The need for housing in the Portland-Metro area is well known. What may be less so is what the City of Portland is working on — the Inner Eastside Zoning Project — to meet that need. To help B-W residents understand the proposed changes that may affect our neighborhood, we reached out to City of Portland Planning Commission member David Knowles.
Q: What are the City’s goals for the Inner Eastside Zoning Project?
A: It is a currently active project with the primary intent to change zoning to allow for a greater diversity of housing to be built in Portland’s Inner Eastside.
Q: What areas might be affected by this project?
A: The project study area includes the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood south of Fremont. As shown on the map below, the full area under consideration includes other neighborhoods south of Fremont to SE Powell Boulevard and from 12th Avenue east to NE 60th Avenue.
Q: What kind of changes might result from this project?
A: It is too early to know exactly what will be proposed for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council. Some community groups have proposed zoning changes that would permit construction of multi-level buildings anywhere within the project boundary. No decisions have been made about the details. Public input, including from neighborhood groups, will help shape the final recommendations.
Q: What’s the timeline for the project?
A: In April this year, City Council adopted Resolution No. 37746, which directs city staff to develop an accelerated timeline for this project, with a goal of City Council consideration of zoning changes by June 30, 2027. To achieve this goal the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) must return to Council by July 15 with a work plan and schedule for the project.
After the work plan is presented to Council, BPS staff will prepare a draft zoning map and the technical analysis to support the proposal. BPS will conduct public outreach about the proposals. More will be known about the work plan and schedule when BPS reports back to Council in July.
Q: What’s the best way for our residents to stay informed about the project?
A: For neighbors who are interested in more information about the project, I recommend signing up for regular updates at portland.gov/bps/planning/inner-eastside-zoning-project/about. Neighbors can also communicate with City Council, who will make the final decision on zoning changes.
BWNA board member David Knowles has been a B-W resident for over 40 years. With his wife, Pam, he’s been active in politics and public policy. His career focused on transportation, land use, and politics, including as Portland planning director and former elected Metro councilor representing northeast Portland.