Think Leach Botanical Garden is a great place only in the summertime? See why folks mark their calendars so they don’t miss this annual event ..
Kate and Liz Sullivan choose cuttings and greens they say will make great centerpieces and wreaths.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
By December 7 and 8, the Johnson Creek floods had subsided, and a steady stream of crafters and nature lovers were making their way to Leach Botanical Gardens in outer East Portland.
Karen Young, Executive Director of Leach Botanical Garden, told us, “We’re raising funds for the garden at our Annual Holiday Bazaar. It’s being going on for more than two decades.”
Guests selected cuttings, clippings, fresh greens, fir, noble fir, variegated holly, and juniper, from which to make holiday crafts and decorations.
“They buy the greens to make their own decorations,” Young added. “We also offer great baked goods, like cookies and breads, for sale. It’s a special time to come to the garden this time of year. Everyone is festive; we all enjoy a cup of our tasty mulled hot cider.”
In the patio area, we met visitors from the Mt. Tabor neighborhood – Kate and Liz Sullivan.
“We came a couple of years ago,” Liz said, “and we remembered to come again this year. We’ll be making centerpieces and wreaths. It’s nice, instead of buying it in the store.”
Garden Steward Scotty Fairchild shows off holly with berries – one of the many items sold at the Holiday Bazaar.
“Community-building is a best part about this event,” commented Scotty Fairchild, Garden Steward. “People come here for a specific purpose, the Holiday Bazaar, then find out there are lots of things going on here at the garden, even during the winter months. Then, they come back for another visit!”
Come for a visit; admission is free. Leach Botanical Garden, Portland’s only public botanical garden, is located at 6704 SE 122nd Avenue (just south of Foster Road). For further information call Nancy at (503) 823-1671.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why officers say this “cop shop” will be more than just a report-writing station …
Officer Greg Baldwin, Dennis Adair, manager Parkrose Hardware, and Sgt. John Anderson here look at lighting improvements they’ll be making at the new Parkrose Police Contact Center.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland Police Bureau will soon have a new East Precinct Contact Center on NE Sandy Boulevard at NE 111th Avenue.
“Parkrose has traditionally been ignored by the city,” explains the project manager, Sgt. John Anderson. “Even with our enhanced patrols, there’s still a lot of crime, including drugs and prostitution. Increased police presence here would be a good deterrent.”
Some police substations, often referred to as “cop shops”, provide a place for district officers to relieve themselves, eat lunch – and write reports.
Adair and Anderson check out the front door, while identifying improvements they plan to make to the office space.
A community meeting place
“While it won’t be full-time staffed by officers,” Anderson says, “We want this to be a place where people can come and gather. It will be open to the public, so citizens can speak directly to an officer when they’re here.”
The sergeant says he plans to hold monthly events at the office. “We’ll talk about all kinds of public safety issues – including graffiti, identity theft, and elder abuse – in addition to working together to solve problems from drugs and prostitution.”
Special Parkrose phone hot-line
Anderson also plans to install a “Parkrose Crime Hotline” phone line for non-emergency problems. “Citizens can call and talk to a district officer right here. Officers will log the issues and problems which neighbors call in.”
Rossi family contributes community office
They were contacted by the Rossi family, Anderson tells us, and were offered the office space, “charging only a dollar per year. It’s a great deal for us and for the community”.
Although the space is in fairly good condition, police and community members will be sprucing up the office with new lighting, some fresh paint, and new carpeting.
In a few weeks, this office will become the newest East Portland police substation.
“We’re doing this on a tight budget,” reports Anderson, “so we’re accepting volunteer labor help and contributions of materials.”
Already, Parkrose Hardware has donated paint, hardware, and some electrical supplies.
“We look forward to having an open house in the spring,” Anderson says. “I hope the neighbors and businesses will come join us in making Parkrose a safer and more livable community.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
This group really knows how to throw a party. These photos tell the story better than words …
Terry Brier, of Davey/Organicare, checks out items on which he’s bidding during the silent auction.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A great dinner, homemade entertainment, and an auction provided members and guests of the Parkrose Business Association (PBA) with a wonderful start to the holiday season at their Holiday Dinner on December 8.
From the performance of the Parkrose High School Debonairs, to the silent auction, to the fabulous buffet dinner, to the door prize giveaway, it was a grand evening. The story is best told in photos …
Anita Tabayoyon of A.R. Moss Florists, Amy Salvador of Rossi Farms, and Rex Hollingsworth of Rex Heating & Air Conditioning share a light moment, at the Parkrose Business Association Holiday Dinner.
A welcomed tradition at the event is the appearance of the Parkrose High School Debonaires, serenading the gathering with traditional and newly-arranged Christmas songs.
Great food? You bet, and lots of it! No one puts on a banquet in East Portland like Chef Edgar and hostess Eileen of Steamers Restaurant and Lounge, the hosts of the event.
