See what happens when a neighborhood and business association team up to host their first joint neighborhood party …

Raydene Taylor, volunteer with the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, serves up delicious, freshly baked-from-scratch pie, donated to the event by the Bipartisan Café on SE Stark Street in Montavilla.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the fun community activities we do is being the master of ceremonies for outer East Portland Events. The first annual Montavilla International Festival held in September was a truly delightful and colorful event.

The event’s coordinator, Natalie Ullman, an intern with Southeast Uplift, was supported by volunteers from the Montavilla Neighborhood and Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association. Together, they produced a great event at Portland Community College SE Center.

Community groups, and representatives from city and county agencies, provide a wealth of information to attendees.

Young dancers from the Society for Haitian Arts and Culture provide rhythmic entertainment.

Ullman told us there were two ideas behind this event: Building a stronger network among residents, businesses, and cultural centers; and, through dialogue, finding ways the Montavilla Neighborhood Association can better serve the community.

The Montavilla International Festival’s aim was to provide a networking event for residents, churches, businesses, cultural centers, and other organizations; as well as a celebration of the growing cultural diversity of the Montavilla neighborhood.

The class of Master Brown from Kim’s Taekwon-do – offering instruction at the Montavilla Community center for 14 years – demonstrate their skills.

Tateyanna Parente (seated) and Natalia Hougen play and sing Russian, folk, and Gypsy romantic compositions during their lively program.

The hundreds of folks who came to the festivities enjoyed international-themed foods, live music, and information from fifteen organizations.

The Montavilla Community Center provided activities at a kids’ table; and we ourselves were treated to a high-energy martial-arts demonstration.

Dan Bechtold, serving up special “red hots” from Edelweiss Sausage & Deli.

Jared Oaks, Flying Pie Pizzeria in Montavilla, gives pizza-dough-tossing lessons.

Bringing eclectic music that ranges from folk rock to indie soul to jazz-influenced blues is Acoustic Minds, with Jenni and Amanda Price on vocals; Jeremy Serwer on vocals and acoustic/electric guitar; Chris Chard on bass; Rod Nightingale on drums; and Dave Jorgenson on the keyboard.

The community event was funded by a grant from SE Uplift, a non-profit organization that provides support and technical assistance to 20 southeast neighborhoods, to increase public outreach.

Was the event a success? Our guess is yes; they’re already planning for their next International Festival in September, 2008.

Retiring owner of “the” neighborhood market in Montavilla, Errol Carlson, is presented with an “award for service and dedication to the community” – including hosting numerous parades, by Alema McCray, President of the Montavilla/East Tabor Business Association.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Look how five years of volunteer effort turned an
llegal dumpsite into a natural “pocket park” …

Working Wilkes Creek natural area is Cameron Packaham, an Eagle Scout from Troop 613, along with his dad, Kevin Kackham, and brother Kohler.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When it started out, the lot at 3655 NE 154th Avenue, just south of NE Sandy Boulevard, was an illegal dump.

“The lot was covered with a giant blackberry thicket,” the neighborhood chair of Wilkes Community Group, Ross Monn, told us at the site, “And was full of all kinds of refuse.”

We recall photographing volunteers hauling out tires, appliances, and other discarded materials when the project began five years ago. “We’ve taken out invasive plant species, and planted native growth,” commented Monn.

A shy volunteer rolls another wheelbarrow of wood chips across the newly-completed bridge that crosses Wilkes Creek.

Monn related to us the brief history of the project.

“This space belongs to the Wilkes Community Group neighborhood association. We got an easement through the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, with help of Mindy Brooks, for the homeowners’ association. Then, we started lining up volunteers from SOLV to come in and start helping us with the work.

METRO grants aid efforts
The volunteers got financial help from METRO in the form of two “Nature of the Neighborhood” grants — $2,500, and later $8,500.

With these grants, the group was able to hire help for some of the more difficult or dangerous improvements. “For example, we were able to have the footbridge over Wilkes Creek professionally designed and built.”

SOLV representative Steve Kennett tells gathered celebrants he’s pleased with the result of the group effort to improve the Wilkes Creek area.

Says the effort brings pride
Before the brief dedication ceremony, we walked along the woodchip-lined, winding pathway through the trees, and talked with District 1 METRO Counselor, Rod Park.

“I see all the work done by the volunteers,” Park said, “and the pride they’re showing as they restore this area. You know this translates into a better future for Wilkes. Now that this former eyesore is being cared for, neighbors have pride in it and will keep an eye on it.”

As we crossed the newly-installed footbridge, Park recalled that the designing and building posed one of the greatest challenges.

“This project is part of what we’re trying to do at METRO; that is, ‘re-nature’ areas, bringing back a natural state to neighborhoods,” Park added.

Project called a great example
The METRO grants administrator for Nature in the Neighborhoods, Janelle Geddes, said Wilkes Creek was a community-leveraged project. “They’ve done an enormous amount of work. We estimate this project has received $21,000 worth of volunteer time donations.”

One reason why this little creek is important, Geddes told us, is that it flows directly into the Columbia Slough. “This project is truly in the spirit of our ‘Nature in the Neighborhoods’ program. This improves neighborhood livability, and at the same time, protects an important water resource.”

District 1 METRO Counselor Rod Park stands with Wilkes Community Group chair Ross Monn, as he commends the efforts of volunteers to clean up the Wilkes Creek site.

