It looks like something you’d see in a National Geographic magazine! Take a look at the opening-day ceremonies …
In the center of the neatly-manicured grounds stands the temple, soon to be dedicated and put into use.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it covers a couple of acres, the newly completed Buddhist temple compound which officially opened in Southeast Portland at 8318 SE Harney Street isn’t easy to see from SE 82nd Avenue of Roses.
But, seeing so many vehicles parked on area streets for blocks around signaled that a major event was taking place here, just inside the southern border of the City of Portland.
Buddhist monks and dignitaries, some from as far away as California and Canada, came to attend the dedication ceremony.
We can’t tell you much of what was said during the ceremony on September 23; almost all of the formal proceedings were conducted in Vietnamese.
An interpreter told us that monks were bringing greetings from their temples from points in North America and around the world. They wished peace and long lives for the monks who are staying in the newly-completed monastery.
As the proceedings continued, the scent of a fresh vegetarian banquet being prepared filled the air.
Portland Mayor Tom Potter addresses the group, estimated at 1,500, during the formal dedication ceremony.
Portland’s mayor speaks
We did clearly understand, however, when Portland Mayor Tom Potter took the stage and addressed the gathering.
“This is a very special inauguration,” began Potter. “It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to participate today. I thank the honorable Buddhist monk, Myhn Tin, and the other monks, and the Oregon Vietnamese Community Association, for including me in today’s celebration.
“On behalf of the City of Portland, the City of Roses, I want to congratulate the Buddhist community on this magnificent accomplishment. It never ceases to amaze me what can be built through the hard work and support of individuals and organizations in our community.
“This temple is truly a grand example of what can be accomplished when people come together. Events like this are important in promoting and facilitating the understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of this region.
“Oregon’s Vietnamese community is nearly 30,000 strong, with a significant number having chosen to make Portland their home. The Vietnamese community continues to make significant contributions to the culture, and the religious, political, and business life of the City of Portland. And, we are richer for it. You are a valuable part of our community. As your mayor, I’m privileged to celebrate with you today. Congratulations, and peace.”
The dedication, in pictures
Dancers begin the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance at the end of the formal ceremony, leading guests to the temple steps.
At the temple’s entrance, the crowd of celebrants pack tightly together, each trying to catch of glimpse of the ribbon cutting. Mayor Tom Potter can be seen in the distance.
Strings of firecrackers – thousands of firecrackers – are lit, as is their tradition, to frighten away malicious spirits.
A view inside the grand temple.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
It doesn’t come as a surprise to many that Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams is running for mayor. But you might be interested to see who introduced him at his kick off party …
Standing in the crowd, Sam Adams listens as Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard and County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey introduce him.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the most poorly-kept secrets in Portland politics was revealed on October 3, when Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams announced that he is running for the office of Mayor.
We wondered why the event was held in the relatively small pub at Roots Organic Brewing Company on SE 7th Avenue, just south of SE Hawthorne Boulevard — until the owner started off the proceedings by telling how Adams and Commissioner Randy Leonard had helped him cut through the city’s red tape to open his business.
Standing on a chair at one end of the below-street-grade-pub, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard gave the “warm up introduction”. Packed so tightly was the crowd, we couldn’t get around the corner to snap a photo of Leonard speaking!
“I have the pleasure of sitting next to this man (pointing to Adams) on the Portland City Council,” Leonard began. “Sam Adams has spunk. He has conviction. I admire elected officials who have conviction, because having conviction isn’t always how you keep your job. “Conviction is doing what you think is right when others don’t support it. Sam, I really appreciate that about you.”
Stepping up after the introductions, Sam Adams acknowledges his sister and mother (in the background).
The crowd’s cheer was deafening.
“We have a lot to do,” Leonard continued. “We have grown tremendously since Vera Katz was mayor. We have taken up issues we’ve needed to, under Mayor Tom Potter. In many ways, we’ve prepared a road map to move forward. The city must move forward. My energy and commitment – and I’m [also] speaking for Commissioner Erik Sten who could not be here – my energy and commitment is to help elect Sam Adams as Mayor of Portland. He is the guy that is going to lead the city to a place in which all of us will be proud to live.”
