Find out why what you don’t know about this process could hurt your pocketbook – and how you can participate from the comfort of your home …
An attendee at an informational open house regarding the 2035 “Portland Comprehensive Plan” speaks with Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability East Portland District Liaison Christina Scarzello.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When officials begin speaking of land use planning and zoning, most people “tune out” or walk away from the conversation.
But, if you own residential or business property in the City of Portland, you should take note of the proposed draft of the 2035 Portland Comprehensive Plan that has been available for public review since July.
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability Principal Planner Eric Engstrom says anyone who owns property should pay attention to recommendations in the 2035 Portland Comprehensive Plan.
The 2035 Comprehensive Plan is a package of new goals, policies and a land use map, said Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Principal Planner Eric Engstrom, at an open house in the David Douglas High School South Cafeteria on September 10.
“Between 40,000 and 50,000 people are affected directly by a change in the land use designation for property,” Engstrom told East Portland News.
“We’re trying to get the word out to make people are aware of the potential changes, and what it means to them,” Engstrom continued. “Some are changes in zoning; we want people to be aware of them. These changes can affect property values, and what people can do with their properties.”
BPS Sr. Economic Planner Steve Kountz listens while Powellhurst-Gilbert neighbor Dolores Wood expresses interest in, and concerns about, changes in zoning, and long-term planning in her neighborhood – and across the city.
Not all of it is “up-zoning”, bringing higher housing density to outer East Portland neighborhoods, Portland’s chief planner said.
“Actually, a substantial portion of it is ‘down-zoning’,” Engstrom pointed out. “We don’t have a quota for achieving additional residential density.
“We are proposing to change the pattern of how higher density housing is located around the city,” Engstrom continued. “We are looking for better outcomes.”
A quick and easy way to discover – and officially comment on – proposed zoning changes around an individual’s residence or business address is to use the Bureau’s “MapApp”, found at their website: CLICK HERE.
After testing the site, East Portland News found that it is, indeed, a fast and efficient way to find and comment on proposed changes.
BPS Senior Planner Barry Manning answers questions regarding “Early Implementation: Mixed-Use Zones” included in the proposed.2035 Portland Comprehensive Plan.
The Planning and Sustainability Commission will be holding two public hearings in outer East Portland in coming weeks:
- Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 5 – 9 p.m.; Parkrose High School, Student Center; 12003 NE Shaver Street
- Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 5 – 9 p.m.; Portland Community College – SE Campus, Community Hall; 2305 82nd Avenue
Before you attend, learn more about these important changes by visiting its website: CLICK HERE to open it.
After the public hearings, the Planning and Sustainability Commission will have internal discussion and deliberation, then make a recommendation to Portland City Council early in 2015. City Council is expected to hold hearings and vote on the new “Comprehensive Plan” by mid-2015.
> On our Front Page: BPS worker Tabitha Boschetti points the way to the 2035 Portland Comprehensive Plan at David Douglas High School.
© 2014 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
click here to subscribe