For a few minutes on the morning of September 22, volunteers from the Boy Scouts, SOLV, and the neighborhood took a break to celebrate their accomplishments. After brief remarks, within ten minutes, the volunteers were back at work.

“This is wonderful,” Monn commented. “Our neighbors get a cleaned-up natural area. And, we’re going to be doing an education program. School kids can come to see nature in the Neighborhood. This is a project of which we can be proud.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Think this is just another low-income crackerbox, being stuffed in outer East Portland? Find out ROSE Development folks say Leander Court is actually a great addition to the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood …

A good-sized crowd of well-wishers gather for the grand opening ceremony at Leander Court in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Amid speeches, a ribbon cutting, and luncheon, ROSE Community Development unveiled its newest low-income housing project – Leander Court.

Before the ceremonies, we talked with ROSE executive director, Nick Sauvie.

“We’re opening 37 family units here at Leander Court apartments. This is a good step for providing families with children to get off to a better start,” Sauvie began.

ROSE Community Development’s executive director, Nick Sauvie, welcomes dignitaries and guests to the grand opening celebration.

“Most of these units have three or four bedrooms. The market isn’t providing housing like the units in this development, particularly at the rents we’re charging. We were 100% leased-up before we finished construction. This is pretty remarkable, and indicative of the demand for family housing.”

Eleven of the units at the development on SE 122nd Avenue, a block south of SE Holgate Boulevard, are dedicated to families at risk of homelessness, Sauvie told us. Two units are especially designed to accommodate on-site child-care.

“When you look around, the units are thoughtfully designed. There is a nice courtyard and play area. This is top-of-the-line in many ways.”

Provides low-income alternative
We ask, “Does outer East Portland really need more ‘low income housing’ built here?”

Sauvie replied, “When you look around the area, you see a lot of is poorly designed, poorly constructed, and poorly managed ‘market-rate’ housing units coming into neighborhoods. It isn’t necessarily inexpensive, but it is the only alternative some families have. We’re providing that alternative.

“We’re trying to create better opportunities for families,” Sauvie continued. “If we can help families pay affordable rents, they can put money away, saving up a down payment for a house. We’ve helped many folks like that in the last five years.”

Built for families
As we tour the development, we learn that the $7.4 million building was designed expressly for the needs of working families with children. The complex includes two on-site day-care facilities, a large outdoor play area, and consists primarily of three- and four-bedroom apartments.

The idea, Sauvie said, is to provide safe and stable homes to those earning less than half of the Median Family Income.

Portland has gone from having “most affording housing” to offering “least affordable housing”, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler says.

County Chair expresses his pride
During the ceremony, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler told the crowd, “In 1990, the City of Portland was considered to be one of the most affordable cities in the United States. My! How things have changed. In 2007, we’re one of the least affordable cities in which to live.

“I’m very proud of the work ROSE has done in the last 15 years to actually make sure we have a sustainable supply of affordable housing in Multnomah County.”

Multnomah County is funding five units, Wheeler says, for the families of women coming out of the jail system. “They deserve to have access to safe and affordable housing. Our Department of Community Justice is very proud to provide services to help those women who are reunited with their children to get back on their feet and become productive and included members of this community.

Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard says more housing projects like Leander Court are needed in outer East Portland school districts.

City commissioner grateful
Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard also came to the grand opening event.

“This [project] is important here in the David Douglas School District. The city needs more housing and economic development around schools for working families who cannot afford good housing. I am so grateful for Rose development for all the work they do throughout all of East Portland.”

Snip! Leander Court is open!

Before the group headed into the development’s Community Room to enjoy lunch, ROSE board member, Jim Barrett, asked Sauvie to explain what a “Leander” is.

“A Leander is a lovely rose that produces clusters of small, apricot colored blooms,” Sauvie replied.

Showing off some of her delicious sandwiches provided to the grand opening celebration is Sarah Iannarone, owner Arleta Library Bakery Café across the street from Mt. Scott Community Center.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Most folks haven’t heard much from Ted Wheeler since he took the Multnomah County Chair office in January. You might be surprised to learn what his priorities are …

In one of his first public appearances in outer East Portland, Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler talks candidly about his goals – the realities of politics.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Since Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler was swept into office by voters last November, we haven’t heard much from him – other than when he shared his mountaineering experiences with the Parkrose Business Association.

But last week, Wheeler accepted Ross Monn’s invitation to speak with community members at the Wilkes Community Association monthly meeting.

“It is a beautiful night,” Wheeler began, “thank you for taking the time to come; it shows you care about the community in which you live.”

Admitting he might not have the answers to all questions raised by those present, Wheeler started by outlining the responsibilities of county government.

Multnomah County 101
Wheeler detailed the wide array of services provided by the county:

• Public safety, including the Sheriff’s Office, River Patrol and jails;
• The District Attorney’s Office;
• “Safety net” human Services, operating or administrating energy assistance, federal programs for infants, women and children and antipoverty programs;
• Treatment services for those who are jailed and released, in addition to alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation services;
• Maintaining roads, and 27 bridges – including six bridges that cross the Willamette River;
• The public library system;
• Animal services;
• Conducting elections;
• Tax collection; and
• Land use planning services in unincorporated areas of Multnomah County.

Wheeler gives Wilkes Community Association neighbors an overview of his top priorities.

Outlines fourfold priorities
“I’m here mostly to meet you, and hear your concerns,” Wheeler continues. “But first, here are my four top priorities for the county:

1. Public Safety
“First is making the public safety system whole.  I want a balanced public safety system. This is more than opening the Wapato jail; I’m talking about the whole spectrum of public safety services.

