October’s Highlights
Some key issues were discussed and actions taken at the October 13th BWNA General meeting. Timing is getting short on the City’s Comprehensive Plan Input phase and many residents and neighborhood associations are concerned with lack of definition on some zoning definitions that could have significant and long lasting impacts. Therefore, BWNA voted to support a resolution advanced by the Multnomah Neighborhood Association to extend the public input phase 90 days after key zoning definitions are made public. In addition, the BWNA will make recommendations to reduce planned height limits along the commercial corridor of Fremont (roughly 40th through 57th Avenues).
The efforts to better manage demolition and development of single family residences actively continues as year end targets for City Council decisions quickly approach. BWNA representatives, along with those from 20+ neighborhood associations, are working hard on proposals to influence advisory councils’ recommendations to the Council. An online petition has been formed to demonstrate support for demolition reforms; visit http://tinyurl.com/stopthedemolitions to review the petition and add your support and help deliver a message to City Council.
In a somewhat related topic of maintaining neighborhood character, an Urban Forestry representative introduced their Street Tree Inventory campaign of 2015. See PortlandOregon.gov/Parks/Treeinventory for details or contact Danielle Voisin, Danielle.Voisin@PortlandOregon.gov or 503-260-5235, to discover how you can get involved.
Representatives from the new medical marijuana dispensary presented their thoughts on the type of discreet business they plan to manage, and Katy Fackler represented neighbor’s concerns of “fit” in our family friendly area – along with some legality issues being pursued with governmental agencies.
Looking ahead: December BWNA meeting
Mark December 8th on your calendars for the annual Holiday Treats BWNA general meeting. Share the holiday fare along with meeting old and new neighbors, hear about the latest comings and goings and offer your ideas on how we can improve our wonderful Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood.