Yard South developer withdraws controversial plan in South Portland [Video]

SOUTH PORTLAND — The developer of Yard South, a controversial mixed-use proposal to redevelop the city’s former World War II shipyard property, has withdrawn its rezoning request amid organized opposition from residents.

Jennifer Packard, president of PK Realty Management, said her team withdrew its application Monday for a zone change that would have allowed housing to be build on the 30-acre property that rims Portland Harbor.

PK Realty had submitted a rezoning request in July for a proposal that would have added about 1,000 residential units, including 100 subsidized, plus a waterfront park and other community amenities, within 15 to 20 years.

“It’s just become really apparent that the city doesn’t have a process in place to manage a project of this scope and scale,” Packard said. “It’s a systemic issue, and it exists across Maine.”

This story will be updated.