“This includes [crime] prevention. By the time we put someone in jail, the system has failed. Intervention and prevention is very important to me. And, we must have law enforcement and prosecutorial accountability.

“Beyond sending people to jail, I want them to come back to the community as fully engaged, productive citizens. Sometimes they need a little help in terms of education, mentors, employers, or pastoral care. We want to make sure the recidivism rate goes down.”

Even though they closed the Sellwood Bridge for a day-long inspection, federal inspectors say they’re only 40% done with the job.

2. Sellwood Bridge
“Ahead of all other county transportation issues is dealing with the Sellwood Bridge. It is at a crisis point. That bridge has a rating of “2” on a federal sufficiency scale of 100.

“Federal agencies are inspecting it. They are requesting another two days to complete the study. We need to completely rehabilitate or replace that span.

“There is an ongoing process among neighborhoods, transportation advocates of all kinds, and designers. While the county has $25 Million committed to the project, we’re trying to get state matching dollars, which can lead to getting federal matching dollars. It will be about two years before construction begins.”

3. Emergency management
“Before I came into office, Multnomah County underwent an independent analysis of our emergency management system. We failed. Our procedures and readiness were wholly inadequate; not up to snuff.

“I’ve doubled the staff in [the emergency management office]. We’ve brought in an expert and funded the office’s improvement. Nobody thinks about emergency management until you need it. New Orleans is a good example of what it looks like when you don’t have a good plan in place. It is going to take a while as we rethink the system.”

4. New downtown courthouse
“We need a new downtown Portland courthouse.

“Our current courthouse, while being a historical building, is dilapidated. It’s a firetrap and a potential earthquake hazard. It is no longer functional, considering the volume of business conducted in the courthouse. Accused criminals and citizens travel the same hallways, making it neither safe nor functional.

“We’ve secured a location to build a modern courthouse on the west end of the Hawthorne Bridge. We’ll move an off-ramp that bisects the property. Being a block away from the Justice Center, we’re working on an agreement to build a tunnel between the two.”

Funding the project, Wheeler said, will most likely be done with a general obligation bond. The current building is open to debate; the chair opined that putting the building back on the tax rolls makes sense.

Questions about Wapato Jail
Asked about the long-awaited East County Justice Center, Wheeler said three sites in Gresham are under consideration, and the final selection will be announced within a month.

Questions regarding public safety, and the Wapato Jail, were posed – including, “Can’t the [state] legislature reassign lottery proceeds?”

Wheeler responded, “I’m working with the state to use some of our [jail bed] capacity as a reentry facility for [inmates] from state facilities. We know 98% of them will come back to Multnomah County. It makes sense to connect [released prisoners] with the community, so they can become productive citizens.

“There isn’t a lot of interest in the legislature, from members around the state, to reassign state funds to help out Multnomah County. Potential grant dollars are available. As a last option, I may go back to the taxpayers to make a case to raise taxes to fund it.”

Chair Wheeler pauses as he listens to citizens express their concern that “group homes” and low-income housing are being concentrated in outer East Portland.

Crime and housing density
A neighbor spoke up, saying “I see two factors contributing to East County crime. One is MAX, the other is high-density, low-income housing that is pushed to the edges of Portland.”

These factors come together in Rockwood, she added. “To me, government is in bed with high-density developers. But developers don’t take responsibility for public safety in the areas they create. It breaks my heart to learn of an elderly lady who sleeps in the back of her house in fear of bullets that have come flying through her home.”

Wheeler responded, “This is complicated. Yes. First, MAX is a well-known issue. TriMet has substantially stepped up their patrols, I think.

“Being worried about being shot makes this elderly lady a victim of crime, even though she hasn’t been hurt. It is a quality-of-life issue. The county does have role to play in this. We haven’t provided the number of jail beds needed. There isn’t accountability. It is a tragedy for the community when people are arrested and released. We just enabled them to go back into the community and commit more crime or continue their addiction. We haven’t been able to have an interdiction.”

Co-chair of the neighboring Russell Neighborhood Association Bonny McKnight spoke up about the growing number of “group homes” in outer NE Portland.

“These ‘group homes’ used be ‘care homes’,” McKnight said, “But [group home operation] is merely a business for many owners. If they started a hair styling salon, they would be under more regulation than group homes. The county licenses [group homes]. But when Lisa Naito came out to talk about the issue, she said, ‘There is nothing we can do. Everyone needs a home’.”

To this, Wheeler responded, “I take legal advice, but at the end of the day, I am responsible for my decisions. If we are charged with the responsibility of licensure, we should be in charge. I came into office with a certain amount of naiveté. Most county government workers are good people who care about others. Sometimes we forget that the regulations don’t run us, we run the regulations.”

When Wheeler’s time was up, he thanked the group of about 30 people, and left with a round of applause.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Just in time for school, learn why these health care professionals help kids who can’t afford their shots – necessary to enter school …

Jean Taylor, MN, and Karen Oglesby, BSN, remind parents at Lents Founders Day that the monthly Lents Clinic can help make sure their children’s’ immunizations are up to date

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Seeing our friends from the Lents Childhood Immunization Clinic at Lents Founder’s Day reminded us that, once again, their clinic will be open the first Saturday of each month, starting in September.

“We help families who don’t have insurance and not on the Oregon Health Plan make sure their kids are immunized,” says Karen Oglesby, BSN. “This program is operated in cooperation with the Oregon Nursing Association, Multnomah County Health Department, and Wattles Boys & Girls Club.”

