Tim Hemstreet is a native Oregonian who grew up in Beaverton with three siblings. He is a civil/environmental engineer with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He works for Pacific Power and helps to manage the company’s hydroelectric projects in Southern Oregon and Northern California. Tim and his wife, a native of Delaware, have two “fantastic” daughters, ages 9 and 11.
How long have you lived in the neighborhood and what’s your favorite part of living in the neighborhood?
My wife and I have lived in the neighborhood for more than 14 years, having purchased our home in May 2001. We were thrilled to buy a small little bungalow in a neighborhood with a vibrant main street and a great sense of community. Over the years, as our family has grown, we have taken on several major home-improvement projects to adapt the house to our needs, since we knew we wanted to stay in the neighborhood. Now, we hope to take a break from major projects and enjoy the results.
One of my favorite parts of living in the neighborhood is its friendly, established, but low-key nature. I also love the walkability of the neighborhood and the fact that we don’t need to get in the car to go to the hardware store, get groceries, or enjoy some of the best restaurants in town. Similarly, I love that we can drive downtown without getting on a freeway or by taking the bus or biking. Beaumont-Wilshire has so many great amenities and is full of people that genuinely know and care about their neighbors and community.
What’s your favorite neighborhood store or restaurant, and why?
There are so many great restaurants and stores in the neighborhood. I’ve had different favorites over the years, but for a long-term, consistent favorite, it would have to be Beaumont Market. I live just a block and a half away and, given that proximity, the market is essentially an extension of my refrigerator and pantry. The kids love the frozen yogurt machine, and I take advantage of the great beer selection.
What are you excited about as far as participating on the board? What are the issues you’re looking to help address as a member?
As far as participating on the board, I’m excited to get more involved in helping address the changes that are occurring in our neighborhood as a result of Portland’s continued growth. Some of these changes are great, but others are creating challenges to the livability of the neighborhood and have the potential to detract from the attributes that made this the place my wife and I decided to put down roots and raise a family. The epidemic of residential demolitions spurred me to get involved as a Board member, since the neighborhood association is advocating many positive changes that will preserve our neighborhood’s character. I hope to assist the Board in addressing residential demolitions and infill development so that these changes do not adversely impact our neighborhood.
Thank you, Tim, for your service!