The after-dinner entertainment took the form of “New member” introductions – in the form of a hilarious skit produced by Amy Salvador. Here, “New Member” Victoria van Snooty (Kyle Ziegler, Castlegate Realty) announces her “new school of terpsichorean elegance”.
“New member” Big Bucks Bash (Gail Bash, Jackpot) pitches his great deal on wristwatches – and office supplies, and …
“New member” Marion the Librarian (Amy Salvador, Rossi Farms) says as she fumbles her books, “Reading is good. No, really!”
T.J. Tycoon, also a “new member” (formerly known as Jon Turino, Farmer’s Insurance) tells the secrets of his success.
“Very Merry Kaye” (Marsha Lee, Copy Express) gives such a convincing cosmetics presentation; even guys were ready to buy her beauty potions.
“Newly practicing Dr. Dorthea” (Mary Brown, Bob Brown Tires) offered free “exams”. But when she had no takers, she provided practical advice for staying well during flu season.
We’re still not sure about the line of business “George” (Terry Brier, Davy/Organicare) is in, but it smelled like compost.
Outgoing PBA president Mark Eves, of Eves & Wade, LLP ,presents the Gavel of Office to incoming president, Jon Turino of Farmer’s Insurance.
Awards
The PBA pauses at the end of each year to recognize members who have provided outstanding service to the organization.
The Karl F. Lind Award is given to a member of the community who has given countless hours of volunteer time, is known for personal integrity, and has become an integral part of the Parkrose community.
The presentation was by the 2006 award winner, Gail Bash, who announced that Michael Taylor, former Superintendent of Parkrose School District, was the 2007 Karl F. Lind Award winner. Mr. Taylor, however, was unable to attend.
On behalf of the PBA board, outgoing President Eves is given the association’s Outstanding Leadership Award.
Marsha Lee of Copy Express is presented the Artie Johnson Award, symbolizing selfless dedication and a high level of dedication to the organization, by the 2006 recipient, Mary Brown of Bob Brown Tires.
Mark Eves presents to David F. Ashton of “eastPDXnews.com” the 2007 President’s Award.
Guests are welcome at the PBA
Come enjoy the best business luncheon in town, and meet the members at their next meeting, on Thursday, January 17 at Steamers Restaurant, 8303 NE Sandy Blvd. (east of NE 82nd Ave.); NO reservations required. For more information, see www.parkrosebusiness.org.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
We love reporting on the good deeds kids do. And our “humorous photo of the week” is also contained herein (below) …
While “Scouting for Food” the Cub Scouts of Pack 64 brave sleet and snow while gather hundreds of pound of food for the Oregon Food Bank.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many people recall that a couple of weeks ago, Scouts were combing neighborhoods on a selfless field maneuver – collecting food for the needy.
The Cub Scouts of Pack 64 – a group of youngsters from several inner SE Portland neighborhoods – brave freezing temperatures and snow flurries as they trudge door-to door on this gray morning.
“We’re collecting canned food and non-perishable for the Oregon Food Bank,” reports their Cubmaster, Tom Armstrong. “Our food drive is one of our major the community service Scouting projects.”
Their diligent efforts pay off: By mid morning, the 20 Cub Scouts have amassed 653 pounds of food. Asked if they want to say anything to readers of THE BEE who contributed to their food drive, they say, “Thank you for helping!”
Humorous Photo of the Week
It looks like one of these scouts is REALLY scouting out a snack!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Potter was photographed doing what? Take a look …
Portland Mayor Tom Potter pitches the Sellwood family, Teri, Sam and Sofia Laos, about helping Loaves & Fishes Centers.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many shoppers did a double-take at the door of the Sellwood New Seasons Market, a couple of weeks ago, when they saw Portland Mayor Tom Potter greeting citizens.
“I’m here letting people know about Loaves & Fishes, a great organization,” said Potter, attired in a New Seasons apron. “Loaves & Fishes do a good job of making sure our elderly shut-in people have a good meal every day. I’m here tonight asking people, ‘When you’re buying your groceries, would you please buy a little extra for a senior?'”
Even with his busy schedule, Potter said he takes time to deliver Loaves & Fishes meals. “They’re always looking for volunteer drivers. It is a really good program, and it takes very little time. But, it does a very important service in our community.”
Whether you are considering being a volunteer at the CherryWood Center at the East Portland Community Center, or the Thelma Skelton Loaves & Fishes Center in Brooklyn – or at one of the thirty other centers – you can find out more on the Internet at: www.loavesandfishesonline.org
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It’s amazing to see hundreds of tough-looking, occasionally-tattooed hombres on motorcycles, amassing for an outing – all of them carrying teddy bears. But plush toys aren’t the only thing these bikers bring each year to hospitalized kids …
Past event leader Geoff White and Michael Friend, coordinator of the 28th Annual Shriners ABATE Toy Run “direct traffic”, and welcome bikers to the event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We laugh at the snow! Ha, ha, ha! Welcome riders,” calls out Michael Friend, coordinator of the 28th Annual Shriners ABATE Toy Run, through a megaphone.
