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Bridlemile Neighborhood Association November, 2014 Newsletter
Some of the 230+ neighbors at the Bridlemile Neighborhood Association National Night Out Celebration, August.
Regular meetings are the second Wednesday of each month, September - June, at Bridlemile Elementary School.
[LAND USE]
Portland Comprehensive Plan Update. The City of Portland is updating its Comprehensive Plan, a long-range 20-year plan that sets the framework for the physical development of the city. This was our major topic for our October 8, 2014 BNA meeting, with our guest Joan Frederiksen, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, West District Liaison. Joan shared a summary of the comp plan and the public involvement process. There is a good summary of the framework of the Comp Plan, entitled, "Urban Design Direction: Concept - Objectives - Framework" available at BPS's Comp Plan web site (links below).
The key concerns raised by Bridlemile NA residents were ensuring that there is adequate time for public comments, that neighborhood associations are explicitly recognized in the public process, and walkability in the Bridlemile Neighborhood.
In response to concerns from SWNI representatives, public testimony will be held open until March 13, 2015.
The Bridlemile Neighborhood has a very poor walkability score, according to a January 27, 2010 summary by Joan Frederiksen. She writes, "Walk score is based on distance to various amenities from each address in a neighborhood." City average walk score is 66, SW Portland is 56 and Bridlemile is 46. A key direction in the Comp Plan draft is to "create complete neighborhoods." These are places "where people of all ages and abilities have safe and convenient access to more of the goods and services needed in daily life, ... grocery stores, schools, libraries, parks and gathering places on foot or by bike." BNA will prepare comments on how well the Comp Plan addresses improving walk scores.
As Bob Sallinger, Conservation Director at Audubon Society of Portland writes, "... this is the plan that really matters. It represents a legally enforceable framework for where we protect and where we develop, how we invest public dollars in infrastructure, and how we decide when one land use goal conflicts with another."
For full information, see the 2035 Comprehensive Plan Proposed Draft. This web page covers the draft plan and public involvement process.) We encourage residents to engage in the review process, which is described in this SW News.
Home demolition and redevelopment process. Bridlemile NA will consider an endorsement of a resolution proposed by United Neighborhoods for Reform (UNR), to be presented to the Portland City Council by mid-December 2014. This resolution is the result of several neighborhood summits representing 21 neighborhoods and many committee meetings to develop petition language. Discussion covered issues including demolition and the size of replacement houses, loss of affordable housing, impact of lot splitting on many neighborhoods, and exposure to asbestos and lead resulting from demolitions. For more information, see the header, "United Neighbors for Reform Demolition/Development Resolution" on the Bridlemile NA website, or contact BNA Land Use Chair, Claire Coleman-Evans, [email protected]. Opposition to Demolition of Historic Ballow* & Wright Building at 1727 NW Hoyt Street. Richard U'Ren and Annette Jolin,Northwest District Association members and residents, have requested that BNA consider opposing this demolition. If you have comments or questions, please contact BNA Land Use Chair, Claire Coleman-Evans, [email protected]. Richard and Annette write: We are asking for your support in opposing the demolition of a historic building. The building, which is also referred to as the Buck-Prager building, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing resource in the Alphabet Historic District in Northwest Portland. A public hearing concerning the demolition will be held before the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission on November 17, 2014.
The Ballow & Wright building, constructed in 1918, was originally occupied by the Portland Women's Hospital and later the Oregon College of Art & Craft. It is a handsome two-story brick building. Its demolition is intended to allow for the construction of a six-story, 82 unit apartment building.
We are opposed to the demolition for several reasons. First, granting the demolition of a historic contributing building to allow an apartment building eases the path to the destruction of other historic resources in the city, i.e. it sets a precedent with likely harmful consequences for historic preservation efforts all over Portland, including your neighborhood. Second, the construction of a six-story apartment building on the site is incompatible, in terms of scale, form, and character, with the surrounding homes. These homes, built in the last two decades of the 19th century, define two of the more picturesque streets in Portland. A large, out-of-scale apartment building sandwiched between these two streets would seriously compromise the unique historic appearance of the area.
The Northwest District Association strongly opposes the demolition of the Ballow & Wright building and has sent a letter to the mayor, the city commissioners, and the Historic Landmarks Commission detailing their reasons.
Self-storage Development Proposed for 4322 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy. According to SWNI's Leonard Gard, a long-expected redevelopment at the flat area tucked in against the hills coming down to B-Hwy on the south side. The Cactus Jack restaurant is nearby.The development itself is in Hayhurst, directly across BHH from Bridlemile. See these design drawings (originals on-file as SWNI.) The developer expects to file land use proposals--for an adjustment and for design review.
[PARKS]
 City of Portland Parks Replacement Bond measure 26-159 Passed 74% to 26%. Bridlemile NA supported this measure. The measure includes turf renovation and reopening of Rieke regional soccer field. According to Portland Parks and Recreation, "Funds are for urgent repairs and other capital costs, not park operations. The measure would authorize up to $68 million in general obligation bonds to make repairs and improvements and prevent more closures like we've seen at Couch playground and the Maple Trail in Forest Park. The bond will be subject to an oversight committee, annual reports and audits." The bond replaces an expiring bond originally passed in 1994. It does not increase today's tax rate. For more information, see www.fixourparks.org, and Parks Replacement Bond, Proposed Repairs and Parks Projects.
