By Erik Van Hagen | LUTC member
Here is a rundown of just some of the topics discussed by the Concordia Neighborhood Association Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC) in January and February.
Dekum Court
Home Forward (formerly Housing Authority of Portland) representatives offered a presentation on its plans to rebuild and increase the supply of affordable housing in our neighborhood. The redevelopment of Dekum Court, 2400 block of Morgan Street, will replace 40 apartments and add 160 more.
The construction will be phased to avoid displacing families currently living there. With the increase of rent and home prices significantly outstripping incomes, projects like this one will improve housing options and affordability in Concordia. Funding for this project comes from the 2018 voter-approved Metro affordable housing bond.
Columbia/Lombard Corridor
A representative from Portland Bureau of Transportation discussed proposed changes to improve safety on Columbia and Lombard. Our conversation focused on whether the project, as designed, goes far enough to protect vulnerable road users. The project is currently not funded, so there is no timeline for delivery.
For details, see Garlynn Windsong’s report above.
Concordia University Closure
Of course the biggest news was the shocking demise of Concordia University – for which our neighborhood was named – whose officials announced abruptly it is closing at the end of the academic year. We heard about some of the factors that appear to have contributed to the decision, and assistance that is being provided to help students who have been placed in the difficult position of having their university close.
It is too soon to know what may become of the roughly 24-acre campus, which is zoned CI1, a multi-use zone for larger institutional campuses in residential neighborhoods. Obviously the entire neighborhood will be watching with interest.
The LUTC meets every third Wednesday of the month in the Kennedy School community room at 7 p.m. The next meeting is April 15. All are welcome.