He’s welcoming riders of motorbikes – ranging from huge Harley-Davidson motorcycles to Vespa motor scooters – as they pull into the TriMet maintenance lot on SE 17th Avenue in Brooklyn on December 1st.
Riders of more than 1,000 motorcycles of all descriptions braved the sleet and cold on December 1st to ride this year’s Toy Run.
Although it’s less than an hour before their scheduled departure time, the lot isn’t quite as full as years in the past. “They’re worried about icy roads,” comments Friend. “But look at them come in, now that they see that the weather is holding.”
As inbound two-wheeled traffic streams into the staging area, Friend comments to us, “We already have about a thousand bikes here. It’s going to be a good ride up to the Shriner’s Hospital today.”
This is how many area bikers kick off their Christmas season, Friend tells us. “We’ve been doing this to benefit the children up at the hospital for 28 years. It’s something we look forward to.”
The best part for him, Friend confides, is seeing all kinds of motorbike riders come together for a cause. “This is the one time when you’ll see hard-core Harley riders next to motor-scooter riders, side by side. We all get together and do something positive for the community.”
Al Kadar Shrine member, and TriMet driver, Dannye Adamson here gets a hand, stocking his bus with toys, from Aura Barkley and the turning away Cameron Dahl.
Helping Friend this day is his buddy, and past event coordinator, Geoff White. “My first toy run was 21 years ago, and I haven’t missed one yet. The first year I did it, there were forty of us. It’s really grown.”
The best part for White is “seeing how the kids respond to the gifts and love we show them. It is the one time you’ll see hard-core bikers with tears of joy in their eyes.”
By the time they were ready to ride, bikes crowded the TriMet lot along S.E. 17th Avenue.
Bikers raise big bucks
None of the bikers there looks more “hard-core” than Edd Dahl, especially when he’s astride his ’05 Heritage Softtail Harley.
“It’s more than toys,” Dahl elaborates. “Last year, our group, ABATE of Oregon, raised and spent over $35,000 buying wheelchairs and adaptive living tools for the kids. Until we started raising money, some kids waited up to six years for a power wheelchair.”
Dahl adds that cynics might say the bikers’ generosity is a publicity stunt to help improve their image. “Doing this for nearly 30 years, it’s pretty clear we do this because we love the kids.”
Their biggest fundraiser is a raffle. This year, Dahl says, the grand prize is a brand new Harley-Davidson.
Bus full of teddies
Some bikers have toys strapped to their bikes; others give their toys to Shriner and TriMet driver Dannye Adamson to pack in his bus, for the trip up “Pill Hill”.
“Isn’t it wonderful?” remarks Adamson, “I get to drive this bus, loaded with toys, up to the hospital. I’m kind of sad this will be my last Toy Run as a TriMet driver, I’m retiring soon. To see the happiness their kindness brings gives you a great feeling.”
And the motorcyclists are off on their mission of mercy and joy, as they join the annual Toy Run from S.E. 17th in Brooklyn to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital on Marquam Hill.
About noon, the gate opens – and the roar of a thousand motorcycles fills the air, as these bad-ass bikers ride off, northbound to Powell on S.E. 17th, on their annual mission of kindness and generosity.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
The young man’s mother says her son, the accused drunk driver, is “a good boy”. See why the bereaved family may hold a different opinion …
This broken sapling is the only reminder of the fatal accident – on this SE Stark Street sidewalk – that took the life of a pedestrian.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Nearly the whole night, on December 11, the 11200 block of SE Stark Street was closed, as the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team investigated a fatal collision between a Jeep and pedestrian.
Just after 11 p.m., 42-year-old Angela Buyas had been walking near her home, westbound on the sidewalk along SE Stark Street with another person. She never saw the out-of-control vehicle careening toward her from behind.
“Based on information learned during the investigation, officers believe that a Jeep was driving westbound on SE Stark St. at a high rate of speed,” reported Portland Police spokesman Sgt. Brian Schmautz. “The driver lost control of his car and drove it up onto the sidewalk on the north side of the street.”
The individual with whom she was walking saw the Jeep at the last moment and jumped clear, but Buyas, a mother of three teenagers, was mowed down, investigators said.
The Jeep’s driver, 21-year-old Tareq Temple, “returned to the roadway and continued westbound for about a half block before stopping, then ran back to the scene. Temple remained there until officers arrived, and cooperated with the investigation,” Schmautz continued.
Temple was taken into custody and charged with one count each of DUII, Reckless Driving, and Manslaughter in the Second Degree.
