiatives, we rely on the generous support of neighbors like you. Your donation will empower us to kickstart our vital work and make an immediate impact.