SW Neighborhoods, Inc. Empowering Citizens since 1978

Guest Officer Elwood once again emphasized the importance of reporting incidents, even car prowls that had no break in.  The traffic control and speeding problems anticipated with the Multnomah sewer project were discussed.

Committee Reports

Community Liaison: Nancy Donner reported activity at the water tanks; plans for a 2½ story bldg. in the Multnomah Village business block; and urged everyone to read the local monthly papers.

Land Use: Gary Miniszewski presented the letter he had composed about open space zoning for the Smith sports fields, which led to lengthy discussion of the conditional use hearing ( Apr. 20 ) when PPS applies for Riverdale Dist. to use the property for their K-8 school while they construct a new  building. Jack, Gary, Ester, and Courtney plan to attend the hearing and voice our concerns which have been discussed at length during many ANA meetings. Gary will edit his letter to PPS about zoning, include sending a copy to BES, as well as PPR. SWNI Board: Dorothy Gage suggested that everyone read about the Board retreat, and future plans in the SWNI News.

Transportation: Marianne Fitzgerald commented that the written reports from all SWNI Board committees, emailed upon request, help to coordinate activities and projects. Barbur sidewalks process continues; Capitol Hwy. engineering is proceeding, it includes a major stormwater project; I-5 Iowa St. viaduct  replacement project  details available at SWNI office.

Roger Averbeck presented the map of proposed bikeways and urged everyone to attend the May 18 public meeting at Wilson H.S. He reported on the meetings and conversations with Multnomah sewer project staff and shared drawings of detours, sign placement, and other traffic control data. Marianne noted that the overlap of the I-5 and sewer projects will disrupt traffic for many SW drivers. Jack will request BES staff attend ANA meeting in June.

Marianne described a consolidation move at City Hall which would ease and speed the permitting process BUT decrease citizen input, and dilute the power of bureau staff to respond to concerns brought to them. Development Services and the responsible council member would have power over all bureau chiefs. This is an issue we need to watch closely.