See what’s in store for the geographically-longest neighborhood business district in the city …
Shelli Romero of ODOT checks out a map showing the boundaries of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association – from Clackamas County, north to PDX Airport.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Brentwood-Darlington business owner, and past Spirit of Portland awardee, Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics was elected President of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association at its annual meeting on November 13.
“We have the largest neighborhood business district in the City,” Kiely said, “spanning from Clackamas County in the south to Portland international Airport in the north – from 72nd Avenue in the west to 92nd Avenue to the east.
This means our boundaries touch many neighborhood associations and other neighborhood business districts,” Kiely pointed out. “One of our major objectives is to have conversations to see how we can all help each other.”
Brian Wong, who represents the 82nd Avenue Improvement Coalition spends a moment with incoming president of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association, Richard Kiely of Home Run Graphics.
Kiely said he’s a “hands-on” leader with a vision of “better connecting the multicultural network of business people we have along 82nd Avenue. Finding better ways to work together, and do business with one another, will help improve the neighborhoods in the area.
“Hopefully, by getting us all going in the same upward direction, we will get there faster,” Kiely added.
Members and guests of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association come together for their annual meeting at this Eastport Plaza store.
Montavilla Neighborhood Association Chair Fritz Hirsch speaks about the concerns of his neighborhood to Oregon State Representative Jeff Reardon (D).
One of the evening’s speakers was Brian Wong, who represents the 82nd Avenue Improvement Coalition.
“I am here to share the process we’re trying to develop to create a long-term vision and plan for 82nd Avenue, through some sort of public process,” Wong told East Portland News.
All business and neighborhood organizations have a stake in improving the storied thoroughfare, he said.
“Just as the quality of life along the avenue impacts merchants and service providers,” Wong pointed out, “so it does for residents. As someone who lives along 82nd Avenue, my future is tied to theirs. We’re trying to get a synergistic effort going so one helps another.”
Outgoing 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association president Frank Harris, of Portland Community College, says he’s happy to “help bring the community together”.
Find out more about the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association by visiting their website: CLICK HERE to open their homepage.
© 2013 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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