Author Archives: Val Humble

Environmental Issues

The Big Stink & Air Pollution In General

In case you haven’t heard about it (or smelled it…), we’d like to let you know that our neighbors on Hayden Island are going gangbusters to deal with an environmental issue they most unfortunately have to deal with far too often… The Big Stink!

Here’s a link to the website they put together that pretty well tells the story…

Portland North Harbor Neighbors – pdxnhn.org

Given the shifting winds around here, it’s not uncommon for some of that foul stench to blow our way. So, whether you’re motivated by civic involvement or olifactory self-interest, we encourage you to take a moment to check out their site and get involved.

More resources on The Big Stink – and air pollution issues in this area in general…

The Portland Tribune ran an article on March 7, 2017: The Big Stink on Hayden Island

Neighbors for Clean Air 

Volkswagen Settlement Fuels A Fight To Phase Out Dirty Old Diesel Engines

The Diesel You Breathe

Cleaner Air Oregon

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Local Issues

ECNA Land Use & Housing Vitality Forum

ECNA LAND USE & HOUSING VITALITY FORUM

Thursday, April 06, 2017
7:00 – 8:30 PM
Columbia Community Bible Church
420 NE Marine Dr.
Portland, OR.

Agenda:
1. Why did BES (BUREAU OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES) purchase 5-6 (approximate) larger parcel properties and what is the current proposal to purchase the western 17 acres of the Brandwein (between ne South Shore R. and NE Meadow Dr. west of NE 13th Ave) property?
2.  Which program did the city tap to pay over a million dollars for these property purchases ?  Did city PDX City Council approve these purchases?  What mission plan is in place?
3. With city ownership, does this property contribute to our tax base?
4. Penn2 (Peninsula Drainage District #2) drainage assessment; will the city pick up their portion of the fees or will the private property owners pick up the tab?
5. The ECNA NRMP (Natural Resources Management Plan) has been guiding development since 1990.  What input from our ECNA plan and formal communications will BES have with the neighbors about future land divisions and use of these properties including the upland portions?
6. Will dividing off the wetlands terminate the aggregate concepts formula for maintaining future housing?

Open Discussion.

Martha Johnston (503-720-5035)
Land Use Committee Chair

ps – Martha relayed this to me on 3/29. Apologies for the delay in posting. – LL

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City wide issues

Future of Washington Park

Portland Parks & Recreation
 
 
 
– You’re invited –
Party in the Park!
Saturday, April 8  |  10:00 am – 2:00 pm
World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall
Help us shape Washington Park for the next 25 years.
 
 
Review the proposed Washington Park master plan options
and let us know what you think.
Do you love visiting Washington Park, or do you avoid it? Or maybe you think the park is for someone else, but not for you? We want to know. Give us your feedback on the proposed master plan concepts.
Washington Park is a Portland icon, and beloved by many. Now we have a chance to make it better and more inviting for all Portlanders. We’re looking for community members to shape the future of Washington Park by reviewing two master plan concepts, and giving us your feedback.
We want to make sure Washington Park is YOUR park!
Can’t make it in person? We will have an online survey available after April 7 to leave your comments and make a lasting mark on Washington Park.
 
Party in the Park!
Saturday, April 8  |  10:00 am – 2:00 pm
World Forestry Center, Cheatham Hall
4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland
Presentations on the Master Plan concepts will be held at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.
Meet the team leading this project, view the concepts, provide your input, enter a drawing to win a prize, enjoy refreshments, and explore the park!
Washington Park is “Portland’s backyard” with 450 acres of beautiful gardens and natural areas, and many of the City’s key attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Oregon Zoo, Portland Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum. We’re currently planning for the future of this iconic park by updating its master plan. The final master plan for Washington Park will be completed by winter 2017.
 
Click for more information on the Washington Park Master Plan
 
 
PORTLANDPARKS.ORG
503-823-PLAY (7529)
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Local Issues

April Tools Day
 
APRIL TOOLS DAY

Join us on Saturday, April 1, from 2pm-3pm to celebrate the grand opening of the North Portland Tool Library Annex!  The building is complete and we’re excited to open it up to you on “April Tools’ Day” in the backyard of the Historic Kenton Firehouse, located at 2209 N. Schofield St.  

 
Help us design the interior of the Annex.  And enter the FREE RAFFLE for prizes – tools; NPTL swag; and the grand prize, a DeWalt cordless combination power tool kit that includes a drill/driver, circular saw, flashlight, reciprocating saw, 2 battery packs, charger and attractive carrying case ($220.00 value!!).  We’ll provide afternoon snacks and “Tool-Aid.” Kids are welcome. 
 
We hope to see you there!

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