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Woodlawner writes: “it concerns me that, unless every cardholder is arriving on a bus or in cab, they will be getting into their cars after getting high.”
You could say the same about folks getting into their car after drinking wine at the Firehouse, or beer at Good Neighbor Pizzeria. I think that drivers licenses should be very expensive and difficult to get, and if anyone gets caught with ANY alcohol on their breath, they lose their license for life.
As far as the ballroom, I do wish that there were more events happening at the Village Ballroom that I was interested in, and more events that were family friendly, as well.
I’ve gone to a bunch of the square dances at the Village ballroom and had a blast – there was actually a square dance there last night, open to all, (I couldn’t make it.) The square dances are fun, cheap (Sliding scale) with all monies going to a different charity every month, and they are family friendly. It is really fun to swing around 100 of my neighbors while a live band plays, and afterwards, I walk home four blocks!
Unfortunately too much talk has dominated Woodlawn about the Cannibus Cafe. Instead, I’d love to hear about the wonderful Buffalo Gardens, or Believe Movement Studio, Good Neighbor Pizzeria, Elizabeth the naturopath above the Firehouse, or even the brew pub that is coming- along with the coffee/ pie/ bakery coming soon.
oops! I almost forgot second hand goods! (Where I got my halloween costume)
Woodlawn Resident: I don’t have a problem with sex-positive groups. I have a problem with ADULT-ONLY businesses taking up what little space we have in our business district. As a homeowner, this does affect the value of my property. As a parent, I’m sorry, but you’re living in a dream world if you think the children of our neighborhood don’t already know about what’s going on. My 7 year old knew more than I did, and I sure as hell didn’t tell him.
Gregg Woodlawn: I figured it was common sense that I wouldn’t have to mention people drinking and driving. But since marijuana is still considered a controlled substance…
Instead of complaining why is no one looking into the newly renovated space next to Good Neighbor Pizza??? It looks like a beautiful large open mixed use space that has NOTHING in it. If you all want a family oriented space in our hood go ahead and lease the space and do it. You cannot rely on one set of owners to make the neighborhood what you’d like it to look like. We all have varying opinions on what we’d like to see in each building. If I had the means I’d lease the space and open a breakfast/lunch cafe or something like that. Quit whining and be proactive.
I’m disappointed at the route the managers of this business have taken with the space. All the other businesses in the The Triangle are very community oriented, this one seems to be closing the community out as much as possible. I hope the owner(s) of the building do something to return the storefront and the ballroom to everyone.
Melissa: I believe the space right next to Good Neighbor Pizza is lined up to be a coffee shop. It was supposed to be open by now. Not sure what’s going on. And the corner building – the large, renovated space, is supposed to be a brew-pub. I think GreggWoodlawn mentioned that.
I don’t think anyone is complaining for complaining sake. We all have strong feelings about what goes on in our neighborhood, and regardless of where we land, I’m glad that people CARE at all. This neighborhood has been neglected for far too long, and it deserves as much thoughtful debate as any other PDX neighborhood. I too, wish I could afford to lease a space in The Triangle. But until then, I’m going to voice my opinion. I pay enough in real estate taxes to do so.
We will have more information at the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association on Wednesday December 16th at the church on the corner of Dekum and NE 15th.
For 35 bucks (no one turned away by lack of funds), you can get a tree (Some of which would be 300+ dollars if you bought it from an arborist and had it installed.) The cost also includes a planting permit from the city, an inspection (to make sure there are no gas or water lines under there) METRO digs the holes, we plant the trees together in with our neighbors, and we even have a breakfast and lunch party! Other neighborhoods get a great deal for 75 dollars (which is a huge discount.) We pay only 35 bucks in Woodlawn. No one will be turned away by lack of funds- we have one neighbor willing to pay for a portion/ or all of a tree for neighbors who can’t afford the 35 bucks. (Contact woodlawntrees// @// gmail.com)
Trees absorb carbon. They cool in the summer, and protect from wind in the winter. They provide oxygen to us all. They provide food and shelter for birds. They slow traffic. They increase your (and your neighbors’) property value. They are beautiful. They fight global warming.