Adams addresses the public, for the first time, as a mayoral candidate.
Next up was Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey. She kept her remarks brief:
“A number of years ago when Sam was running for Portland City Council, I had the honor of introducing him at an event. The words I used were, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for City Council. But my good friend Sam Adams is.’ So, tonight I’d like to say, ‘Hi, I’m Maria Rojo de Steffey and I’m not running for Mayor, my good friend, Sam Adams, is.’ Thank you.”
The crowd applauded and cheered as Adams mounted the chair so he could be seen by those in attendance. He acknowledged his mother and sister, who came for the event.
Adams waves to a crowd of well-wishers at his campaign’s kick-off event.
“I’m running because I’m willing to face the tough problems that face our city,” Adams announced to the throng of cheering supporters. “We must protect what we love about our city; we must be willing to have the courage to change those things that need to be changed. We need to have a mayor with insight and experience to know the difference, and the tenacity to get the job done.”
Because no other well-known candidate has yet thrown a hat into the ring, some speculate Sam Adams may be strolling through – not running – the coming race to be Portland’s next Mayor.
Did we mention that the room was crowded?
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
How many hippies can you crowd into Sellwood Riverfront Park? Take a look; you’ll see what happened at this year’s location of this annual cannabis fest …
You see listings for the Ladybug Theater every month in our Community Calendar. See some of the treasures sold in this most unusual yard sale …
Buying pieces of Portland theatrical history, Ladybug Theater garage sale patrons Stacey and Jon Maurer, from the Richmond neighborhood, hold “Uncle Sam” and “Tom Thumb”. Troupe founder, Michele Earley, is also selling them “The Bald Guy” – and Janell Collier, a Ladybug actress for 26 years, holds the show signs.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
In an effort to clean out the Ladybug Theater warehouse, founder and impresario Michele Earley held a “garage sale” to make room for new theatrical materials in late September.
As customers browsed through old Ladybug Theater costumes, props, set furnishings, and puppets, at the sale in Ladd’s Addition, Earley told us, “The proceeds will benefit our 40-year-old children’s theater troupe.”
You and your young ones can enjoy Ladybug Theater presentations at Sellwood’s SMILE Station. Check our Community Calendar for times and dates.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you believe outer East Portland issues are getting lost in City and County bureaucracy, learn about this opportunity to meet directly with Mayor Tom Potter and Chair Ted Potter to hatch strategies to improve livability east of 82nd Avenue of Roses …
City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, says the “Action Plan” is an effort improve livability – both long and short term.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
When it was announced that the City of Portland and Multnomah County were putting together an “East Portland Action Plan and Committee”, we called the coordinator, City of Portland Planning Bureau’s Barry Manning, the East Portland Liaison, to ask about it.
Specifically, we asked Manning, in light of “visionPDX”, and the planning of town halls for transportation and other topics, why we need yet another committee…?
“Here is the chance for members of the outer East Portland community to work with elected officials, and agency staff, on actions that can help shape the future and livability of outer East Portland,” Manning told us.
The committee, Manning went on, will look at both long- and short-term actions, programs, and improvements. “The city of Portland has a small budget allocation to address some short-term actions this year. The community will identify the ones that are most pressing. In the long term, it is an opportunity for the community to air concerns and set priorities.”
Because this committee meets with both City of Portland and Multnomah County officials, Manning added, “This is an opportunity to coordinate programs from various agencies to work together, to benefit neighbors in outer East Portland.”
Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler and Portland Mayor Tom Potter say the new process will help improve the livability of outer East Portland by coordinating agency efforts.
Topics open for discussion include:
- Business Enhancement: Identify strategies for improving the business climate in East Portland, focusing on specific strategies for different areas.
