Air Quality Focus of BWNA June Meeting
At its general meeting on June 12, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., BWNA will host presenters from environmental organizations who will discuss air quality and diesel emissions that may affect our neighborhood. At press time, the location (if held in person) or the Zoom link (if virtual) was not available. For more information check the upcoming events page on the BWNA website just prior to the meeting date at bwnapdx.org/upcoming-events.
Last Thursdays on NE Alberta
This annual community event is held on Alberta Street from NE 15th to NE 30th avenues on the last Thursday of the summer months. The festivities run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and are free to all artists and art vendors, musicians, performers, and visitors. Alberta Street is closed to traffic for Last Thursdays. This year’s Last Thursday dates are June 29, July 27, and Aug. 31. For more info visit lastthursdayalberta.org.
Trash CAN be Beautiful!
Last July the City of Portland put out an inquiry to area organizations seeking input on desired locations for 150 new, city-maintained trash cans in NE Portland. The Beaumont Business Association and BWNA both made requests, and ta da — there are now seven of the new cans in and around Beaumont-Wilshire! The new, art-adorned trash receptacles can be found along Fremont between NE 41st and NE 57th avenues. Trash will be collected twice a week by a city-paid woman- or minority-owned trash hauler.
Sick of Graffiti? Help is Here!
With the uptick in graffiti around the neighborhood, BWNA board member Angela Frome has made it her personal mission to research available removal help. She’s found that businesses and residents can apply for no-charge graffiti removal from the City of Portland. An agreement with the property owner is required to give the city permission to access a property. To find the agreement and application visit portland.gov/sites/default/files/2022/graffiti-removal-service-agreement-2022.pdf.
Graffiti removal kits are available for free, too. Per the City of Portland’s website, the kits work best on nonporous surfaces, like glass, plastic, and metal, and are not suitable for removing large graffiti. To request a removal kit email graffiti@portlandoregon.gov.
Stair Clean-Up Crew Did It Again!
It’s happened like clockwork every spring since 2014. A small band of dedicated volunteers, led by organizer Dave Whitaker, grab their tools and don their work clothes and gloves to clean up the natural debris and unsightly trash that accumulate during the winter on the public stairway at NE 43rd between Alameda and Wisteria.
This spring, the event took place on a brisk 38-degree day. Regardless of the inclement weather, the threesome was able to muster smiles for the camera. Our thanks to the volunteer crew. Pictured below are from left, Dave Whitaker, Perry Colclasure, and John Sandie. Many thanks to these fine gentlemen for braving the elements to provide a more welcoming stairway for the neighborhood.