The service is for children ages 2 months to 18 years, Oglesby tells us; no appointment is needed. “All we ask is that parents bring all documentation of previous immunizations.”

The clinic runs from 10:00 a.m. until 2 p.m. on September 1 (and the first Saturday of each month, through March of 2008) at the Wattles Boys & Girls Club, located at 9330 SE Harold Street (just east of SE 92nd Avenue).

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Although the neighborhood sits astride two cities and counties, see why Ardenwald neighbors come together for and share food, music and camaraderie …

Past neighborhood chair Cheryl Ausmann-Moreno cuts and serves cake.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The earliest of the National Night Out against Crime events in Portland, Milwaukie, and Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, was in one single neighborhood embracing all of those jurisdictions: Ardenwald-Johnson Creek.

As she served up big slices of chocolate and spice cakes, elegantly decorated with the neighborhood association’s logo, immediate past chair Cheryl Ausmann-Moreno reminded us that while the park in which we were standing was in Milwaukie, the houses across the fence were in Portland.

We stopped by their August 2nd celebration, which also kicked off their Summer Concert Series.

Ardenwals’s chair, Ronn Palmer and Milwaukie Police Dept. Captain Jim Colt agree that this event helps draw neighbors together.

“This National Night Out party, and our concert series, is important,” Ausmann-Moreno said, “because it brings members of our community – of all ages – together. We all listen to good music.”

Ronn Palmer, the chair of Ardenwald-Johnson Creek Neighborhood Association said, “Getting people together helps strengthen community ties. When you get to know your neighbors on your block, it helps increase safety, because they look out for one another. And, we’re building community by bring neighbors together.”

The band, “Dr. Jazz & the Interns” plays on – even after the good doctor has passed away – with the help of Nurse Ethel (Smith).

After a picnic pot-luck dinner, the air was filled with the Dixieland sounds of “Dr. Jazz and the Interns”. As the band members introduced themselves, they paid homage to their leader, known as “Dr. Jazz”, who passed away not long ago. “The week before he died,” said the trombone player, “he made us promise we’d keep playing together.” A new addition to the group is “Nurse Ethel” Smith, who sang big-band favorites.

As she continued serving dessert, Ausmann-Moreno said, “Having our neighborhood split between two cities and counties, some people feel like they’re part of neither one. We’d like to see all of our residents get involved in our neighborhood association.”

Although the Ardenwald neighborhood sits astride two cities and counties, neighbors come together for and share food, music and camaraderie.

To find out more, visit www.ardenwald.org for information about events and community meetings.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

What’s a good way to raise money for neighborhood activities? Take a look, and see how this first-time event worked out …

Volunteers from the Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Association gather after their successful “Neighborhood Garage Sale”.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Looking for ways to raise money for their neighborhood projects, including maintaining the newly-installed Hazeltine Park, volunteers of an East Portland neighborhood decided to hold a “Neighborhood Garage Sale” on July 28.

“I suggested we have this event,” said Jill Robbins, a board member with Brentwood Darlington Neighborhood Association. “Several volunteers pulled together as at team and put it together here at Hazeltine Park.”

From Christmas decorations to toys and books and housewares, all kinds of used merchandise were on sale. During the day, Gail Kiely and other volunteers grilled and sold hot-dog lunches.

“We gave neighbors space to sell their items,” added Robbins. “Part of our effort was to get neighbors involved, as well as raising money.”

As they packed up the remaining goods, bound for charity resale shops, Robbins said the group raised about $500 from this first annual event.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Although it seems city government has put off dealing with crumbling roads and traffic safety issues for years, see what PDOT’s Commissioner, Sam Adams, is doing to start moving the city toward improving our transportation infrastructure‚

Judy Welch, Lents Neighborhood resident, and Alicia Reese, Chair of the Woodland Park Neighborhood, sign in at the outer East Portland transportation meeting.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Pay now for road maintenance‚ or pay a lot more, later on‚ was Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams’ theme at a series of town hall meeting held across Portland in late June and early July. We took in the meetings in inner Southeast Portland on June 20, and the town hall at Central Northeast Neighbors on NE Sandy Boulevard on July 2.

“Portland’s streets and roads are deteriorating rapidly,” Adams told us before he addressed citizens attending SE Portland “Transportation Priorities and Funding Options” town hall sessions.

“We have to make the tough decision to get on top of transportation system repairs. If we don’t start now, it will cost all of us much more if we delay,” Adams said.

“Our transportation system is in trouble,” says Portland City Commissioner Sam Adams, as he begins his PDOT town hall tour by documenting the problems with Portland’s roads.

The purpose of these public sessions was to explore the options regarding Portland’s street maintenance and safety backlog, the Commissioner said.

“We are here to learn about the street safety and maintenance concerns of the people who live here. We’re here to ask for their feedback. We’re asking them to prioritize the work that should be done, if we had more money. And, we’re discussing the various funding options that might meet those priorities,” said Adams.

Transportation troubles defined
In his opening remarks at both well-attended town hall meetings, Adams spelled out why the Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) says our transportation system is in trouble:

• 3,941 miles of streets, or 32%, of arterials are in poor condition;
• 157 bridges, (22% of them) are in poor condition;
• 992 traffic signals, (43%) are in poor condition;
• Too many Portlanders are being injured and killed in traffic crashes; and,
• Deferred maintenance adds an estimated $9 million annually to future costs.

