PORTLAND-The downtown developer and the former governor are significantly closer to accomplishing what most thought was impossible - park blocks running the entire length of downtown Portland.

WATERTOWN, MA-LavaStorm, an Internet solutions company, has signed a 79,471 sf sublease of Building 311 at the Arsenal on the Charles here. The firm is relocating from its 31,000-sf HQ at 160 Lincoln St.

CHARLOTTE-The low-profile incubator in the University of North Carolina's Charlotte Research Park is going after venture capital for the first time. More than 90 businesses have graduated from the 14-year-old campus with 60 still existing.

WASHINGTON, DC-According to the National Association of Realtors, though home sales will be down this year and should decline next year as well, overall, indicators show a soft landing is in store for the 2001.