- Schools, Families, Housing: Develop a partnership and specific strategies with school districts serving East Portland to address school facilities’ overcrowding.
- Community Safety: Develop partnerships to intensify the city’s public safety and social services responses.
- Community Organizing: Develop and fund methods to improve public participation, and to broaden the base of community involvement in East Portland.
- Transportation Needs: Refine transportation priorities for East Portland, and explore budget proposals necessary to fund them.
- Land Use Planning: Explore and implement land use code changes to address infill development issues, and lay the groundwork for longer range planning.
While the committee meeting schedule is still being formulated, Manning said it is expected to meet monthly from October 2007 to about May 2008, with subcommittees that may meet more frequently.
Don’t complain! Get involved!
Apply now; they’re looking to hear from potential participants by October 12.
For an application, CLICK HERE. Then, click on the “East Portland Action Plan” link.
“Call me at (503) 823-7965 if you have questions about this effort or the committee or process,” said Manning. “We’re putting together a group that includes State Representative Jeff Merkley. We envision the committee as a mix of community members, elected officials, and agency representatives working together on problem-solving and improvement strategies for East Portland.”
Or, come to the Midland Business Association meeting on October 9 and talk with Barry Manning in person. They meet at 11:45 at PIZZA BARON on SE 122nd Avenue, just south of SE Division Street.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Is the Rossi family working with developers? Will the farm be turned into a shopping center or low-income housing? Will Rossi Farms continue to host community events? Find out the truth right here …
Joe Rossi, enjoying a fresh, crisp apple at Rossi Farms “Movie Night” in September, says his family plans to continue hosting community events on their property.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A week after the Barn Bash in July, the daily Portland paper ran a story about the Rossi family and the demise of family farms in the area.
However, this article posed more questions than it answered. Over time, the unanswered questions become “facts” in the minds of readers.
Joe Rossi spoke with us this week, talking about the farm, his family, and their plans for the future.
Regarding his father – Aldo – and their family, Joe said he doesn’t think it appropriate to share with the public intimate details about the decisions his family has been making – and will be making. “Our family is very close. We talk things over, and share responsibilities for caring for our parents and each other.”
Because they’ve long been involved with community events, many people think of the Rossi family as a “public community corporation”. In fact, however, Rossi Farms is a family-owned business. “I appreciate the fact that people have an interest in our family. We’re still dedicated to serving the community in many ways,” Joe commented.
No development planned for Rossi Farms
We talked about a rumor that has been circulating throughout outer East Portland that the Rossi family is keeping silent because they plan to build a shopping center, business park, or a large housing development on Rossi Farms land.
“It’s not true,” Joe told us. “We’re not even talking to a developer. It hasn’t even been brought up in the family.”
He went on to explain, “My brother, Nick, is a Realtor. He has a sign in the corner of our property that advertises a townhouse development, already built, on NE Sandy Boulevard in Parkrose. I think that some people don’t carefully read the sign, and think we’re developing the farm. It only takes one person to start a rumor.”
Irrepressible Parkrose volunteer Mark Gardner steams fresh corn-on-the-cob for the Movie Night at Rossi Farms.
Community service continues
Reports in other news sources hint that Rossi Farm has seen its “last Barn Dance”.
“It’s not true,” Joe said. “We’re already planning the next Barn Bash in July, 2008.”
The Barn Bash, he continued, has grown to include many sponsors in the greater Portland area. “I started the Barn Bash with a couple of my friends several years ago, but now, ‘The Posse’ is comprised of about 30 volunteers who are dedicated to raise money for youth activities in Parkrose.”
On September 15, we stopped by their Movie Night. Families streamed on to the Rossi Farms property from the surrounding neighborhoods. Although it was only promoted locally, about 500 folks showed up for the event.
At the event, everyone was treated to free corn on the cob, watermelon, apples, and 25-cent hot dogs. “I love these events where families can have a good time without having to spend a lot of money.”
Ready to serve hot dogs is volunteer Christina Bruck.