The rich and fancy neighborhoods shouldn’t be the only ones with beautiful trees. Our wonderful Woodlawn neighborhood should also get lots of beautiful trees too.
Last February in one day, we planted 59 new trees in Woodlawn. In 2008 we planted 89 trees in Woodlawn in one day. Right now, we are only have 41 scheduled to be planted. Help us triple that #!
If you want to help plant in February, and to come to our party, contact Friends of Trees.
If you want to help pass out door hangers telling neighbors about their last chance to order for this years planting, come to the Neighborhood Association meeting, or contact Gregg at woodlawntrees// @// gmail.com
10 trees worth hugging
By Kym Pokorny, The Oregonian
November 26, 2009, 12:09AM
ginkgo-cover.JPGView full sizeiStock InternationalDistinctively shaped ginkgo leaves turn radiantly yellow in fall. ‘Autumn Gold’ and ‘Saratoga’ varieties are on the Friends of Trees availability list.No plant works harder than a tree.
Our large, foliaged friends clean the air, absorb polluted stormwater, cool buildings in summer, block the wind in winter, provide wildlife habitat and increase the resale value of our property.
Beyond the practical, trees move us. Bigger, taller and older than other plants, they have a permanence that calms our spirits. The history in their stout roots speaks to both the past and the future, reminding us that we are part of a whole.
And they are so beautiful.
If you live here, you know that. And one of the reasons you do is Friends of Trees. In 20 years, 375,000 trees and native plants have been planted by thousands of volunteers guided by the tree-loving nonprofit. Take a moment to imagine that many trees, more than half the population of Portland.
The group is far from finished. Sign up now to help get the next 20 years growing.
Read more about us on Bike Portland:
http://bikeportland.org/2010/03/03/this-summer-treat-your-kid-to-a-bike-camp/#more-30220
Read more about us in the Portland Sentinal:
http://www.portlandsentinel.com/node/5834
I couldn’t get to the Woodlawn Corner link from your article.
If you want to join the group, come to the potluck tonight, or email Alan at strongworkarch@gmail.com
Northeast Holman Street:
This new boulevard extends from North Vancouver to Northeast 42nd Avenue along NE Holman Street for most of the route. The major focus for funds along this route will be the crossings of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, NE 13th and 15th Avenues and Northeast 33rd Avenue speeds and volumes are higher on these busier streets. Outreach has begun with the first meeting held on April 6th. This boulevard will connect to Concordia University and Fernhill Park.
NE Holman Street – Existing Conditions and Route
NE Holman Street – Project Proposal and Possible Intersection Improvements
NE Holman Street – Possible Intersection Options
NE Holman Street – Crossing at Martin Luther King Jr. Option
ohhhhh- it couldn’t include the links?
Check this out:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=50518
Leaving the similar comment here that I left at bikeportland.org…
I would love to see some skate park elements worked into the expansion of Holman Park. We have a lot of skate boarding youth in the area – white kids, black kids, Latino kids, you name it.
They are using skate boards in this area now, why not incorporate them into the enhancement of this area?
Since we are leveraging sewer money for bike boulevards, why not capture one more bird with that stone and provide an improvement that also serves our neighborhood youth and their choice of recreation/alternative transportation.
It’s exciting to see all the kids skating in the area. Skating was a big part of my growing up and the kids that skated (I just watched) were fit, confident and active. That’s some good stuff for kids. I would love to see this project turn into something of public access that encourages active use of what was formerly a street for something other than car traffic.
I’ll be there on Oneonta at my Camp Bike Fun booth.
Stop By!
http://www.compbikefun.com
The Woodlawn Community garden will be open for part of the day. Come on by!