“As you can imagine, the kids have been devastated by the news that their mom has been killed,” added Schmautz. “The victim’s children are being cared for by their grandmother.”
Police accuse 21-year-old Tareq Temple of killing a pedestrian with his Jeep as she walked along a sidewalk near her home.
Following Temple’s arraignment, his mother, Annette Moody, spoke briefly, saying “Please forgive my son, he’s a good boy.” She admonished the family of the slain mother to be strong, and added, “It was a terrible mistake.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how, by acting on a hunch, this East Precinct police sergeant put the brakes on three gun-toting crooks. How did a standoff with one of the thugs end? Read this …
SE Powell Blvd. was closed from mid-afternoon until 10:30 p.m. as police and SERT officers tried to coax a suspected gunman out of a home he’d invaded.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Joey Conn walked in on three armed thugs committing a home-invasion robbery at his Centennial neighborhood house in the 2500 block of Southeast 168th Avenue, shortly after 3:00 p.m. on December 7.
This crime, which included Conn being pistol-whipped before the trio ran off, kicked off an eight-hour police action that closed SE Powell Blvd. from SE 112nd Avenue to SE 122nd Avenue.
Acting on a hunch, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Sgt. John Anderson (shown here previously speaking at a Parkrose Business Association meeting) said he was the first to spot the thug’s getaway car.
Sergeant spies get-away car
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct’s day sergeant, John Anderson, told us his role in this story. He said it started when he heard a radio dispatch call about the home invasion robbery.
“After you’ve been a cop for a while,” Anderson began, “you sometimes get a hunch about where to be.”
Anderson headed east on SE Powell Blvd., he continued, looking for the smaller, white Chevrolet identified in the dispatch call. “The license plate number stuck in my mind. The number on the plate reminded me of the name of a company with which I deal.”
Trapped on a dead-end street
When he saw a small, white car, Anderson related, he spied the plate – and it matched the description. “I made a hard U-turn and headed west. Fortunately a TriMet driver let me in. I followed the car, and turned south on SE 118th Avenue – it’s a short dead-end street.”
As he pulled up at the end of the road, the trio of suspects had abandoned the car with engine still running. “I saw two of them hike over the fence westbound. I radioed asking for more cars – and to come with their sirens on. Hearing the cars approaching often encourages [fleeing criminals] to give up.”
Makes a second, armed home invasion
But, almost immediately after the suspects split up and ran, the 911 Center received a call from an apartment a block away. The resident reported that someone had forced entry to his apartment and hit him with a gun.
During the struggle, a shot was fired. “Fortunately for that man,” Anderson said, “the gun jammed after the round went off.” The suspect then fled the apartment.
Within minutes, officers had two of the three suspected home invaders pinned down, waiting for police backup before taking them into custody.
Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers stand back while SERT officers search in darkness – because of the early winter sunset – for the armed, accused criminals who didn’t ditch their guns.
Kicks in the door of a third residence
As patrol cars swooped into the area, folks from a house in the 11600 block of SE Powell Blvd. ran from their house.
“They told us that it sounded like someone kicked in the door leading to the washroom and basement of their house,” Anderson told us.
Officers secured the home and surrounded the yard. Anderson activated the bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT). “When we have a situation with armed individuals on the run, or in a standoff, barricaded in a home, the SERT team has the equipment and training to deal with it.”
The holed-up suspect then broke into the main part of the house, said Anderson. “It looks like he smoked some cigarettes and stole money from the house while he was in there, surrounded by police.”
Spreading out over a two-block area of Powellhurst-Gilbert, officers combed yards, outbuildings and brambles.
SERT combs blocks
Because there was talk that there were others involved and still on the loose, Anderson reported that the SERT officers made a careful, yard-by-yard search of two-block area.
“Using our night-vision scopes, I could see them moving through the area. At one point, they used a ladder to climb over brambles. Those are long blocks where Powell Court curves around. They searched every shed and thicket in the area.”
Holed-up suspect gives up
Because the suspect had invaded the house of innocent citizens, officers hesitated to shoot tear gas into the house.
“They set up a loud-hailing system and kept telling the guy to surrender,” continued Anderson. “Finally, a SERT officer shot a ‘SAGE’ round — a rubber baton – through the home’s front door window. The suspect gave up and was taken into custody about 10:20 pm.”
Police say they’ve charged (shown left to right) 28-year-old James Gerald Richardson, 20-year-old George Edward Rowe and 27-year-old Travis Edward Saltsman each with four counts of Robbery in the First Degree.
Three in custody
Police initially took 28-year-old James Gerald Richardson and 20-year-old George Edward Rowe into custody. Finally, after the hours-long standoff, they led 27-year-old Travis Edward Saltsman away. Three handguns were recovered.
“Thanks to good police work, Anderson said, “we contained the suspects in a relatively small area.”