The weather was perfect for this outdoor event. After volunteers dished up the food and families enjoyed their dinner, the movie began on the outdoor screen.
“The best part for me,” said Joe, “is watching everyone have fun – and getting to work with our great volunteers.”
The ghosts, ghouls, and goblins again return to The Haunted Ghost Town in October.
Ghost town returns to the farm
Rossi’s Haunted Ghost Town – a production featuring scary, realistic sets, and scores of actors – returns this year, running the last two weekends in October.
“This annual even is the Parkrose High School Senior All-night Party’s big fundraiser,” Joe said.
The Haunted Ghost Town will again feature ghosts of the Wild West, dancing ghouls, the cornstalk maze, haunted mine, and lots of other surprises. Their motto is, “Don’t touch anything – and usually, nothing will touch you!”
If you’re brave enough to venture through the corncob maze, be prepared meet some real, live spooks!
While there are hair-raising scares around every corner, the cast and crew run a toned-down version of the event for the younger kids during the first half-hour, starting at 6:00 p.m.
To help families make an evening of it, refreshments are plentiful, and inexpensively priced. Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids under 12.
The Haunted Ghost Town will be open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 19, 20, 21 and 26, 27 and 28 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Rossi Farms is located at 3839 NE 122nd Avenue, just south of NE Shaver Street.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out why the CEO of Adventist Medical Center – and his top managers – took a day “off work” to do manual labor …
Adventist Medical Center’s Pam Strachan, of the Pastoral Care Department, Deryl Jones, hospital president, and Ray Ammon, also from Pastoral Care, help “build community” by swinging hammers at Jubilee Commons, the Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity development at 635 S.E. 197th Avenue on September 18.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Helping to create Jubilee Commons, Mt. Hood Habitat for Humanity’s biggest project to date, the leadership team from Adventist Medical Center (AMC) stepped away from their desks, put on jeans and work boots, and grabbed builders’ tools last week.
“At AMC, we talk about building a healthy community,” says marketing director Judy Leach. “This is a perfect opportunity to make a visible difference in our community and help fulfill our mission. Adventist Health will not only build a decent home for a family in need, but our group will also be creating a sustainable solution to poverty, and improving the lives of deserving families.”
As we watch volunteers climb ladders, walk scaffolding, and sheath a home, Leach tells us 20 executive staff members came out for the building project.
Jonathon Shorter, Director of AMC’s Hyperbaric and Wound Healing carries his share of the load at the Habitat for Humanity “build day”.
The development they’re helping to build, she says, is a 22 unit housing complex and community center that will house 44 adults and 56 children.
“Mt Hood Habitat for Humanity relies heavily on volunteer labor and community donations to build houses,” explains Leach. “Habitat provides a ‘hand up’ not a ‘hand out’.”
By this, she explains, Habitat families must contribute 500 hours of ‘sweat equity’ labor towards the building of their own home. Completed homes are sold at no profit to partner families, who pay an affordable, no-interest mortgage. Their mortgage payments are then used to build more Habitat homes.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
At a rally last week, orchestrated as well as any we’ve seen, Oregon State Representative Jeff Merkley kicked off his campaign to replace US Senator Gordon Smith. Look who showed up to cheer him on …
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams revs up crowd with the chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff!”
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
This article is not an endorsement – we don’t endorse candidates.
But the fact that outer East Portland resident – and David Douglas Schools graduate – Jeff Merkley is running for the US Senate seat held by Republican Gordon Smith is genuine news.
Merkley’s campaign kick-off last week was smoothly timed and impeccably produced.
We arrived promptly at 5:00 p.m.; neither Merkley nor his touring motor coach was on site. After a local band played, local progressive politicians took the stage.
Warm-up speeches by fellow Oregon legislative Democrats Diane Rosenbaum and Chip Shields began the event.
Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams whipped up the crowd with a responsive chant, “Who are we here for? Jeff! Who are we here for? Jeff!”
