It’s been a year since the launching of United Neighborhoods for Reform (UNR), the citywide “Stop the Demolition” grassroots group with its roots in Beaumont-Wilshire (arguably the neighborhood poster child for willy-nilly demolition). Yet destruction of smaller, viable homes continues unabated as construction of significantly larger, more expensive replacement homes booms along, seemingly without regard for neighborhood character or heritage. Exasperated neighbors wonder when, if ever, the tide will turn. Answer: thanks to the persistence of UNR, its network of supporters, and Mayor Hales, the tide appears to be shifting.
Central to UNR’s Demolition/Development Resolution (endorsed by over 40 neighborhood associations) is the creation of a citizens task force charged with recommending building code revisions that would “…limit the mass, footprint, setbacks, and height of construction to that of the average of existing homes within a specified distance.” The underlying assumption is that limits on height and footprint would make it considerably more difficult for developers to legally construct oversized million-dollar homes on a block populated by significantly smaller homes, thus reducing the financial incentive to demolish existing homes in the first place. It’s an idea whose time has come in cities across the nation, from Austin to L.A. But is it feasible in Portland? Mayor Charlie Hales thinks so, and he’s been making the case for it in various forums since his State of the City address last January. Finally in June, the City Council agreed to fund his initiative—the “Residential Infill Project”—which created a task force along the lines of the one described in UNR’s resolution.
Called the “Stakeholder Advisory Committee” (acronym “SAC”), the task force is under the direction of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The stated goal of the project is “…to ensure that new or remodeled homes are well integrated and complement the fabric of neighborhoods.” The makeup of SAC is “…comprised of neighborhood representatives along with other individuals and organization representatives having…knowledge…and expertise… in sustainable development.” (The final selection of this 21-member advisory committee was made by the mayor from applications submitted in July and August.) Finally, it’s “an 18-month-long project, starting in September with twice–monthly meetings, concepts translated into zoning regulations and vetted…through the public hearing and legislative process for final adoption at the end of 2016.” (www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/infill)
The obvious elephant in the room is the length of time it takes for this process to produce results. After all, a lot of demolitions can take place in a year-and-a-half, which begs the question: what can be done to slow the pace of demolitions in the interim? Well, one thing’s for sure: when homeowners sell to buyers who plan to live in the houses they purchase, demolitions don’t occur. BWNA is supportive of those taking this route. For advice, e-mail Pres. John Sandie (president@bwna.us).
I’ll close with a personal anecdote that just may be a sign of things to come. Over the summer an older couple sent a letter to our house explaining that they might be interested in buying our home (which is not for sale). The letter explained that they were looking to downsize and purchase a home in our neighborhood in order to be closer to their grandchildren and that our ranch-style house might be just the right fit for them down the line because of the absence of stairs. (They assumed one level, but we have a finished basement.) Curious to find out if the couple was legitimate, I phoned the number provided and ended up having a nice chat with the husband, who convinced me that everything was on the up-and-up, especially the letter’s last sentence: “Be assured that we plan a long-term purchase for our personal use and that we have no intention of demolishing the house, adding more stories, splitting the lots, or engaging in any other activity that would negatively impact the character of the neighborhood.” UNR, BWNA, and the mayor couldn’t have said it better.