President’s Message
Beaumont-Wilshire residents are generally a pretty laid-back, contented bunch. And why not? We live in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city—beautiful environs, family-friendly park, vibrant business community, popular schools, comparatively low crime rate, etc. But every so often an issue comes along that strikes a collective nerve and awakens the neighborhood from complacency. Several years ago it was the threatened elimination of a vital TriMet bus line that galvanized opinion and moved residents (and BWNA) to action; a few years back, a proposed cell tower adjacent to a residential area; and in recent years, coyote attacks on pets, traffic safety concerns, graffiti on the park mural, and poorly maintained stairwells between Alameda and Wistaria. Lately however, one controversy has dominated discussion not to mention the local landscape: large new dwellings towering above older ones—an issue as contentious as it is complex.
From a philosophical standpoint, “largeness” is relative. It depends on the context. Put me in a kindergarten classroom, and I’m the giant. Put me in the Blazer locker room, and I’m the pipsqueak. “Largeness” is also perceived differently in terms of aesthetics. Some are attracted more to larger people, some more to smaller people. Bottom line: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. . .and that applies to building design as well as people. A structure that appears outlandishly out of place to some may be a dream home for others. Different strokes for different folks, right?
Well, yes and no. Yes, each of us has the right to our own personal preferences; but no, we don’t have the right to impose those preferences on others willy-nilly. Imposition of preferences in our society is regulated by laws and ordinances passed by elected representatives paid by us to make tough decisions. If a change in zoning and building codes is your preference, go organize and persuade the politicians. But where to start? Neighborhood associations can provide the vehicle to launch neighborhood campaigns and network in concert with other associations.
BWNA has been active over the years in passing resolutions in support or in opposition to a variety of issues facing the B-W neighborhood, be it residential cell tower construction, traffic calming projects, or the apartment project on Fremont St. with no provision for on-site parking. The final say on whether or not to pursue a particular resolution is made by your elected neighborhood representatives—the Board of Directors—who, as I’m sure you’re well aware, are paid nothing for making their tough decisions. Moreover, the Board can never be certain that its decisions actually jibe with the will of the majority, because there isn’t enough funding available for professional polling and not enough volunteers to conduct door-to-door surveys at over 2000 residences. Which begs the question: On what basis does the Board decide? The Board hears proposals and testimony from residents at general meetings, Board meetings, and, on occasion, at special community meetings convened to focus on a particularly “hot” issue. Like those held at Beaumont Middle School on the proposed cell tower project and at Bethany Lutheran Church on the Fremont apartment project (both of which had overflow crowds and media). The Board later reviews the testimony, debates points, and votes.
It’s not for the weak at heart at times, but working through quandaries for the good of the neighborhood is gratifying. Interested in serving on the Board? One position is open. Contact me at president@bwna.us and I’ll provide you with details.