We learned that a total of 67 officers were on-scene; the number grew to 120 when the SERT officers joined the mission.
“This was one of the more intense situations I’ve been in years,” Anderson concluded. “We’re not going to risk the public’s safety when we know there are three armed guys, on the run, forcing their way into houses.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It’s one of the largest in the area! See what you missed if you didn’t make it to this great event …
Some of the 89 vendors at the David Douglas Holiday Bazaar lineed this hallway at the Dec. 1 event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Crafters galore – 89 vendors in total – took over the north cafeteria and adjoining hallways, as the David Douglas Holiday Bazaar got underway.
Tantalizing shoppers at the front door was the intoxicating aroma wafting from the TNT Kettle Corn stand. Student helpers swung the doors open for guests as they came in – and later left the event, arms loaded with goodies.
At the “100% DDHS Crafts” table were Ashely Hale, organizer Karen Britton, Megan LaFontaine, seated are Amber Thomas and Kayloni Kilang.
Students sell crafts, too
Karen Britton, president of the David Douglas High School Parent Teacher Student Association welcomed us to their event.
Britton was standing near a table she considered special. “We have a student section called ‘100% DDHS’. It showcases our student’s artistic work, here at the high school. Their sales support the fundraising efforts for their clubs or classes.”
About this, their eleventh annual event, Britton explained, “This is a fundraiser for the scholarship program. And, this year, the PTSA decided to encompass more of our community.”
That project, Britton told us, is to get the funding necessary to construct an “electronic reader board” at the North building – and eventually, another one at the South building.
Serving coffee and refreshments to the venders were DDHS Holiday Helpers Ann Huynh, Quan Huynh and Ruth Ruiz.
Holiday helpers abound
In addition to the student vendors, Britton told us that this year’s event benefited from 20 DDHS students serving as “Holiday Helpers”.
“We have a great crew of students here today setting up, moving in vendors and serving them refreshments. Then, they help take it all down at the end of the day,” Britton explained.
Woodcrafters from the Centennial neighborhood, Diane Rossi and James Holstrom, show and sell their wares.
Featured vendor
One of the many booths that caught our eye was the one set up by Diane Rossi and James Holstrom.
Most of the woodcrafts they displayed were created from Manzanita wood, they told us.
“In fact,” Holstrom explained, “the wood comes from Manzanita, Oregon. We cut it all ourselves from our land there. It takes about six months for it to cure. We look at the wood, and its shape and texture suggests what we should make from it.” You can see more of their products at www.Oregonrusticwoods.uni.cc.
Partnering with other DDHS organizations
Britton told us that the PTSA will – for the first time ever – hold a Spring Craft Fair which will coincide with the Senior All-night Party Committee Rummage Sale.
“We, along with the Dad’s Club, work together to help better our school community,” Britton concluded.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Neighbors were hoping for a grocery store, and other retail stores; but, see why it looks like this 3.5 acre site will bring outer East Portland more high-density housing instead …
PDC’s project manager for the site, Justin Douglas, says it’s likely that high-density housing will be the chosen use for the Lents Little League site.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While Lents has been an Urban Renewal District for years – many folks in the area are wondering when they’ll actually see some tangible results.
The most visible changes thus far have been the addition of lighting in Lents Park, the now-fading storefront improvements along SE Foster Road and SE 92nd Avenue, and the new Assurity building.
A lot of residents say they pinned their hopes for a major grocery or large retail store – there isn’t one for miles around – on the 3.5-acre lot now occupied by the Lents Little League field on SE 92nd Avenue at SE Harold Street.
PDC holds exploratory open house
We met Justin Douglas, project manager for the SE 92nd & Harold Redevelopment Project, with Portland Development Commission (PDC), at an open house held at the Wattles Boys & Girls Club – a facility that borders the property.
“This is the first of three public open houses,” Douglas told us. “We’re looking at this site, owned by the PDC, and trying to figure what can be done. The Lents Little League is moving up to Lents Park; they’re having new facilities built up there for them.”
Douglas stated that the Wattles Boys & Girls Club would stay put. “We’re trying to figure out what will be complimentary to the Lents Town Center and the surrounding neighborhood, and will take advantage of the new MAX station and the proximity to I-205.”
High-density housing looks likely
We ask what the PDC has in mind for this, the largest empty parcel of land in the district, other than the privately-owned “Freeway Land” property.
“We image it will be a mix of uses,” replied Douglas. “At this point we have a consultant who has been doing a market study. There is definitely a possibility for residential use. The market for retail and commercial uses is not as strong; retail traffic is a concern at this site. Whatever happens at this site needs to pay respect to the traffic concerns. It will be something that doesn’t make the traffic inordinately worse.”
The PDC official said that current zoning allows for between 75 to 125 units on the site. “We’re exploring changing the zoning to allow for more units. But again, what will keep this from being an ultra-dense project is the traffic concerns.”
