Northwest District Association Newsletter
August 2012 Edition
I hope you are enjoying your summer. The warm weather usually brings with it lots of outdoor events and activities in the neighborhood. This often means that indoor activities like committee meetings and land use reviews are on hiatus. Not this summer.
At the August Board meeting, NWDA will formalize its position regarding the Con-way Masterplan. Members of the community and NWDA representatives have contributed thousands of hours over the past several years to share the neighborhood's vision and collaborate with Con-way and the City to create a quality plan for development of the Slabtown section of the neighborhood.
We're putting the finishing touches on the Masterplan over the coming weeks. We've worked to make sure that the neighborhood has a square where we can host farmers markets or just meet meet friends for a fine cup of coffee and conversation. There will be a park located next to the square on Pettygrove green street. Members of the NWDA Transportation Committee have scrutinized traffic analyses to make sure that neighborhood streets, especially the already crowded intersection at 23rd and Vaughn, operate as smoothly as possible. To support our green values, we're pushing for clean diesel construction practices that would be more strict than current state standards. All buildings are expected to be certified as a minimum of LEED sliver.
Join us at our Board meeting on Monday, August 20, to learn more about the plan and share your opinions. Or visit our website to download a copy of the Masterplan (http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=47) so you can send us your comments by email. The next big milestone for the plan is in front of a Hearings Officer that, on Monday, August 27, will decide if the Masterplan application meets all of its requirements. If approved, the Masterplan will guide development of the north end of the neighborhood for the next decade. Don't miss your chance to weigh in.
Sincerely,
Ron Walters
NWDA President
Safety and Livability Committee
Street Tree Inventory - Our first street tree inventory work day on July 28 was a big success. Thanks to the 31 volunteers who inventoried 27 blocks. Approximately 500 trees were measured and identified.
Volunteers are still needed for our next work day, Saturday, August 25, 8:30am-noon. We will meet at Friendly House. No experience needed. To learn more and sign up, visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=99
Bike-In Movie Night - Join us for a FREE movie! The Committee is hosting a Bike-In Movie Event at Wallace Park, Saturday September 8, 6:30-9pm. The movie will be Pee Wee's Big Adventure and extra entertainment (hopefully) will be provided by the return of the migrating Swifts.
For more information about the NWDA Safety and Livability Committee, please visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=56
Transportation Committee
The NWDA Transportation Committee has prepared an improved crosswalk configuration for the NW 23rd Place and Thurman intersection. This is one of the four NWDA 2012 Transportation Priorities. The concept will be considered by the NWDA Board in August and presented to the City for consideration for funding and implementation.
The Committee has also reviewed the revised proposed transportation mitigation package for the NW 23rd / Vaughn intersection as part of the Con-way Master Plan. This design includes a double right turn onto the freeway from northbound 23rd Avenue and the promotion of NW Wilson and a new NW 20th Avenue connection for trips coming off of the freeway and accessing the Con-way properties. The Con-way team reviewed comments provided by the NWDA Board and has replied with concurrence on a couple of the NWDA's concerns.
The NWDA Transportation Committee meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6 pm at Good Samaritan Hospital. The next meeting will be on September 5th. 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 NWDA Transportation Committee, please visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=4
Air Quality Committee
There will be no Air Quality Committee meeting in August. The September meeting, on the 10th will be held at the Silver Cloud Hotel in the Breakfast Room at
7:00 pm.
For more information about the NWDA Air Quality Committee, please visit http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?cat=5
Communications
The NWDA is now on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/nwda.portland. Feel free to add comments and suggestions. Please 'like' us.
Neighborhood News
Neighbors West-Northwest (NWNW) Bulky Waste Clean-up - This is your chance to clean out the garage, the closets or any other space collecting clutter. Also, take this opportunity to recycle many items that cannot be included curbside!
Saturday, August 18, 9am - 2pm; Conway Parking Lot on NW 20th , between Raleigh & Savier Cost: $10 per car or cargo bike or $15 per truck or trailer (Commercial vehicles will be turned away.) For more information, visit http://www.nwnw.org/cleanup.
Swift Watch - The Vaux's Swifts return to roost in the Chapman chimney later this month. The Audubon Society's Swift Watch will begin September 1. To learn more, visit http://audubonportland.org/local-birding/swiftwatch/swifts_landing
Upcoming Events
NW Portland Homeless-ness Tour - Tuesday, August 14, 6:45pm, Sniff Dog Hotel, 1828 NW Raleigh St. Learn more at http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org/?p=4391
Neighborhood Cleanup - Join Us!
Saturday, August 18, 9-10:30 am, Elephants Deli, 115 NW 22nd Ave., Litter clean up and graffiti removal.
NWDA Board Meeting - Monday, August 20, 6-7:45 pm, Legacy Good Samaritan, Building #2 Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 1040 NW 22nd Ave.
For a complete, up-to-date list of NWDA events, please visit the events calendar on our website.