Low vehicle fuel tax rates to blame
The reason Portland’s street transportation system is in bad shape, Adams explained, is a lack of funding.

“There hasn’t been an increase in the 24-cent per gallon state gasoline tax since 1993. And, the Portland metro region receives only 46 cents out of each dollar paid in state gas tax and vehicle registration fees,” said Adams.

More than half of the time during the town hall meeting was dedicated to allowing citizens to express their concerns about roads and street safety.

Similar values discussed; except for bicycle transportation
Although the specifics differed, the general theme of questions and comments we heard at the two meetings were similar, with one exception: bicycles.

Many folks attending the inner SE Portland meeting raised their voices in favor of bicycle and pedestrian transportation.

At the meeting in outer East Portland several days later, a different attitude became apparent. When a community member said he objected to the amount of money spent on bike lanes; spontaneous applause broke out.

“How much money is being spent on bike lanes?” the commissioner was asked. Adams stated that 1.35% of the transportation budget was spent for bicycle lanes. “About 3% of people in Portland use bicycles as their primary mode of transportation,” Adams added.

Other questions; and answers
Adams was peppered with queries such as: “Did the Tram take money that could have used for road maintenance?”

Adams replied that PDC tax-increment-funded dollars can only be used to increase capacity, not to repair or maintain.

Asked if the city spent too much for light rail and streetcar lines, Adams answered, “Transportation funding is complicated. Federal and state light rail funds must be spent only on light rail.” He added that an increase in parking meter and garage fees, along with other undisclosed funds, supports streetcar operation, along with $1.6 million from the city’s budget.

Asked to comment on how “tax abatements on expensive downtown high-rise condos” hurt street maintenance funding, Adams responded, “I voted against the last round of tax abatements. Where I live in Kenton (near St. Johns), we all pay full taxes.”

When questioned why the backlog on inadequate or defective traffic signals was so great, Adams said many of the traffic signals that are failing are old; the city has delayed replacing them.

Sidewalks: the homeowner pays
A question asked in both sessions concerned what agency has the responsibility for building and maintaining sidewalks that run in front of residences.

“In most places,” Adams responded, “sidewalks and curbs are improvements that are, or were, the responsibility of the developer. In some places, the county didn’t require sidewalks, so they weren’t built.”

Questions “wasteful spending”
Quizzed if PDOT could cut “wasteful spending”, Adams answered, “I’m dedicated to improving efficiencies. The number of [PDOT] city employees, per capita, has not increased. As Commissioner [of PDOT] for the last two years, I can say we’ve reoriented the agency, and taken it in a new direction.”

When asked why seemingly-good arterial streets are now being repaved, Adams replied, “The Portland City Auditor has stated the city isn’t doing enough to prevent streets from deterioration.” He explained that shallow grinding and repaving projects prevent much-more-costly later repairs to the street’s foundation.

Several of those in attendance used the meeting as a forum to praise or decry public transit, to point out what they see as the city’s fiscal boondoggles, to speak against tax abatements and infill development, or to complain about poor roads and a lack of sidewalks in their neighborhoods.

Playing “Stump the Commissioner”, one wag opined that charging more for metered parking spaces could help defray road maintenance costs and asked, “Exactly how many parking spaces in the city?” Adams answered, “I don’t know.”

Opinion poll points out problems
“Research shows strong results for road repair, maintenance, and safety,” Adams quoted from public opinion survey taken in January.

When outer East Portland residents were asked for their opinion of the area’s greatest transportation needs, “light rail” and “pothole repair” were the top two topics. Across all four quadrants of the city, “pothole repair” came up most frequently.

Sam Adams states, in dollars and cents, what SE Portland neighbors can expect to pay in increased taxes, to get safer streets and save crumbling roads.

Funding options
“I’m not asking you to sign a blank check for transportation,” Adams stated. “I’m asking you to focus on selecting projects that save the most money, and save the most lives.”

Adams then presented several funding concepts. These included local bond funding options paid by property tax, an increase in the local fuel tax of 12 cents per gallon, Street Maintenance Fees, and employee and business taxes.

Research shows, the commissioner said, public opinion favors a “Street Safety and Maintenance Fee” of just over $30 per residence per year‚ generating about $15 million annually. Those polled were almost evenly split when asked if they would accept a local fuel tax increase.

Commissioner voted “very well prepared”
People we polled after the meetings rated Commissioner Adams as being “very well prepared” for these meetings. “He had an answer for everything,” was a typical comment‚ some said it in a sincere tone of voice, others sounded sarcastic.

Those attending were urged to take a “transportation survey” and “vote” on the importance of issues, and solutions. Several neighbors grumbled that some of the questions appeared “loaded” to favor increasing taxes. “It’s like they’re asking, ‘Do you want to see your roads crumble; and have more people be killed crossing the street‚ or pay a little more in taxes’,” one attendee commented to us.

See you in September
A draft proposal developed from PDOT’s research, and data gathered from the informational surveys taken at the meetings, will be revealed in a series of public meetings scheduled in September.

The outer East Portland meeting will be on September 20, at the Portland Police Bureau’s East Precinct Community Room at 737 SE 106th Avenue, across from Floyd Light Middle School.

The inner Southeast Portland meeting is scheduled for September 24 at St. Philip Neri Church, on Division Street at 2408 SE 16th Avenue.

Adams documents maintenance and repair needs that PDOT has uncovered in inner SE Portland.

