The following information is a summary of BWNA board activities from approved board meeting minutes for February and March 2024, committee activities, and more. Find the full meeting minutes at BWNApdx.org.
Board Leadership Change
BWNA President Patty Nelson announced she would not be seeking re-election. She will continue on the board as Immediate Past President and serve as the District 2 Coalition Representative. See President’s Message on page 2 and related article on page 5.
Bylaw Revision
Board officers reviewed and proposed changes to the bylaws to eliminate redundancy and clarify vague or outdated language. The changes were presented and approved by the board at the March general meeting.
Speed Bump Removal Support Requested
B-W resident Jim Karlock requested BWNA support to stop the Portland Bureau of Transportation from installing speed bumps in B-W and remove those already in place out of concern for emergency vehicle response time. Board discussion resulted in no action as members were comfortable with PBOT’s collaboration with Portland Fire & Rescue in the use of speed bumps. It was suggested BWNA should hold a forum on speed bumps with PBOT and PF&R to help residents understand their efficacy.
Graffiti & Neighborhood Clean-Up Proposal
Board member Angela Frome requested and received $385 for supplies needed for three BWNA-sponsored neighborhood clean-up events in 2024. Volunteers will pick up trash and remove graffiti along the Fremont Street business corridor and other neighborhood streets. See related article on page 10.
Events Committee
Chair John Sandie’s proposal and request for $400 for a neighborhood bike rally on June 22 was approved. Also proposed and approved was $820 for the second phase of street art painting within bump-outs on Fremont Street. See related article on page 3. The Little Mermaid was approved by Portland Parks & Recreation as the Movie-in-the-Park film this year, scheduled for Thursday, July 25, at Wilshire Park. Committee members are researching the feasibility of pre-movie activities and related budget.
Friends of Wilshire Park Committee
Chair Gary Hancock reported the committee is redoing a bench on the east side of the park and worked to replace trees lost in winter storms. Volunteers replaced 50 plants in March. See related article on page 16.
Land Use Committee
Chair Tim Root presented the site plan for a proposed 10-lot cottage cluster development at 3538 NE 44th Ave. The proposal is for each unit to be located on its own lot; an existing home on the site is included in the project. The site is just north of a planned food cart development at NE 44th and Fremont on the former Barrett Automotive site.
New Neighbor Welcome Project
Eight new homeowners moved into Beaumont-Wilshire over the last couple of months; volunteers delivered welcome packets to introduce them to our neighborhood.
Transportation Committee
The board discussed ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and visibility on NE Fremont and identified follow-up actions with Portland Bureau of Transportation.