[TRANSPORTATION]
Bus News to Know: Did you know that Tri-Met is proposing improved service and route changes in SW Portland which directly effect Bridlemile residents and area streets - Hamilton, Shattuck, Patton, Dosch, B-H Hwy, Scholls Ferry Rd? Called the Southwest Service Enhancement Plan, this process began in Fall 2013 and in summer 2014 Tri-Met began seeking public feedback on this draft vision. They are now in draft refinement and will look for public testimony in late Fall 2014/early Winter 2015. To add your voice, view the map, and sign up for email updates, see http://future.trimet.org/southwest
and remember to share your comments with our neighborhood association in person at monthly meetings or by email to [email protected]. TriMet representative Tom Mills will speak at our December 10 meeting.
[WATER QUALITY]
Portland BES proposes roadside swales on SW Hamilton: According to a recent memo from the Bureau of Environmental Services, they are designing improvements to about 920 feet of ditches along SW Hamilton St between SW 45 and SW 47 th and at SW 40 th. Work will begin in spring-summer 2015. The project is intended to improve water quality in Fanno Creek and improve pedestrian safety on SW Hamilton St. The project will plant swales with a combination of low-growing plants. The vegetation will help protect the channel from erosion and may help reduce stormwater pollutants. The work will include adding four-foot wide, paved shoulders in partnership with Portland Bureau of Transportation. BES representatives will attend our November 12 meeting to discuss the project. For more complete information, see BES, SW Hamilton Roadside Swales. Bridlemile November 12 Agenda: Our September meeting is Wednesday, November 12, 6:30pm, at the Faculty Lounge, Bridlemile School. Introductions and welcomes Committee reports, police report Guests from Portland BES: proposed roadside swales, SW Hamilton Land Use: Comprehensive Plan update: addressing walkability Demolitions of single-family homes, endorse resolution of United Neighborhoods for Reform? Oppose demolition of Historic Ballow & Wright Building? City's position on short term rentals in condos and apartments We look forward to seeing you there! Upcoming meetings, tentative agendas. December: TriMet Southwest Service enhancement plan. Please contact Steve Mullinax, [email protected] for more information, or to suggest additional agenda topics.
[OTHER]
SWNI Tree Code Workshop, Tuesday, November 18th, 6-8pm, Multnomah Arts Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy. The workshop's purpose is to share information about the new city tree code (Title 11 of the city code_ that comes into effect on January 1, 2015. The workshop is free. Whether you are a property owner, or in the business of cutting or pruning tree, this is an event you should attend. More on the workshop here.
Portland Firefighters are conducting free Home Safety Checks for Portland residents in certain neighborhoods upon request. Home Safety Checks are voluntary and purely educational. During the visits, firefighters will walk through your home and check for fire & safety hazards, answer questions, test and install smoke alarms if needed, and provide you with a checklist of recommendations for keeping your home safe from fire. TO SCHEDULE A HOME SAFETY CHECK:- Call (503)823-3487 and leave a message with your name, address, and phone number so we can call back to schedule a safety check. Or- Email your request to [email protected] We will get back to you within 7 business days to schedule an appointment.
Tips for Staying Cozy this Winter, From Clean Energy Works. After a hot summer, temperatures are finally dropping-and winter is just around the corner. Grab a coffee or a hot apple cider, put on your favorite flannel, and cuddle up to your sweetie because we've got you covered when it comes to the best tips for keeping toasty indoors.
Take advantage of winter sun. Yes, there is sun, even in Oregon winter! When it's shining, be sure to open south-facing window curtains, drapes, and blinds during the day, so the sunlight can naturally heat your home. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.
Cover drafty windows. Tape a do-it-yourself, clear, plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame. Installing window treatments, such as blinds, drapes, or shades, can also help reduce heat loss.
Adjust the temperature. Set the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you're not home to use less energy and lower utility bills. Lowering the temperature slightly at night and adding an extra blanket to the bed keeps the whole family extra cozy.
Give your home a free check up from Clean Energy Works. Your home does a lot for you-everyone needs a check up every once in a while. We'll give you a complete look at all the ways you can improve your home: becoming more efficient, creating comfort, providing better air quality, and even being safe during an earthquake. Take an online eValuation, and use HomeScope to see what your neighbors are doing for their homes-with all kinds of information on rebates and financing available when you're ready for a home upgrade. It's all available at: www.cleanenergyworksoregon.org.
Southwest News: To stay abreast of happenings in all Southwest Portland neighborhoods, visit the SW Neighborhoods, Inc. web site. Sign up here to receive the free monthly SW News newspaper, delivered to your mailbox. Or read SW News online.
Bridlemile September Real Estate Recap
| | May | June | July | August | September | October | | Homes Sold | 14 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 10 | | Avgerage Sold Price | $657,023 | $647,380 | $448,267 | $705,780 | $469,400 | $516,650 | | Avg. Price per Sq Ft | $200.00 | $220.59 | $215.96 | $237.63 | $200.57 | $236.27 | | Avg. days on the market | 63 | 68 | 11 | 47 | 52 | 38 | | Active Listings at end of month | 18 | 18 | 27 | 28 | 21 | 23 | | Pending sales at end of month | 11 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 7 | | Cancelled or withdrawn sales | 0 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | | Total propert Available in the month | 43 | 51 | 51 | 54 | 46 | 44 | | New properties listed that month | 13 | 20 | 13 | 13 | 4 | 11 |
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