At the Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association general meeting on March 14, residents at the Zoom meeting weighed in passionately—both pro and con—on a Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Greenway Pilot proposal to improve safety at the NE Alameda and Fremont intersection.
After a rash of vehicular accidents and near-accidents reported by residents who live nearby, BWNA raised concerns with PBOT. In response, PBOT presented its Greenway Pilot, a modification of its proposal to make permanent the temporary traffic calming measures on the Alameda Greenway (e.g., Orange barrels).
The Greenway program objective is to reduce vehicular traffic volume on Alameda to meet the program’s target of 1,000 cars per day. The pilot would eliminate left turns from Alameda or Fremont, and all Alameda thru traffic crossing Fremont. In doing so, cross traffic accidents would be reduced and the Greenway objective of reducing volume on Alameda would be met—but it would divert an estimated 1,700 cars a day through the neighborhood.
When time ran short for PBOT proposal discussion at the March 14 meeting, the board voted to hold a special meeting March 28 to allow more citizen input prior to voting on the pilot. Nearly 70 residents attended that Zoom meeting.
Special meeting brings opposition and support
Opposition to the pilot included concerns about reduced safety due to a potentially high-volume of rerouted traffic onto smaller, narrower streets with less visibility at Fremont and goals that were not specific, measurable, or related to the neighborhood’s primary concern of traffic accidents. There was also skepticism the “pilot” would become permanent without solving citizen concerns regarding safety along Fremont.
Advocates for the proposal spoke to the need to do something rather than lose PBOT’s interest and funding, that it better served the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, and the hope it would encourage fewer cars on the road.
Misunderstanding causes frustration, more work to be done
At that time, the board understood a “yes” vote on this proposal would move PBOT to proceed with the proposal, and a “no” vote would send PBOT back to the proverbial drawing board.
Ultimately the board voted the proposal down, but later found the vote was advisory only; PBOT will continue to collect data and make its own determination, frustrating board members and citizens alike.
“The good news,” said newly elected BWNA Board President Patty Nelson, “is our community has come together with a clear message that safety improvements are needed.”
The good news is our community has come together with a clear message that safety improvements are needed.
— Patty Nelson, BWNA president
Patty noted the board has compiled comments and will work to meet with PBOT.
“We hope to discuss how we can collaborate to improve safety along the Fremont corridor, including the Alameda and Fremont intersection.”
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