We ask how the development’s design might relate to the new MAX Green Line that runs past it.
“I’m glad you pointed that out,” Douglas responded. “We’d like to think that people who live and work at a site like this would take advantage of light rail. It is a stone’s throw away from the site. Whatever goes here can take advantage of it. We’ll do whatever we can do to encourage that.”
“Will this residential development include Section 8 housing?” we ask.
Douglas sidesteps the question, replying, “Our intention, at some point in 2008, through a RFP process, is to see what private development would like to do with this site. The PDC doesn’t want to hold it forever. We’d like to dispose of it to a private developer.”
Neighbor Jeff Poling tells an acquaintance why he’s enthusiastic about the property’s development during the open house.
Suggested development gets mixed response
“I’m thrilled about the future plans for the area,” is what neighbor Jeff Poling told us. “It will bring people into the community. Even with the increased density … it’s not a bad thing at all.”
Poling says he looks forward to an increase in traffic to his home-based business at 5411 SE 92 Avenue (at Harold Street), the “Green Line Barbershop”.
“I’ve been here for three years,” commented Poling. “I’ve seen tremendous change and renovation. I think this area is being recognized and appreciated more, as these things are happening.”
Concerned about high density housing
Speaking only for himself, Dewey Acres, president of the Lents Neighborhood Association, expressed reservations. “My concern is that we need to stay focused on mixed-use for this site. The [Portland City] Council’s objectives are not quite in concert with that. They are heavily focused on creating low-income housing. And that’s not appropriate for this site.”
Acres continued, “The most exciting opportunities are for a mixed-use development that will help further the goal of developing the Lents Town Center. This is really only one of the sites available for that purpose.”
At the beginning of his presentation, PDC consultant Jerry Johnson let neighbors know that retail development of the Lents Little League is not likely.
Consultant disparages retail use
During a brief, formal presentation by PDC’s consultant, Jerry Johnson of Johnson Gardner LLC, he told the group, “We don’t see this as a phenomenal retail site. We don’t want to take away from the retail energy of the center as a whole.
“We’re thinking ‘condos’. It may be a short term before we see a demand for condominium development. We’re still seeing pretty good strength in town homes, as far as ownership for sale. The rental apartment market is actually getting better. Industrial isn’t a viable use of the site; that is better for the Freeway Land site.
“If you take a look at constituent land use, there’s a scenario [in which] people are really looking at this area; [it has] really good locational criteria; the location makes sense. Light rail is going to help a lot to get high value for residential and as well as office space.
“Unfortunately, we are in a ‘market pause’ right now. I think that there aren’t a lot of short-term opportunities. But I think the next few years will be Lents’ turn, to some extent. I think there will be a lot more attention paid to development in the region, in the investment community. . .
“I think this area will be coming around. We see residential [housing] is making the most sense; then, in a limited fashion, office; and, in an even more limited fashion, retail. Probably a range of residential uses could work between ownership and rental. We’ve been asked about senior housing; that works quite well.”
Jerry Johnson says he envisions a mix of mostly residential units, mixed with some office space, at the Lents site.
Questions answered
A neighbor says, “If you are leaning toward residential instead of retail, where will people shop for groceries, get dry cleaning done? It looks like it’s being left more wide open for low income set-aside. This doesn’t seem like a positive thing at all. I’m curious why we’re not talking more mixed use, not less.”
Johnson responded, “All those things you’re talking about are great. We’d like to see that. Years ago we looked for ways to get a major grocery store to anchor it. [The site] is a little off the main road. The freeway interchange is good for them. But they favor arterials like 82nd.”
Another attendee stated, “Then it sounds like you’re gearing your development towards more auto-related services when, in fact, it is better suited for public transportation, not automobile access.”
“We’re not looking into auto-oriented development,” replied Johnson. “One of the things we’re looking at is a more pedestrian-oriented sustainable environment. If we’re doing commercial, we want the commercial [development] to compliment the remainder of the district. That is, not to pull too much weight down here. A medical office could work. It could be a mix of uses; we anticipate a mix of uses.
“Because PDC has control the site, there is more latitude to, you know, work with the market to [find] something that the community is happy with. That’s why they’re doing these efforts to reach out to the community to see what they’re looking for. I’m not advocating any development type. My role in this is to make sure that the numbers we come up with in the development type is something we can interest a developer in. If we [create a project] that nobody has an interest in building, it will become a fenced-off, vacant lot.”
Says survey is ‘loaded’
One neighbor bristled at the fact the questionnaire was highly structured to focus on questions that the PDC was asking. She said she was hoping for a more open-ended questionnaire which would allow people to express their “lifestyle and neighborhood character” concerns.