Adams continued, “I’m honored to have the opportunity to tell you why I’m supporting Jeff Merkley for Oregon US Senator. He is a decisive leader who will speak for this state with an authentic voice.”
Wild cheers went up from the throng that had gathered.
“The ‘G-Men’, George and Gordon, have taken us in the wrong direction. Gordon Smith votes with George Bush at almost every opportunity he has,” continued Adams. “Booooo! Jeff thinks for himself.”
Merkley’s campaign motor home rolls into view during former Governor Barbara Roberts’ speech.
Former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts followed Adams.
Roberts addressed the crowd, “Democrats, independents and enlightened Republicans, I have the opportunity to introduce to you the next United States Senator. The decisions American voters will make in 2008 will shape our country’s future. We need an authentic voice speaking for us in Washington D.C.”
Walking through the crowd, Merkley makes his way to the stage.
As he mounts the stage, Merkley goes for a big hug from Former Oregon Governor, Barbara Roberts.
On cue, a giant motor home, every inch covered in tastefully-done campaign graphics, pulled in the lot. To adulation of ardent supporters, Jeff Merkley walked from the motor home into the crowd; then to the raised platform from where he gave his first, official “stump speech”.
With his family behind him, Jeff Merkley delivers his first official campaign address to his supporters.
To read Merkley’s message, or view a video shot at this event, go to www.jeffmerkley.com.
Interested in what Gordon Smith has to say? Check his web site at www.gordonsmith.com.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Is it safe to cross? Although the bridge is rated a “2” on a federal sufficiency scale of “100” it could be years until it is replaced. We’ve got the scoop (and some neat photos) right here …
Under and around the girders, inspectors take a close look at the substructure of the Sellwood Bridge.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As you read in our article featuring Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler’s remarks last week – the Sellwood Bridge is one of his four top priorities.
But, a couple of Sundays ago, surprised motorists on both side of the Willamette River who wanted to make a crossing discovered they were in for a long detour. The Sellwood Bridge was closed to vehicular traffic while it underwent an announced major inspection.
We watched as a special rig was deployed to allow inspectors to take a close-up look at the bridge’s underside. Slowly, a hanging scaffold snaked its way between girders and struts.
Although it looks precarious, inspectors ride a specially-designed rig that permits them to safely look at the underside of the bridge.
Because of their closer-than-usual examination of the Sellwood Bridge throughout the day, inspectors were able to scrutinize less than half of the structure.
“They’ve completed just 40% of the inspection,” later reported Multnomah County public affairs office official, Michael Pullen. “Inspectors will return on Sunday, October 7, to complete the inspection. This time, they’ll come back with additional manpower.”
Low-scoring bridge
Having heard that the bridge rates a “2” on a federal scale of 100, we asked Pullen why such a poorly-rated structure was allowed to carry any traffic.
“The rating is called a Bridge Sufficiency Score,” Pullen explained. “This is a measure of both structural sufficiency and how well it meets traffic demands.”
Getting an up-close look, inspectors carefully examine rivets that hold the bridge together.
Double whammy drops score
The Sellwood Bridge, Pullen went on, scores poorly in both categories. “It gets a double whammy. First, it has structural problems. And also, it performs poorly for all five transpiration modes — pedestrians, bicycles, cars trucks, and busses.”
The reason the bridge is posted for a 10-ton weight limit, explained Pullen, is to keep it from deteriorating more quickly than it already is. “This doesn’t mean a 20 ton vehicle would collapse it. It means it has less capacity to carry heavy loads.”
Inspectors will be at it again – meaning the bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic, on Sunday, Oct. 7.
Says bridge is safe
When we asked if the bridge was safe to cross, Pullen replied, “If the bridge was considered dangerous for the public to use, the county would close the bridge.”
So far, he added, inspectors haven’t detected any major problems “they didn’t know about. They are finding continuing deterioration”.
