By Garlynn Woodsong
It’s been another busy month of important land use and transportation issues affecting Concordia residents.
Proposed R5 to R2.5 Zoning change
Many neighbors talked with Nan Stark, NE District Liaison for the Bureau of Planning Services (BPS), March 16th at the Kennedy School Community Room about this “upzoning” that would allow properties between NE Killingsworth and Jarrett from NE 22nd to NE 33rd to be more easily sub-divided from the current one dwelling per 5,000 square foot lot into two 2,500 square foot lots. Though the CNA LUTC is on record opposing this change, BPS still believes it should be in the Comprehensive Plan.
Submit comments about these and other planned changes by testifying, in person or writing, for the Planning and Sustainability Commission Public Hearing at 12:30 pm April 12 and the City Council Hearing at 6 pm April 14. For more info, call 503) 823-7700 or visit www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/50531.
Residential Infill Project
The RIP Online Survey, that 7,200+ Portlanders responded to, reveals that protecting housing affordability, preserving neighborhood character, stopping demolitions of viable homes, and ensuring compatible density development are all top citizen priorities. Other key concerns are increased strains on parking, traffic, infrastructure, green & open spaces, and tree canopies. Finally, respondents want genuine input opportunities that result in positive changes to plans and specific code guidelines.
The “Bighouse Building”
Led by Jeff Hilber, a small team of dedicated neighborhood architect and development professionals is crafting cost-effective alternative design improvement suggestions to the 4-story, 30 apartment building planned for the “Bighouse”corner at NE 30th and Killingsworth that developer Brian Spencer, of 30th & K Properties LLC, agreed to consider when he presented preliminary design concepts at the February LUTC Meeting.
North Portland Highway Safety
In response to the tragic death of a bicyclist hit by a car in December, please “Ask ODOT” for “safe passage of all N. Portland Highway users, especially at the 33rd Ave. and 42nd St. crossings” by calling (888) 275-6368 or visiting www.oregon.gov/ODOT.
Concordia residents are always welcome at CNA LUTC Meetings, held at 7pm every third Wednesday in the Community Room in the SE corner of McMenamins Kennedy School. Click here to join the LUTC notification list; send your questions to landuse@concordiapdx.org.
Garlynn Woodsong is the Chair of the CNA Land Use & Transportation Committee.