These past few months the board has been busy with more transitions, goal setting for the next year, and planning the December 21 vigil in remembrance of B-W resident Gayle Phillips, who was struck and killed by a car while in the crosswalk at NE Fremont and 44th on that date a year ago. The board also voted to explore a neighborhood clean-up event in partnership with Beaumont Middle School in spring 2023, an event that aligns with one of the goals the board set at its October retreat. See related article on page 5.
Friends of Wilshire Park
Friends of Wilshire Park celebrated raising all the money needed to bring water to the dog park at an event at the park held Oct. 30. For more details about this event and a comprehensive look at the work of FoWP, see page 12.
Land Use
A public notice was issued regarding the Hollywood HUB project proposed for the existing Hollywood Transit Center, located at 4110 NE Halsey St. An informational meeting was held Nov. 15 on the proposed 228,000-square-foot, 12-story building planned for 222 affordable housing units. For more information visit hollywoodhubpdx.com.
Transportation
As noted in an article by Transportation Committee Chair John Sandie in our last newsletter, in response to BWNA outreach for improved pedestrian safety, Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) made improvements along NE Fremont last fall. They include lighting enhancements and an additional light at NE 43rd and Fremont streets.
PBOT also completed the installation of soft bump outs at marked crosswalks at NE 44th, 46th and 47th streets. These soft bump-outs prevent parked cars from encroaching on the crosswalk and help maintain visibility.
Artwork for Soft Bump-Out Areas
Artwork is planned for these soft bump-out areas with the following themes: “Gayle’s Crossing” at NE 44th, “Beaumont Crossing” for NE 46th, and “Beautiful PNW” for the crossing near Amalfi’s. John Sandie is coordinating the artwork for these crossings, planned for spring/summer 2023. All art must meet PBOT guidelines, including no use of words, and final images must be approved by the city. BWNA hopes this will be a community engaging activity that beautifies our neighborhood.
Alameda/Fremont Diversion
The Alameda/Fremont traffic diversion pilot is planned for installation in winter/early spring 2023. Visit portland.gov/transportation/safreetspdx/ne-alameda-and-ne-fremont.
Skidmore Bikeway Improvements
The City of Portland reports it’s working on development of concepts for the Skidmore Bikeway improvements between NE 33rd and 37th, fronting Wilshire Park. They tentatively plan to present updates at the Feb. 13 BWNA general meeting.
No Truth in NE 38th Knott/Stanton as One-Way
Rumors regarding elimination of parking and one-way designation on NE 38th between Knott and Stanton were dispelled by PBOT. Speed bumps may be considered for this street, but nothing is planned currently.
Volunteer Opportunities
BWNA Newsletter Production Team
The BWNA newsletter team could really use more news and feature writers with interview experience. Volunteers don’t need to commit to an article every issue—any help is appreciated. The part is getting to know residents or business owners in our neighborhood, so give a little time to your community, get to know your neighbors, and use your talent. A trifecta for you and BWNA! Ask questions and get answers by emailing Editor@BWNApdx.org or call Susan Trabucco at 503-440-7732.
BWNA Newsletter Distribution Team
Get a walk in, meet new neighbors, and help bring important news and information to the neighborhood. The newsletter distribution team is seeking people to hand-deliver the BWNA newsletter to a prescribed route in the neighborhood just every-other-month or in a fill-in capacity. Email John Sandie at SandieFam@gmail.com or Georgina Head at Georginafh@outlook.com.