While the bridge will again be closed to vehicular traffic for the day on Sunday, October 7, the bridge sidewalk will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians – although there could be short, intermittent delays for sidewalk users.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Did you know that Portland Metro Performing Arts dance troupe is celebrating its 30th season? Learn about their special fall performance, other classes available – and how your kids will benefit! …
Even tots like Chloe Jeanmarie can learn crafts, like how to make paper flowers, at PMPA. “It’s fun,” she says.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not long ago, we stopped in to visit our friends at the Portland Metro Performing Arts (PMPA) Center, and to attend their Fall Open House.
“We’re happy families are coming by today,” said Executive Director Nancy Yeamans. “They’re learning about our programs and sampling our classes.”
This unique institution – located in the heart of the Gateway District – offers dance, music, theater, and visual arts classes – mostly for kids, but people of all ages are welcome to participate in some of their programs.
Dance company celebrates third decade
Yeamans told us enthusiastically about the PMPA dance company’s 30th anniversary season, now underway.
“At our Dance Mosaic concert in November, we’re doing two totally different programs,” Yeamans said. “We’re inviting alumnus dancers – many of them who now perform with major companies – to rejoin us for a homecoming.
At the Dance Mosaic shows, scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17, professional dance alumnus will join with the current company for solo and group performances. “Over the years, we’ve had 150 members in our dance company,” the executive director added.
The PMPA intermediate/advanced ballet class practices jumps, steps and routines, under the direction of teacher Christina Hintz.
Relevance of PMPA offerings
“Most schools don’t provide these programs, Yeamans told us. “Some schools have music or art instructors – but I can’t think of any with dance teachers. The kids are losing out if the parents can’t provide additional arts enrichment for their children.”
Art, she added, helps young people find their “voice”; that is, it helps them express what they feel. “This is especially important for young people. They often can’t express, in words, what they feel as they can with art. And, what we teach also helps students do better in math, sciences, and English, because it gives relevance to their school-day curriculum.”
Although PMPA classes have begun, students may still join classes on a space-available basis.
For more information, CLICK HERE to be taken to their web site. Or, call their office at (503) 408-0604.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how a new Portland Parks & Recreation Bureau project can reduce the damage that skateboarders cause to commercial and public spaces, by drawing them to a new skatepark planned for outer East Portland, designed with big-city challenges …
East Portland parks advocate, Linda Robinson, Mark Vanderzalm, skatepark design and construction consultant, and Mark Conahan,46-year-old skateboarder (and long time thrasher), look at the new “Skate Plaza” design – as Portland Parks & Recreation Program Manager, Rod Wojtanik, points out features.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Ed Benedict Park, located just east of I-205 on SE Powell Boulevard in the Lents Neighborhood, is the setting for Portland’s newest skatepark.
What’s a skatepark?
It’s a place specifically designed for riders of skateboards, street roller skaters, and BMX bike to have fun – away from city streets and public plazas.
“Portland Parks & Recreation isn’t building anything else that gets as much use as skateparks,” says the Parks Bureau Project Manager Rod Wojtanik, himself a Southeast resident. “These facilities serve a demographic we’ve not done a good job serving, unless the young people are in an organized sport.”
Play areas serve 2- to 8-year olds very well, explains Wojtanik. Soccer, baseball and football fields serve team sports players. Community centers feature basketball courts and swimming pools. “But none of these serve the young people who can’t find a place to skateboard and have planted themselves in front of the TV on the couch.”
25% of kids 14 to 16 years old say they like to ride a skateboard, Wojtanik continues. But, they don’t have safe alternatives to skating in the street or in public plazas. “Giving them a safe place skateboard meets a real recreation need.”
The plan for the proposed Skate Plaza mimics “skate-able surfaces” found in urban environments like benches, railings, and planter boxes.
Suburban ‘Plaza’ to feature urban skating features
Urban plazas are designed for pedestrians, not skateboarders, Wojtanik says; but because of these places have challenging and fun-to-skate surfaces, kids love to ride there. Skateboards ride, flip, and “grind” these surfaces – often to the dismay of city officials and property owners who must repair damage this play causes to railings, curbs, stairs, and planters.
