Concordia Neighborhood Association | Portland, Oregon

Author Archives: Gordon Riggs

North Runway Closes for Two Months

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The north runway at Portland International Airport (PDX) will temporarily close on Tuesday, August 3. The closure is scheduled to last approximately 2 months and is needed to complete work on the North Runway Extension (NREX) project which is part of a three-year runway rehabilitation program at PDX. Due to the closure, the crosswind and south runways will carry higher than normal volumes of air traffic until the north runway reopens this fall. Neighbors near the airport are likely to notice this change in aircraft operations, especially underneath the arrival and departure pattern for the crosswind runway.

For a list of the events where you can find Port staff this summer, a current status report on the project or to schedule a presentation, check our related link below.

Related Link:
North Runway Extension

Contacts:
Brooke Berglund, Community Affairs, 503.415.6532
Noise Management Hotline, 503.460.4100 / 800.938.6647

Bureau of Development Services Implements Tall Grass and Weed Complaint Pilot Project

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Effective July 19, 2010. In an effort to provide the highest level of service, while maximizing limited resources, the Bureau of Development Services has created a pilot project for the summer that allows citizens to submit online complaints accompanied with a digital photograph of tall grass and weed violations at properties within the City of Portland.

Title 29 of Portland City Code requires the owner of any property to cut and remove, and keep cut and removed all weeds, and grass that are located in lawn areas and have a prevailing height of more than 10 inches. In October 2009, BDS was forced to prioritize various enforcement/complaint types in order to effectively process the most critical cases with reduced resources. Unfortunately, limited resources have not allowed BDS to respond to tall grass and weed complaints.

Even though tall grass and weed conditions have been deemed a lower priority, I do understand the importance of the outdoor maintenance regulations as they relate to increased vandalism, graffiti, and other conditions that can lead to neighborhood deterioration said Paul Scarlett, Bureau of Development Services Director. While BDS enforcement resources remain limited at this time, we are very excited to create this opportunity to allow citizens to partner with us to address tall grass and weed violations to improve the livability and safety of our community.

To participate in the pilot project and report a property with grass and weeds in excess of 10 inches high, citizens are encouraged to submit a complaint accompanied by a digital photograph online at:

http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/gwcomplaints.

Due to limited resources, complaints may only be submitted online and must be accompanied by a digital photograph of the reported violation.

You can also get more information regarding this pilot program by visiting:

http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/gwinfo

Ross Caron, Bureau of Development Services 503.823.4268

Loveness Wesa to Preform at Ainsworth United Church of Christ

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Loveness Wesa Bantu Performance
August 28, 2010, 7:30-9 p.m.
Ainsworth United Church of Christ
2941 NE Ainsworth, Portland
$10 suggested donation at door

The Ainsworth United Church of Christ Service Commission and the Kgotso African Cultural Arts of Portland presents a performance of original African music and dance by Loveness Wesa Bantu.

Admission is by donation at the door, with suggested amounts $10 per adult; $5 for under 18. The general public is invited. Light refreshments and snacks provided.

Concordia Tree Inventory Meeting, Tuesday, July 20 at Kennedy School

Posted on by Posted in Archive, Land Use & Transportation, Trees

Tree

Tuesday, July 20
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Concordia Community Room, Kennedy School

Walking through the neighborhood, do you see too few trees and too many empty planting spaces? Lack of maintenance? Poor quality trees? Your opinions on the state of Concordia’s trees are needed.

Join the Concordia Tree Team for a tree stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, July 20 to share your concerns about the neighborhood’s trees: problems, positives, questions, and solutions.

Feedback will be used to guide a custom inventory of Concordia’s street trees, conducted by volunteers with the help of Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry. Trained volunteers and staff will walk the neighborhood collecting data on tree species, size, site conditions, and available planting spaces.

Data will be used to create a neighborhood stewardship plan and guide urban forest management decisions.

Can’t attend the meeting? Take the Tree Survey here:
http://www.kwiksurveys.com?s=KLJOFM_687f494e

Columbia Slough Regatta Sunday, July 25

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Columbia Slough Regatta, Sunday, July 25

The Columbia Slough Small Craft Regatta, the largest one-day paddle in Oregon, returns for its 16th anniversary on Sunday, July 25th from 9 am to 1 pm. This annual celebration of the Columbia Slough highlights recreation opportunities on this hidden gem of local waterways, and draws more than 400 participants for a morning of free paddling and fun.

This year’s Regatta launches from the Multnomah County Drainage District at 1880 NE Elrod Dr in Portland. Paddlers can travel east through a shaded wetland that is home to bald eagles, deer, river otters, and fish. Before and after paddling, participants can visit with local environmental and water-based organizations and enjoy hands-on nature activities. Free t-shirts and refreshments will be provided while supplies last.

“The Drainage District is pleased to host Regatta and is proud to be involved as both a founder and sponsor for this year’s sixteenth annual event on the Slough,” said Bob Eaton, executive director of the Multnomah County Drainage Districts. “It is great to have people’s excitement, and the vivid colors of the kayaks and canoes, surrounding us.”

Complimentary 45-minute canoe and kayak rentals are available through the Council, but advanced registration is required at www.columbiaslough.org or 503-956-8558. Life jackets and paddles are included with these rentals, which tend to fill up weeks in advance. Participants with their own human-powered watercraft and safety equipment are welcome to come without reservations, and crews will be available to help unload and transport boats. A voluntary donation of $7.00 per person is requested to support Columbia Slough Watershed Council programs and events.

“The Regatta is a celebration I look forward to each year,” said Susan Barthel, a long-time supporter of the Columbia Slough. “It’s amazing how much free fun we have in the city!”

The Columbia Slough Watershed Council is a diverse group of neighbors, property owners, businesses, environmental advocates, recreation activists, and government agencies representatives. Its mission is: “to foster action to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Columbia Slough and its watershed.”

Melissa Sandoz
Outreach Director

Columbia Slough Watershed Council
7040 NE 47th Ave
Portland, OR 97218
503.281.1132
www.columbiaslough.org

To foster action to protect, enhance, restore and revitalize the Slough and its watershed