I have noticed this place and wondered what it was. I am not in favor of a business right in that area unless they’re unobtrusive. I don’t understand why they need fences so high. do old people try to escape?!? Perhaps they’ll provide great care for the elderly, but why did they have to be deceptive on their building permits?
That building is hideous. I’m glad that I don’t live across from it.
The owners of this building, “single family dwelling” – which is so out of scale of other homes on the block, is so egregiously out of proportion that I don’t see how it passed the various permit approvals. The only explanation is that there was not enough noise in the neighborhood about it.
The owners of the building operate an adult group home closer to Columbia Boulevard. This building seems like it is being built for the same purpose, though I have heard that they have said no.
The city says it is NOT permitted as a group home facility.
I think the neighborhood association and neighborhood should really stay on this one.
I will submit written comment with my NO input and urge others to do the same.
There is a real issue with not only the fence but the house itself. Neighbors on the affected block have directed numerous issues to the city during the construction. There had been a discussion with the city re use and the owners had declared in writing that they were not proposing that this be a care home.
This was disputed by someone who had been given a tour and told it would be.
Every step of the way the boundries of a single family house have been pushed to the MAX -
I wonder if there is an option to extend the deadline for comments given that there is no neighborhood meeting this month and with it being summer folks may
not be in town etc. Does anybody know?
Gregg, I do live across from the new home, and you’re right, it’s pretty hideous. I had to put up some new curtains just so I could let light in and yet not have to stare out at the monstrosity. I have been outside in my yard numerous times and overheard people walking by or riding by on bikes commenting negatively on the design and size of the building, and wondering whether it was an apartment complex or business. When I’ve sold things on Craigslist or hired someone do some yard work for me, almost everyone has made a comment or inquiry about what is going on across the street…and those folks have no particular interest in the neighborhood. It is really that distracting. No one lives there yet, and I can only imagine the number of people and cars that will ensue. They have no garage, a driveway pad where a lawn would typically be, and thus very limited off street parking and virtually no front or backyard, as the home occupies almost all of the standard-sized lot.
Regarding the possibility of this being an Adult Foster Care facility, the building can legally still be zoned as a single family dwelling and have up to 5 non-related people living there receiving care services. When the number of residents exceeds 5, then it would require different zoning. Thus, they could truthfully state that the intention was not to create a “care home”. one of the owners has exactly 5 care recipients in a similar setup, and this is the most common way people establish Adult Foster Care homes without turning into a bigger care facility subject to more complicated zoning and requirements. This can be a rather lucrative business, as the monthly charge for care for each recipient can typically range from 3000-5000 or 6000 per month. I can’t make statements about the quality or specific cost of this particular care provider’s services, as they may be excellent care providers, and Adult Foster Care is a very important community service. There are many excellent care providers who are able to stay home with their families while also generating income and affording a nicer, larger home by working as Adult Foster Care providers.
However, from what I understand, the home will be housing the owners and their extended family, including several children. This would be in addition to up to 5 care recipients, whether at the time of move in or eventually in the future, when perhaps there is less attention to that aspect of the issue. From what I understand, many of the 10 or 12 “bedrooms” in this home are actually not legal bedrooms, as they are small and do not have closets. During construction, there were hospital beds placed in the basement area, though I am not certain whether this is the case today. There is also extremely limited outdoor space for children or care recipients to use, and this raises a concern about the issue of constructing a well-over 6000 sq foot home on a 50×100 lot on a street with many homes less than 1000 sq ft, with a large amount of square footage in the basement of the home. Sounds like a poor setup to me, and a potential problem – with or without care recipients.
well stated erin!
this is a draft of a letter I am working on for my response to the city.
Position
Certain codes exist so that a single family zone retains characteristics that support
the type of activity that one engages in in a single family zone.
Maintaining these codes supports livability for all residents equally.
This supports neighborhood living and community with all participants working together
for the livability of all.
