DRAFT Minutes of the Center Neighborhood Monthly Meeting
January 17, 2006
Shogren House
Board Members Present: Sean Besso, Martha Westgate, Don McElmurry, Shirley
Nacoste, Robert Jordan, Cameron Clemens, John Rusoff, Judy Kennedy
Other Neighbors/Guests: Molly Rogers, Joseph Schaefer, Greg Petry, Nicko Lande, Matt Nicely, Lee Perlman, Bridgett Fa…?.(SEUL), Patricia H…?, DyLynn Robertson
ACTION: November 2005 meeting notes were approved.
Introductions:
Greg Petry (owner) and Joseph Schaefer (land use planner) spoke about their planned changes for the property at the S.W. Corner of 60th & Glisan. The property will be divided into two lots but the footprints of the two buildings will not change. The duplex facing 60th will receive some exterior renovations; the brick building facing Glisan will receive some renovations and continue to have 6 residential units on the 2nd story with plans for 3 commercial spaces on the street level. This work will be starting after permit is obtained in February and continue until estimated completion in April. When neighbors expressed concerns about parking options for the commercial spaces Greg pointed out the site is just a few blocks from the MAX station and that they hoped to attract pedestrian friendly shops, such as a coffee shop. Many neighbors stated the importance of not bringing in retailers that would drive away the local businesses already serving the area. Neighbors with ideas about this project can contact Greg/Joseph thru Robert Jordan.
Officer Edgecombe gave a friendly “off the cuff” report as he was standing in for our usual liaison, Officer McGuire of the Neighborhood Response Team. Officer Edgecombe stated “no big changes” in crime trends from his perspective and that things are pretty much the “same old, same old.” Neighbors and Board Members inquired about the changes proposed at the S.E. Precinct …the parking lot is dividing…the individual who owns the side of the building that the County does not use will develop it as the City isn’t committed to purchasing it from him.
Bridgett F… liaison from Southeast Uplift (SEUL) and Shirley Nacoste, Center Board Member noted that SEUL is involved in a 3 year development plan to strengthen and energize the organization and that folks are seeking recourses to support the ongoing diversity work that is so important to our neighborhoods. Upcoming Peer Networking Forums are taking place at SEUL office from January through July 2006…topics include: Neighborhood Newsletters/Websites; Fundraising & Grant writing; Neighborhood Advocacy; Land Use/Transportation Planning; Neighborhood Diversity; and Promoting Neighborhood Participation.
The 2006 Neighborhood Agendas Update for January restated the goals of 1) Improving Traffic management in neighborhoods – contact Steve Hoyt, SEUL, – steve@southeastuplift.org 2) Improving the Quality and Design of Infill – contact Gary Berger, SEUL gary@southeastuplist.org and 3) Increasing Resources for Diversity and Outreach – contact Kristen Wiener, SEUL Kristen@southeastuplift.org . Neighbors are encouraged to make comments/participate in these goals by contacting the folks listed for more information or call SEUL at (503) 232-0010.
February is Black History Month and Reed College has some free events with important speakers, including lectures by bell hooks (2/2 7pm) and Michael Eric Dyson (2/27 7pm). SEUL has some reserved seats…contact them for ticket options or call the Reed College Bookstore at (503) 517-7935.
Martha Westgate and Molly Rogers proposed applying for a PDX Community Vision Project Grant, which is part of the City’s “2040 Project.” Ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, the grants are available to support the gathering of information and public outreach/community building. Molly participates in the Center Commons Home Owners Association and plans to write the grant. Center Neighborhood was asked to participate by being a sponsor.
Discussion points included: plans for the project such as a potluck or social gathering at the Center Commons that used focus groups to gather info about the needs of our neighbors; students from PSU collecting and compiling survey data from MAX riders; and working with the Somali Women’s Mentor Program to provide interpreters for this outreach work.
Bridgett pointed out the City hopes people will use the grant funds to hook into structures or events that already exits. Ideas were shared about putting the survey questions into the Center newsletter, scheduling the focus groups for National Night Out gatherings, holding an ice cream social at Shogren House. All neighbors prefer that these events are inclusive to all Center Neighborhood residents rather than limiting participating in any events to only Center Commons residents.
ACTION: The Center Board Members approved support for this via $1,000 sponsorship of events and publicity…survey questions included in the June newsletter and a July social event for neighbors or National Night Out in August. Robert was given permission to work on this with Molly and Martha, as the deadline for the application was Jan. 31, 2006.
We need folks to work on National Night Out event.
Nicko Landee & Matt Nicely, neighbors at 64th & Oregon shared their draft of a letter for Board approval regarding the stairs on the NW corner of the Fred Meyer property. They propose removing or moving the stairs and other neighbors support this. Suggestions included sending letter to Fred Meyer corporate offices as well as copies to the local store and S.E. Precinct. Matt is looking for definitions/conditions required for a street to be considered a “pedestrian thoroughfare” as Fred’s argues Oregon Street to be such…regardless that portions of the street have no sidewalks.
ACTION: Robert was given permission to sign this letter on behalf of the Center Neighborhood Association.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Treasure’s Report: Robert reports that there is $7,069.28 and $634.57 in the main and small business check accounting respectively. Question as to whether the bill for the printing and postage of the last newsletter has been paid and/or if there is other outstanding debt.
Land Use: Barry was unable to attend this meeting…see above notes about S.W. corner of 60th & Glisan. The zone change from R5-R1 has been recorded but, so far, no building permits have been issued regarding the property development at 6305 N.E. Oregon St.
SEUL: See above notes for info from Shirley.
Neighborhood Connections/Transportation: Martha reported that the Center committee continues to meet with Laurelhurst N.A. and Providence Medical Center work groups and invites participation at the next meeting Jan. 26. The “Eastside Hub” project reports that drive trips are down by 8.6% and that next years walking tours program will include areas north of the Banfield Expressway such as Hollywood, Rose City Park areas and will include areas from Lloyd Center toward the Columbia River.
Newsletter: Submissions due in April for late May distribution of June Newsletter…?
Discussion of distribution plan…it costs a lot to mail but other option is to get people out into the neighborhood to deliver by hand. Printing has occurred via David Delk in the past…Robert will check with him to see is this will continue. Discussions need to continue at next meeting and include editorial duties, advertising & business liaison volunteer.
Neighborhood Clean Up: John will coordinate this event again but needs help! Will be scheduled on a weekend around the end of May or early June. Need to continue this discussion at next meeting and try to line up people to help with the event & with “door-hanger” announcements.
******MEETING ADJOURNED AROUND 8:30 P.M. ?