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Northwest District Association Newsletter
December 2012 Edition
Dear Neighbors,
Last Thursday (December 6), Mayor Adams brought the NW Parking Plan and Transportation & Parking Management Association (TPMA) proposal to City Council for its first reading (http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=52616). Commissioner Fritz offered several amendments to the plan, most notably a phasing in of permits and meters over 18 months and a series of checks and balances to make sure the process is fair and the results are positive. City Council is expected to vote on the plan and amendments this week (week of December 9).
The plan and TPMA are a contentious issue. NWDA understands that most businesses and many residents oppose the plan. Some business owners believe meters and permits will drive away customers. Others oppose the plan because it doesn't prescribe additional off-street parking. Residents who oppose the plan don't want to pay for permits and don't want meters on residential streets and in historic districts. Some oppose the plan because they believe the process was severely flawed or intentionally biased.
NWDA shares these concerns and opposes some aspects of the plan and TPMA. However, parking in the neighborhood is bad and getting worse. It reduces the quality of life for residents and hampers customer access to local businesses. It's unfortunate that there isn't greater consensus on the plan but we believe the plan and a refined TPMA, while ideal for no one, is necessary to improve parking for everyone. We believe it will have a positive impact for residents and businesses.
NWDA has not taken a formal position on the TPMA because it only became available on Friday, November 30, less than a week before the December 6 City Council meeting. NWDA will discuss the TPMA at its next Board meeting on Monday, December 17.
Happy Holidays,
Ron Walters
NWDA President
Upcoming Events
Neighborhood Cleanup - Join Us!
Saturday, December 15, 9-10:30 am, Elephants Deli, 115 NW 22nd Ave. Litter clean up and graffiti removal. Rain or shine. No RSVP required.
NWDA Board Meeting - Monday, December 17, 6-7:45 pm, Legacy Good Samaritan, Building #2 Conference Room, 2nd Floor, 1040 NW 22nd Ave.
Neighborhood Cleanup - Join Us!
Saturday, January 12, 9-10:30 am, Food Front, 2375 NW Thurman. Litter clean up and graffiti removal. Rain or shine. No RSVP required.
For a complete, up-to-date list of NWDA events, please visit the events calendar on our website.
NWDA Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/nwda.portland.
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