INCLUDES LIVELY, FULL-MEETING VIDEO | Although the main speaker was from the Portland Metro Chamber, see why local transportation representatives heard lively feedback about making 82nd Avenue of Roses a two-lane motorway …
At the September Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting, guests serve themselves Thai food delicacies from the buffet.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
It was a “full house” on the Thursday evening of September 11, at the Lents Neighborhood Livability Association (LNLA) meeting, as over 20 people came to hear about public safety and transportation issues.
But, first, guests were treated to a light supper before the meeting – a long-established tradition of the LNLA. This additional time provides members, guests, and speakers the opportunity to socialize and chat before the formal meeting begins.
As the meeting begins, the audience turns to listen to announcements.
David Potts began the meeting with brief announcements of upcoming events in the Lents area supported by the LNLA.
Portland Metro Chamber Executive Vice President of Public Affairs Jon Isaacs tells why those of his organization are exasperated by livability issues in the city, including in the Lents neighborhood.
Then, Potts introduced their first speaker, Jon Isaacs, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs of with Portland Metro Chamber (PMC). His talk was entitled: “Restoring public safety and livability for all of Portland”.
Background: In August, the PMC issued a press release that said that, as a result of the “inaction” of Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, the Central Library saw a string of violent events, including a stabbing and a deadly shooting. Chair Pederson responded with her own release saying that the PMC had a “fixation” on her; and that their organization dabbles in politics without providing a solution.
In the video below, see and here Isaacs’ comments, and answers to questions.
On making 82nd Avenue of Roses a two-lane motorway …
It was clear by the reaction of many of the attendees that they were unaware that the “82nd Avenue Improvement Project” now includes taking away two of the four current motor vehicle lanes of the former highway – now a City of Portland street – a major “road diet”.
After introducing the “82nd Avenue Improvement Project”, TriMet Director of Community Affairs & Engagement Jennifer Koozer takes questions from the audience.
“This hasn’t yet been decided; no final decision about reducing motor vehicle travel lanes has been made about this,” is what TriMet Director of Community Affairs & Engagement Jennifer Koozer told East Portland News before the meeting began.
Koozer was later joined by Portland Bureau of Transportation Senior Transportation Planner Julia Reed; and both of them did their best to respond to such questions as:
How many people are riding buses on SE 82nd Avenue of Roses every day?
Is any feedback, other than from those who agree with the plan, respected?
Isn’t it like the City doesn’t want people to have cars?
If you’re at all interested in these two topics, be sure to watch the video of their meeting:
At the October 9 Lents Neighborhood Livability Association meeting:
This live and in-person meeting is from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. A light dinner will be served from 6:30 – 7:00 p.m.
This month: On Thursday evening, October 9, Portland Police Association President Aaron Schmautz comes to discuss public safety issues in outer East Portland – and, likely, also to touch on topics such as challenges of policing the ICE facility protest, as well as violence, graffiti, and the need for a clear Portland City Council response to crime.
You’ll find this likely lively meeting in the Community Connection Center on the grounds of New Hope Church at 10603 SE Henderson Street. [Enter through the church’s front doors, turn right, go down the first hallway. Signs will point the way.] For more information, email lnla2018@gmail.com.
© 2025 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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