Ultimately it is up to the integrity of the homeowner, the contractors and the city to work within the
codes. Codes are especially important where, as is the case with the location in question, there are
no design reviews.
Facts:
As I write this there are potentially more code issues besides the front fence. Working within a deadline
to comment means I may or may not address all the issues at hand which is unfortunate.
In speaking with Kathy, and after her reviewing photographs the city did on August 16th there are
questions about the white plastic fence which significantly exceeds height at least in some cases.
There are questions regarding the intention to park vehicles between the fence and the house , as
seen on the image on page 5 of the plan included in the city’s notice
(seen at http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=42260&a=312004)
I understand that there is also a code question about the paving between the fence and the house.
In addition to the fence that is clearly specified in the initial mailing by the city, there is a white
plastic fence that extends to the street sitting on a foundation on either side of the house. On the east
side to the house it wraps around to the front. The fence is at least 6’ tall and as it sits on a concrete
retaining wall that was constructed due to their removing the embankment on either side of their
property. As a result they are at ground level and both adjoining properties sit significantly higher.
This results in the white plastic fence being 6’ plus the height of the retaining wall.
Facts continued.
The owners of the building have experience with building as this is not their only large house.
They are working with contractors who may or may not be required to get permits for these
structures BEFORE they are build?
Although the owners are aware there is a land use issue and a period of time for community comments
they have proceeded to build the stone and metal fence, even last night, after hours, putting an
additional 6 “ or so on in the form of the top caps. Apparently the owners are handling this as
if it is simply procedural .
With regards to the parking issue:
Given the family size of at least 2 adults and 7 children, that there was not any provisions for parking
was raised by myself and others on the block as we observed the building process .
The plans did not call for a garage and a garage was not required due to the proximity of the
bus stop.
We need some representation re this house and the code issues. With only a week till the deadline to comment the city isn’t even sure what issues are being covered by this notice and if there are other issues they plan to roll them together. Their renotification process only extends the deadline by one week however I cannot get a straight answer because they don’t know themselves and have to research..
At this point I do not feel like the interests of the neighborhood are being held in the same light as the homeowners rights.
I have tried reaching ne coaliton and cannot get through.
I must get back to work. Your assistance is appreciated
Just be sure to jump on the ORIGINAL comment period about the fence. That way, you’re at least taking the opportunity that was presented. You can then fight the other battles (which I know people have already started fighting). My point is that you don’t want to risk missing this opportunity by trying to get too much out of it. The City is like that. You gotta jump through their hoops some times. Just jump through this one, and the rest will be more likely to fall into place as opportunities.
The city helped with the Vision process, right? Can they assist on this issue?
I want to share a few thoughts about the house fence issue on 1426 NE Highland. While this directly impacts those of us close by it really impacts everyone in this community for these reasons: It sets a precedent to allow this type of fencing. When one is allowed then how does the city justify saying no to a variety of other fences of this nature. Ovr the years – and that would be 30 in my home here- I have worked tirelessly to stabalize this area, making it a safe and liveable community. While those of you who are active now don’t know me I was very active in neighborhood affairs and spearheaded much change. I am so excited to see this neighborhood blossoming and that is why I am asking others who live her to stand up and say NO. We have worked so hard for community, neighborhood, and a sense of safety. What does this fence say – None of those things. Please consider this…is this the direction you want your neighborhood to go! If not, we will be delivering our comments to the city on Monday morning and we have till 5PM on Tuesday. Stand with us now to continue the work that has taken years to accomplish. Thanks!
I was just doing some calculations and the house has 2 floors plus a full lower level – when it was excavated the dug a hole at least one story deep and as big as the entire footprint of the house. So on a 50×100 lot built to the minimum se…tbacks there would be approximately 3500 square feet per floor x 3 = 10,500 sq feet! Now if you take the fact that there are 14 other homes on the block – and at least 11 of those are around 850-950 square feet. That means that we could fit about 9 houses in that one or 65-70% of the block. Now how crazy is that !See More