Update: Study findings
On July 10, Commissioner Adams released information regarding the surveys taken in his round of neighborhood coalition meetings.

“The results are surprising,” Adams wrote. “At each of the town halls, neighbors expressed very strong support for new funding sources to address basic transportation needs.”

According to Adams, the PDOT survey shows:

• “Transportation is important. Transportation ranks second to schools as Portlanders’ highest priority.
• “Intersections and school crossings need to be safer. Portlanders want safer crosswalks, especially around schools and at intersections.
• “Find new funding sources — Portlanders dislike over-reliance on the state gas tax, and strongly encourage funding diversification.
• “Promote conservation — New funding sources that encourage conservation are most favored; a local gas tax is strongest followed by a ‘gas guzzler’ tax and a fee on parking spaces.
• “Be clear and accountable — While Portlanders want a full-service package, they also want transparency and accountability. Portlanders support: an independent oversight committee, buy-in from neighborhoods and neighborhood business districts, capped administrative costs, a defined list of projects, and ‘sunsetting’ taxes and fees after 10 years.
• “Get it done. Town hall attendees support more expansive funding packages than the $23 million proposal Adams presented: eliminating the maintenance backlog in ten years at $45 million annually scored highest, followed by a more comprehensive package at $70 million per annum.”

For complete survey results, see: CommissionerSam.com/transportationsurveyresults

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

While many Argay neighbors agree their neighborhood could use another park, read why security, access, and activity locations raised some eyebrows at a recent meeting‚

Representatives from Portland Parks & Recreation‚ Doug Brenner, East Portland Services Manager, and Riley Whitcomb, Program Manager‚ show an aerial photo illustration of the farmland scheduled to become a park.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
While most people in the outer Northeast Portland neighborhood of Argay think of the “Beech Property” plot as farmland, it will eventually become a city park, according to representatives of Portland Parks & Recreation.

On June 11, Doug Brenner, East Portland Services Manager, and Riley Whitcomb, Program Manager from Portland Parks & Recreation, held a public meeting at Shaver Elementary School to tell neighbors why the city revoked a farmer’s lease‚ even though there isn’t currently funding to develop that land into a park.

“At present,” Doug Brenner told a group of 40 neighbors, “there is no funding for park development, but a variety of strategies can be considered once the Master Plan is complete.”

The 15.7 acre Beech Property, leased out as farmland up till a few weeks ago, is actually an undeveloped park located next to Shaver Elementary School, we learned from Brenner. “Portland Parks and Recreation purchased the parcels in 1984 and 1999 as part of a long-range vision to provide a large community park to serve this part of east Portland.”

Brenner said a Master Plan for the new park will be developed in 2008, “through a collaborative, community process.  It will result in a park design that responds to the area’s recreation needs, and reflects the community’s priorities.”

Ending urban farming
Neighbors quizzed the PP&R pair about halting the farming activities for which the land has always been used. Whitcomb acknowledged it as “a difficult situation, when we must end a [farming] lease. But, stopping the farming is the responsible thing to do, for environmental reasons. We don’t want to put [the farmer] out of business.”

Whitcomb said one of the parcels was foreclosed and given to the City of Portland by Multnomah County. “If we don’t develop it as a park, we’ll have to give it back to the county. They will put housing there. If you don’t want a city park on the NE parcel, we’ll have to sell it. It will probably be sold to a developer. It is zoned R3, low-density multi-family. The point is, we want to see a park there. It is a matter of partnering with you to make it happen. We want to make it as good as possible.”

Brenner said PP&R would become responsible for planting “tall grass” and keeping it mowed to knee height. He also said the rainwater runoff on the land would become a responsibility of the city.

More questions and answers
Asked why the city is going through a Master Plan process, Riley Whitcomb replied, “Without going through the planning process, we don’t know what people want. We want to learn the issues and desires of neighbors, so we can address them.”

Issues that surfaced immediately included:

• Mice and rats living in the tall grass;
• Potential access points into the park;
• Parking problems affecting adjoining streets; and
• Safety concerns.

“We’re park planners — I can’t specifically speak about roads and mice,” said Whitcomb. “But we don’t just rubber-stamp our approval on park plans. We’re here to talk about concerns you may have.”

As this PP&R photo illustration shows, the Beech Property consists of two oddly-shaped parcels‚ they adjoin each another at only one small point.

Two odd parcels
Asked how a park can be made from two oddly-shaped parcels that meet only at one small point, Brenner replied, “Our two pieces of property do touch at one point. We’ll have to talk with the [Parkrose] school district [which owns the other property] at some point.”

Addressing access, traffic and parking, Brenner said one potential location for a parking lot is at NE 131st Place. “And, there are many walk-in access points.”

Issues of uses and security raised
“What kind park will this be? What kind of activities will it be designed for?” asked neighbors.

“We’re designing this as a more active kind of park,” replied Whitcomb. “It could be designed to accommodate soccer and softball fields. There is room for picnicking and activities for kids. We try to zone activities to fit the situation. We don’t want the soccer field next to someone’s house.”

When a neighbor raised concerns that park traffic may lower neighborhood safety, Whitcomb replied, “One key to providing a safe park is to have good visibility by neighbors, and to make sure the police can see into the park. Lighting is important; but sometimes lighting also brings in undesirables at night.”

At the meeting, PF&R’s Riley Whitcomb says good park design can reduce drug activity and crime.

