Portland City Council delays vote on future of former Childrens Museum [Video]

A majority of the Portland City Council seemed poised Monday to allow the demolition of the former Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. But two councilors offered an amendment that raised legal concerns, and the council ultimately postponed the decision that will set the course for the Portland Museum of Art.

The museum is asking the city to remove a historic designation that protects its neighboring building from demolition. Tearing down the brick building at 142 Free St. would allow the museum to proceed with a sweeping new expansion it has planned for that site.

But two city boards already have said the historic preservation ordinance doesn’t allow such a change, and preservationists have warned that allowing the museum to proceed would set a negative precedent.

The outcome will decide whether the museum can proceed with its $100 million capital campaign or must go back to the drawing board.

The …