Northwest District Association Newsletter
April 2012 Edition
Please mark your calendar for the NWDA Annual Meeting and Election on Monday, May 21, 6pm in the Legacy Good Samaritan, Wistar Morris Room, 1015 NW 22nd Avenue. All members are encouraged to attend or, better yet, run for the NWDA President position or one of several open Board positions.
The NWDA Board is a group of community members - neighbors and business representatives - who volunteer their time to try to improve the quality of life for all of us in the neighborhood. Board members spend considerable time and energy trying to understand neighbors' problems and perspectives, recognizing that individual opinions and preferences are often at odds with one another. Most residents and businesses ask "how does this affect me?" Board members are asked to look at the bigger picture and seek compromise solutions that are as fair and efficient for the neighborhood overall, knowing that individuals can find fault with some aspects of any course of action.
This is the case with the current debate regarding the Mayor's proposed parking plan for the neighborhood. As Peter Korn recently noted in his thoughtful Portland Tribune article http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=133297864932993800 about the parking plan, residents are passionately divided on the topic and many businesses vehemently oppose the plan in principle.
So, why did the NWDA Board vote overwhelmingly to support the Mayor's plan? Contrary to what some people think, it's not because we're stupid, out of touch, and/or hate local businesses. In reality, Board members see flaws in the plan too, or at least compromises that we would prefer not to make. However, the Board believes the Mayor's plan is substantially better than the status quo, for residents and businesses alike.
Please take a moment to read the Tribune parking article. http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=133297864932993800
The writer doesn't take sides but, rather, shares the perspective of a national parking guru on ways to satisfy the needs of both residents and businesses in Northwest Portland. After all, there really aren't sides here. Like it or not, we're all in this one together.
We look forward to seeing you on May 21. Please consider running for the President or a Board position. We look forward to the possibility of working with you.
Sincerely,
Ron Walters
NWDA 2012 Annual Meeting and Elections
Standup! Take Action! Run for Office!
If you reside in or represent a business in NWDA, you are eligible to run for the neighborhood Board of Directors. View a district map at http://www.nwnw.org/maps/NWDA.PDF
You must be a member of the NWDA to run for office. To register for membership, download an application by clicking "Join Us" at www.northwestdistrictassociation.org
To be on the ballot, you must declare your candidacy in writing by 5pm Wednesday, April 25. Send declarations of candidacy to: NWDA Elections Committee, 2257 NW Raleigh Street, Portland, OR 97210 or by email to mark@nwnw.org
There are nine (9) open board positions plus the presidency. Following the deadline to declare candidacy, there will be a public meeting of the Elections Committee to declare the official slate of candidates at Neighbors West-Northwest, 2257 NW Raleigh Street, 9:15 a.m., Thursday, April 26. For more information, call Mark Sieber: 503-823-4212, mark@nwnw.org
The election will be held at the annual meeting on Monday, May 21, 6pm in the Legacy Good Samaritan, Wistar Morris Room, 1015 NW 22nd Avenue.
Safety and Livability Committee
Let's Prepare Together - An Emergency Planning Workshop
Learn how to reduce the risk to you, your family, your community and business in the event of a major disaster-like a devastating earthquake. Speakers from the Red Cross, City of Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and Multnomah County will will share easy and practical ways to help you get prepared. http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=70
Wednesday, April 18, 6-8pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
Northwest Neighborhood Cultural Center, 1819 NW Everett, Looking Glass Room (use 18th St. entrance)
Neighborhood Cleanups
Regular neighborhood cleanups are held the 2nd and 3rd Saturdays of every month. Join us as we pick up litter and remove graffiti. For more details visit the NWDA calendar at: http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?page_id=9
For more information about the Safety and Livability Committee, visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=56
Transportation Committee
The Transportation Committee turned attention back to its four transportation priorities with the preparation of a conceptual design for the NW 20th & Glisan intersection, which was recently improved with new signs and a crosswalk. The next level of improvements, approved by the NWDA Board, promotes construction of curb extensions to improve visibility, calm traffic and reduce the crossing distance. A conceptual drawing was prepared and sent with a letter to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), seeking plan refinement and assistance in securing project funds. NWDA efforts have the support of the MLC School.
The Committee has also weighed in on the Conway Master Plan draft traffic impact analysis. Concerns were expressed that, while the planned Conway properties development is well within zoning allowances, the assumed background growth used in the study might be overly conservative and performance of the NW 23rd & Vaughn intersection might be more fragile than indicated. These concerns were shared with the Conway Master Plan consulting team and with PBOT.
The April Transportation Committee meeting will feature a presentation regarding the City of Portland Bike Share Program and how it might benefit the Northwest neighborhood. The Committee will also consider continuing concerns over queued pick-up/drop-off traffic at the Cathedral School on and near NW 18th & Davis.
The NWDA Transportation Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at Good Samaritan Hospital. The next meetings are May 2nd and June 6th. Check the NWDA website for the meeting room. Everyone is welcome. Let us know your Northwest District transportation concerns and your ideas for improving how we get around in our community!
For more information about the Transportation Committee, visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=4
Upcoming Events
Monday, April 16, 6-7:30 pm, NWDA Board Meeting, Legacy Good Samaritan, Building 2, Second Floor, Conference Room, 1040 NW 22nd Avenue
Monday, May 21, 6pm, NWDA Annual Meeting and Elections, Legacy Good Samaritan, Wistar Morris Room
1015 NW 22nd Ave.
(NWDA Board Meeting will immediately follow the Annual Meeting, Monday, May 21, Legacy Good Samaritan, Wistar Morris Room 1015 NW 22nd Ave.)