Valerie Curry, Argay Neighborhood chair, noted that nearby Argay Park has turned into a place for increased drug activity, and asked what could be done to keep this from happening in the proposed park.

Whitcomb responded, “The way we organize the space is important. Where you have a dark corner area, like in Argay Park, those areas are problematic. We may need to think about how we address that. Maybe we need a street that comes though the park so everything is in full view. Lighting and location of activities are at issue. And, when neighbors ‘take ownership’ of their park, we see fewer problems.”

Bathrooms and trees
The group learned that the proposed park would feature a permanent bathroom.

A neighbor living south‚ thus above‚ the property, asked about trees. “Will I lose my view? I can see the Columbia River from my home.”

Brenner replied, “Portland parks are about trees. We will be bringing trees into the park.”

Timetable revealed
Exactly how the park will be designed, and the features it will include, is all part of the Master Plan, Brenner repeated.

Although asked in several different ways during the meeting, the most frequently asked question regarding the final Master Plan was, “Do we, the neighbors, get to vote on it?”

Whitcomb stated, “It is discussion. Typically, we bring three or four alternatives.”

“The plan is developed as collaborative decisions made between the community and PP&R,” clarified Brenner.

The Master Plan will be developed in 2008, stated Brenner. “It can take from three to nine months. We don’t yet have funding to develop the park. We look at a variety of strategies to develop a park. It could be a citywide parks levy. Maybe by then the city will be in good financial shape; funding could come from grants.”

Riley Whitcomb says of the Beech Property, “the reality is, the use of this land is changing. For many years, it was farmed. Now, there will be other kinds of activities.”

Summing up, Whitcomb added, “Some people will be happy with what we come up with, others will be upset. If this is the case, then I’ve done my job. We listen to your concerns. The reality is, the use of this land is changing. For many years, it was farmed. Now, there will be other kinds of activities.”

Stay in touch
“We want you to be included in the process,” Brenner concluded. “Please e-mail or telephone me with your contact information. We never sell or lend our lists to anyone for any reason, other than contacting you about this project.”

Resources:
For information, contact Doug Brenner, East Portland Services Manager, at 6437 SE Division Street, Portland, OR  97206; telephone (503) 823-5255, or E-mail pkdoug@ci.portland.or.us.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

When these two outer East Portland neighborhoods set out to rid their areas of trash, they gather dumpsters full of refuse. See why these volunteers work so hard to clean things up‚

Argay Neighbor Jim Edmonds, one of the nearly 100 neighbors dropping off trash, being checked in by volunteer Bonny Scott at the Argay Clean-up day.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“We’ve already had 70 cars so far; it looks like we’ll probably serve 100 neighbors this year,” says Argay Neighborhood volunteer Bonny Scott, as she checks in cars at the early June neighborhood clean-up. “This is the most we’ve had in three years.”

At Shaver Elementary School, Scott is checking in Argay neighbor Jim Edmonds. He says, “This is great! It gives us the chance to clean up the yard and get rid of things.”

Argay Neighborhood Association volunteers Dana McCray and Jane Roffey-Berry don’t mind getting dirty while they help clean up their part of Portland.

Large turnout
Perhaps more important than the good weather, Argay Neighborhood’s chair, Valerie Curry, tells us, is that “we really promoted our clean-up day.”

It wouldn’t be such a successful effort, Curry says, if not for the efforts of the eleven volunteers from the Soccer Club at Parkrose High School. “These young dynamos have been unloading, tossing, pitching, slinging, arranging, and cramming trash and yard debris‚ making the best use of our dumpster space‚ for over four hours. And, they did it with good humor!”

The help of these Parkrose High volunteers was especially helpful, Curry explains, saying, “The leadership of our association presently consists of a small group of “older” neighborhood volunteers, at the moment all females who work hard for their community and who organize periodic special services for the neighborhood, such as a Neighborhood Clean-up Day.”

David Toscano and Connor Leines, two of the eleven Parkrose High School student volunteers help load out up trash in Argay.

Curry says she wants to thank the helpers by name: Matt, Josh, Connor, David, John, Jacob, Nathan, Josh (No. 2), Nick, Jose, and Christian.

“And, we also thank our steadfast neighborhood volunteers Clare & Sharon Mershon, Dana McCray, Alice Ford, Tina Scarborough, Jane Roffey-Berry, Gary Scott, and coordinator Bonnie Scott.

ROSE helps Lents neighbors
‘take out the trash’

Due to the sprawling size of the Lents Neighborhood, clean-up organizers located their dumpsters throughout their area.

“It really helps when people can take their debris and trash just down the street, instead of having to haul it to a central location,” said organizer Judy Welch.

Neighbor Nicole Yates unloads her truck, getting rid of a big old load from our back yard as clean-up coordinator Judy Welch sweeps up at one of the 13 locations.

“We’ve filled two dumpsters here; one with yard debris and one with solid waste,” says Welch.

Overall, this Lents Clean-up filled 13 dumpsters throughout Lents.

This project was partly funded by ROSE Community Development; they sponsored six of drop-box bins.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

What kind of neighborhood association meeting treats everyone to a delicious barbecue dinner? Take a look at this event‚ it has become a springtime tradition‚

Portland Water Bureau’s Jimmy Brown caters the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association meeting, highlighted by his BBQ chicken and ribs.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
A couple of years ago, the chair of the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Association, Glenn Taylor, talked Jimmy Brown into serving his famous barbecue as a drawing card to attract folks to their spring meeting.