PDC officials thanked the woman, and all who attended the meeting for participating and asked that they continue to give their input regarding the project.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See what the wild weather earlier this week did to outer S.E. Foster Road. and learn why it’s still flooding businesses …
Constant heavy rain on December 2nd and 3rd flooded out blocks of SE Foster Road from SE 102nd to SE 111th Ave., shutting down businesses and stalling out foolish drivers.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This week, the wild winter weather played out like a classic “good news/bad news” story.
The good new was we didn’t get beaten with a wind-blown blizzard. The bad news: Inches of rain fell within hours. Good news: it wasn’t as bad as cities to the west like Vernonia and Tillamook. But, the storm was bad news for the Lents area merchants who had to close their businesses due flooding; some are still scraping muck out of their stores.
Jack Gilbert and a friend diligently fill sandbags in the rain and wind at the S.E. 111th Avenue at Harold Street site, hoping to keep water from pouring into their home.
Forecasters’ warnings come true
“We started forecasting this event five days before it hit,” says Jonathan Wolfe, Meteorologist with the National Weather Service at the Portland Airport.
“It was an atypical event. Usually we get rain or winds; in this storm, we got both,” reports Wolfe. “The first three days of the month, Southeast Portland got as much rain – about four inches within hours – as we typically see in a month.”
The downpour was caused by moisture coming in from Asian typhoons, riding the jet stream across the ocean into the Pacific Northwest, explains Wolfe.
By the time we arrive on December 3, Sargent’s Motorsports at 10207 S.E. Foster Rd. is closed – but that doesn’t stop drivers of high-riding trucks who insist on plowing through the water and causing more water to spill into the businesses along the highway.
Sargent’s Motorsports flooded … again
Even though S.E. Foster Road was still closed at SE 102nd Avenue, we snaked through the parking lot on the north side of the street on Dec. 4 to check in with Gary Sargent at Sargent’s Motorsports and see how his shop fared.
“Yesterday, we had two events,” begins Sargent. “First, the street filled up. About noon, the creek overflowed. And, it doesn’t help that morons driving jacked up trucks keep driving fast along (the closed off) Foster Road, sending waves of water into our place.”
Sargent says he’s had intermittent high-water problems since he purchased the property and building in 1988. “The previous owners told us they had a little water on the lot, and coming up to the building, when the street drains filled up.”
There are no storm sewers in outer East Portland, Sargent reminds us; rainwater runoff flows into drywells. “Dry sumps are holes in the ground; when they get filled up, the street floods.”
Gary Sargent says he has yet to tackle cleaning up this storage closet filled with soaked office supplies.
Blames City and ‘Freeway Land’ owners
“The City says they’re working on plans to slow down Johnson Creek,” continues Sargent as he and his workers stack up soaked office supplies and scrape the muck off the floor.
“But the Brookside project, on Johnson Creek at SE 111th, operates between 40 to 60 percent of its real capacity; the City will tell you so. They claim they’re going to dig channels (to absorb flood water) on other property they own across the street.”
Standing in his parts department, Sargent looks at motorcycle ignition switches and electrical systems he says were ruined by the floodwater.
He also blames the raised Springwater Trail not letting excess water flow north into the Beggar’s Tick Refuge.
“What I’d really like is for the City – or someone – to launch an investigation into the illegal land filling they did across the street at the ‘Freeway Land’ site,” he fumes. “It was once a pond, along the creek, that the sawmill used for floating logs. They filled it in and diverted the water.”
As the water recedes Sargent looks over his empty display lot and says he’ll hold a “waterlogged sale” to stimulate business.
Not all losses covered by flood insurance
They did get most of their inventory of motorcycles and ATVs on trailers or high ground at the back of his property, the business owner states.
However, although he has flood insurance, Sargent says it doesn’t reimburse him for his loss of sales during the holiday season – and repair work in the shop. “Our company has grown to eleven employees. FEMA doesn’t pay you for ‘down time’. I’ve lost thousands of dollars.”
At a meeting in early 2007, Marie Johnson, Bureau of Environmental Services, talks with a neighbor about the City’s East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project.
A history of flooding
To get answers about what the City of Portland is doing about Johnson Creek flooding, we speak with Marie Johnson, Johnson Creek Watershed Team, at the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES).
“There was a flood in the area in 2003,” Johnson begins. “Foster Road has some level of flooding about every two years. Because the terrain is so flat, less than a foot of water over flood stage will flood quite a large area.”
Asked about Brookside, Johnson responds, “We’re in the early design phase for the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. One of the things we’re looking at how well Brookside Wetland works; and what kind of improvement might be made there.”
During the height of the rainstorm, the Springwater Trail – we’re looking south on SE 111th Avenue – restricts water flow, adding to the flooding problem.
Regarding flooding caused by the Springwater Trail, Johnson tells us, “it was built on a raised, 100-year-old railroad bed that bisects the wetlands. It hampers the flow of water. Any time water flow is restricted, it can get backed up.”