The difference between a skatepark and a skate plaza, Wojtanik tells us, is the layout. Typically, skateparks have dramatic features like deep, swimming-pool like bowls, and are built into a relatively small area of land.
A skate plaza is more spread out. “It simulates an urban environment with stairs, railings and ledges. We’re creating an attraction for the skateboarding community designed to draw skaters away from public plazas to a place they can enjoy their kind of riding – without being arrested or fined.”
Unlike easily-damaged public and commercial areas, the surfaces in the skate plaza are specifically designed for skateboarding; planners say they’ll last indefinitely.
Ed Benedict Park was chosen because the site is large, has good visibility from the street, and has good access to public transportation. It is an area that is safe for children, Wojtanik says.
Bureau seeks public input
At a meeting held at Earl Boyles Elementary School – it borders Ed Benedict Park – planners showed off their skate plaza design and asked for input.
Skate plaza designers reveal that at least 70% of the skate park will have “street skating” features. The plaza will feature more vegetation than in the other skate parks, with numerous planter boxes – all with skateable surfaces.
Overall, indications from skateboarders show they favor the street skating theme of the new park. They suggest that “transitional skating” features (30% of the skate plaza) be kept at a scale that’s compatible with the streetscape theme.
Across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom, and his son Derek, look at plans for the new skate plaza – but Mitchel says the location raises some concerns.
Neighbors express concerns
A few non-skaters in the audience expressed concerns that the skate plaza is located on the north edge of the park, close to traffic on SE Powell Boulevard. The design team said they will use a variety of mechanisms, including vegetation and cables, to keep skateboarders from accidentally flying out into traffic – and, to keep out-of-control cars from careening into the skate plaza.
As across-the-street neighbor Mitchel Odom looked at the skate plaza’s design, he said that he’s concerned about the possibility of a “culture clash” at the park.
Urban skateboarders have their own culture, Odom said, as do teams of ethnic soccer players. “Soccer players don’t come to the park with skateboards. There is a lack of parking. Every day on Powell, there is a huge backup of traffic. It is a two-lane road. My major concern is the potential for a culture clash among users.”
Next steps
Wojtanik says the bureau is in the public design phase of the development process. If you missed the meeting on September 13, you can still comment by going online – promptly – and letting your concerns or comments be known.
To comment online, CLICK HERE. This link will take you directly to the comment area on PortlandOnline.com.
“When we solidify our design, we’ll get permits and begin construction. We should see skaters on the plaza by July of 2008,” predicted Wojtanik.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Is the “VisionPDX” plan YOUR vision? Learn where and when to voice your opinion …
Outer East Portland’s top cop, Michael Crebs, says citizens living east of 82nd Avenue of Roses should attend the city’s VisionPDX meeting to make sure their views are appropriately represented in the report.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On Wednesday, September 19, at 6 PM the Portland City Council will be shown the results of the “VisionPDX” research study commissioned by Portland Mayor Tom Potter.
One of the committee members who sifted through the thousands of survey reports was the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct Commander, Michael Crebs. “I accepted the offer, approximately two years ago, to be on the committee.”
Asked about this volunteer assignment, Crebs stated, “Our sole goal was to develop a ‘vision’ for how our city should be in [the year] 2030, based on input from the community. We did not want it to the vision of the mayor or city council. We wanted it to be the vision of our community. I feel that we reached our goal.”
Urges hearing the plan – and being heard
When we enquired why outer East Portland folks should go to the meeting, Crebs told us, “At this meeting, the Mayor will present the final product. It is important for citizens to be there – especially people in outer East Portland – so they can let Mayor know, after hearing the report, whether or not to accept it.”
Portland City Hall is located in downtown Portland, at 1221 SW 4th Avenue. Be sure the use the 4th Avenue entrance – all others are permanently closed.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