At that time, Brown headed Portland’s Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Brown’s homemade barbecue chicken and ribs were the talk‚ and taste‚ of the association’s meeting.

Susan McDonald and her daughter are one of the dozens who lined up for a plate full of Jimmy Brown’s scrumptious barbecue.

Even though Brown has since moved over to the Portland Water Bureau, he’s kept the new tradition alive by‚ once again‚ serving up a dinner, including heaping portions of toothsome barbecue and all the fixings at the association’s meeting in May, their last meeting until fall.

“I love seeing folks enjoy good food, and I like to support neighborhood activities,” was the reason Brown gave us for serving the banquet.

City execs provide update
As happy diners cleaned their plates, Taylor called the neighborhood meeting to order.

Tom Klutz, Portland Water Bureau, brought news regarding Portland’s newest “hydro-park”‚ a public park built and maintained by the water bureau‚ scheduled to be developed at SE 138 Ave. & SE Center St.

“The old rusting fences are down,” Klutz reported. “We’ve brought in more boulders from Bull Run to keep vehicles out and still let people in.”

The next step for the park will be improving the land with grass, installing picnic tables, benches and a walking path around the perimeter.

“And, the park will be easily accessible by the handicapped. I thank the Powellhurst-Neighbors who have made it [the park’s development] a good process.”

The manager of Powell Valley Road Water District before it was transferred to the City of Portland, Tom Pokorny, stopped by the meeting.

“At the SE 138th Ave. well field,” Pokorny reminisced, “we used to have the Drinking Water Festival in September. And, perhaps many of you remember out ‘tapping contests’‚ our team took international honors one year.  When Commissioner Leonard took over the water bureau, PWB provided two men’s and two women’s teams in the competition. By the way, the Rockwood team, a men’s and a women’s team, are going to the international championships in Toronto this year.”

In the foreground, Tom Klutz, Portland Water Bureau, listens to questions about the new “hydro-park” planned for the area‚ as his boss, Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard (in the background), listens.

Leonard delivers “state of the water” message
“Until the city took over,” said Portland City Commissioner Randy Leonard, “my water at home came from Powell Valley. I recognized how well this water bureau served its citizens, so I invited Tom [Pokorny] to our leadership and management meetings when I was assigned the Portland Water Bureau in 2005. Tom’s participation was a turning point that helped [water] bureau develop into an organization that puts customer service first.”

Turning his attention to Powell Butte, Leonard said, “We’re putting a new home up there that will look like a log cabin. It will be an amenity, instead of an eyesore. The Water Bureau will pay a person full time to help make it secure, and work on the Butte‚ they will be a full time caretaker.”

Asked about filtration, the commissioner said, “The city has filed a lawsuit against the federal government. We are challenging their requirements. New York City has joined in the suit.”

As for long-term goals, Leonard says they plan to build an interpretive center on Powell Butte. “It is part of a five year master plan. Part of the permanent structure might be an original work cabin built at Bull Run. We’d dismantle it, bring it here, and restore it.”

Concerns about Graffiti
When Commissioner Leonard asked about neighbors’ concerns, many voiced their ire regarding the marked increase in graffiti.

“In many places here, this problem is out of control,” stated Leonard. “It is rising to the level of being unacceptable. I regularly drive Powell, Foster and Division heading to City Hall; I see it every day. I’m working on an ordinance regarding graffiti. The idea is that spray paint will be put in a secure location in stores; and buyers will sign a book when they buy it. There are civil rights challenges involved.”

As for ourselves, we thank Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbors for welcoming us to attend all of there meetings‚ especially the most delicious one of the year!

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See why residents are celebrating as the first, major ROSE Community Development turns ten years old‚

These ten-year Lents Village residents say they’re proud, and happy, to have been among the first residents of the facility.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As hard to believe as it may seem, the affordable senior housing project on outer SE Holgate Blvd. — Lents Village — is already ten years old.

“It is great to get together with the residents who live here, and community members, to celebrate this facility,” comments the executive director of ROSE Community Development, Nick Sauvie.

ROSE board member Rick Soards and executive director Nick Sauvie congratulate the long-term residents at Lents Village Apartments.

Sauvie reminded us that ROSE (Revitalize Outer South East) Community Development Corporation is 15 years old this year. “This was the first large, new development that ROSE did. It has been tremendously successful.”

Further, there has been a lot of progress in the Lents neighborhood in the last 10 years, Sauvie adds. “ROSE has been a significant part of that. There is a huge need for affordable housing for seniors, people with disabilities, and families. ROSE is working to meet that need.”

Portland Fire & Rescue’s Lt. Richard Jones gives residents safety tips and reminds them, “When ever you need us, we’re just minutes away.”

In its 63 units, Sauvie says Lents Village accommodates persons 55+ years old who meet low-income qualifications.

Even after residing there for a decade, Lents Village resident Lynn Simmons says she feels blessed to have been selected to live in the building.

“Blessed to live here”
One of the folks we meet is Lynn Simmons, who moved in on opening day.

“I moved in here in 1997,” Simmons tells the group of celebrants assembled in their Lents Loaves & Fishes dining hall.

“There hasn’t been one day that I have regretted moving into Lents Village,” continues Simmons. “I’m happy here. All of my needs have been fulfilled. The location is good, the facility is clean, and they take good care of the property. I’m thankful to the Good Lord that I heard about Lents Village, and have been able to live here.”

Resources:
Find out more about all of the ROSE programs by going to www.rosecdc.org or by calling (503) 788-8052.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service