While the City is actively working to reduce flooding, Johnson adds, “A lot of the conditions affecting the Lents area are historic – going back thousands of years to the Missoula Flood that carved out the region.
Illegal landfill at Freeway Land confirmed
We look into Sargent’s allegation that the “Freeway Land” property was illegally filled. A topological map shows much of the land is higher than surrounding area.
Further, City officials confirm that previous owners of the Freeway Land site did, indeed, perform an “illegal fill”, and the current owners are working with Bureau of Development Services and other agencies regarding the situation.
City’s plan to fight floods
“BES is planning to make improvements in highly flood-prone areas,” Johnson informs us. “Our goal is to reduce private property damage from flooding during ‘nuisance’ floods, up to ’10-year’ floods.
This drawing illustrates where the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project will absorb water through a series of channels south of SE Foster Road, west of S.E. 108th Avenue.
“In East Lents, we are hoping to do the first phase of a multi-phase project. We secured $2.9 Million FEMA disaster prevention grant and matched it with $900,000 BES funding. It will have some benefit. Hopefully restoration on a portion of Freeway Land site will also help.”
“Will this cure the flooding problem?” we ask.
“It is impossible to totally prevent floods,” replies Johnson. “Each change is an incremental improvement. There are limitations to what we’re going to be able to achieve.”
Resources
For answers to questions regarding the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project, contact Marie Johnson at (503) 823-6199, or by e-mailing Marie.Johnson@bes.ci.portland.or.us.
In March, 2007 we reported about the kick off of the “East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project” and an Army Corps of Engineers project to help remediate Johnson Creek flooding. CLICK HERE to read the story.
And in an August, 2007 article we reported on the progress of the East Lents Floodplain Restoration Project. CLICK HERE see this story.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how this East Portland Community Center has grown – and learn how you can help a young man fulfill his dream of representing the USA overseas …
More than fifty crafty vendors filled three rooms at the Community Center with gift ideas of all kinds.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the delights of dropping in at events, such as the East Portland Community Center’s 7th Annual Holiday Christmas Bazaar, is the unexpected discovery of delightful stories.
We met the coordinators of the bazaar, Judy Collier and her sister, Barbara Aden; they said hello when we passed their tables. “The proceeds from the table rental and the raffle go to the children’s scholarship fund at the center,” Collier reminded us.
Annika Duyvestein gets a balloon from Master Twister Josh Thompson at the Community Center’s Holiday Christmas Bazaar.
“Some kids can’t afford to pay for primary classes or for sports activities here at the center. There are a lot of low income families in the area; these scholarships allow them to participate,” she said. “Counting this year, our total donations for the seven years we’ve been doing this be over $10,000.”
Carver Bolles, Vestal Elementary student, shows off one of his crafts he’s selling at the East Portland Community Center Bazaar to raise funds for his People to People Student Ambassador mission next summer
The special story we found at the Bazaar
When we toured this year’s late November event, one of the 57 vendors we met was a young man named Carver Bolles, a 5th grade Vestal Elementary student.
In a clear, professional voice, Bolles said, “I’m making and selling crafts to raise money to help me go on a ‘People to People Student Ambassador’ program next summer.”
Bolles told us that President Eisenhower started the program “Kids from schools from across the country get to go to other countries to study and learn how their government works.”
We learned that the founding of the program, inaugurated in 1956, was based on President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s belief that ordinary citizens of different nations, if able to communicate directly, would solve their differences and find a way to live in peace. Since 1963, the People to People Student Ambassador Program has taken thousands of students across international borders, to connect with people all over the world.
“I was nominated for the program, and got letters of recommendation from two teachers and an adult. Then I went to an interview, and I was accepted. I’ll go to Italy and Greece next summer.”
Portrait of a future ambassador
We probed to learn more about this enterprising young man, and discovered his favorite subject school subjects are math, science, and not surprisingly, world geography. As a 5th grader he does not receive letter grades yet but he does receive mostly all + which is the same as A’s.
Outside of school, Bolles loves to play football and baseball. He is a very good skier as well.
When we followed up to see how his fundraising is going, Bolles said he’s done pretty well at the two craft fairs at which he’s participated. He’s currently selling raffle tickets for a beautiful Christmas quilt, and has put together a 50-recipe cookie cook book for sale.
With a little help from his mom, Carver Bolles, had this wide range of Christmas items on display at the Bazaar hoping to raise money for his trip.
You can help:
Although he’s working diligently, raising about $4,000 is a big job for a 10-year-old. “I don’t have my own [fundraising] web site set up yet, but I might do that,” Bolles told us.
His mom, Shawna, told us that people can send donation checks, made payable to “People to People”, to Carver Bolles, 311 SE 74th Ave, Portland, Or 97215.
To learn more about the Student Ambassador program, go to www.studentambassadors.org.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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