June 10, 2024 CNA Meeting Minutes
Attending:
Bob Jacobs, Gov. Stevens NA; Gerald Apple (South Capitol), Michelle Horaney (Evergreen Pointe), Tim Smith, (City Staff); Melissa Allen (Bigelow Highlands), Dana McAvoy (East Bay Drive NA), Karen Sweeney (Eastside NA), Robert Vanderpool (City Council), Sue Hedrick (South Capitol), Larry Dzieza (Chair and Nottingham), Judy Bardin (NWONA), Charlotte Persons (Bigelow), Justin Belk (SWONA), Jim Rioux (Eastside), Jeffery Showman, (Wildwood), John Newman (Burban-Elliott), Peter Guttchen (Northeast)
The attendees discussed various community initiatives and partnerships.
Jefferey Showman briefed the group on the area’s transportation initiative that resulted in a special “listening meeting” with the city on June 25.
Bob Jacobs presented on the resurfacing of a Pathway project was set to be completed by July 13th, despite financial challenges and they are using a city neighborhood grant.
Karen Sweeney reported on the success of the recent fish expo, the opening of the Spray Park at Lions Park, and progress on neighborhood matching grant projects. There is block party scheduled for July. The walking concerns about the Spray Park have been largely resolved.
Peter Guttchen reported on the volunteer work on the corner of Bethel and Joy Avenue. A work party on Joy Avenue Project work party was announced for June 29th for a rain catchment system. A design charrette is planned for the garden.
Justin Belk, planning a presentation on the Deschutes Estuary project and planning their August summer picnic. He also promoted the upcoming String and Shadow puppet troupe show that will be at Decatur Woods Park, running on.
Melissa Allen reported the only thing that’s happening is preparation for our block party in August on National Night Out. She raised an issue that many neighborhoods have gone through is that their board has lost a few members, and they are thinking about how they will be going to recruit more people.
Dana McAvoy, had to touch up defaced murals on East Bay drive. Also reported on people out enjoying the weather.
Charolette Persons said their neighborhood is going to have a meeting to plan their annual picnic in August and is also their annual meeting.
Michele Horaney reported that they are planning a National Night Out. They are also looking to get more board members and will reach out to Melissa for advice.
Judy Bardin reported on a work party last Sunday using MailChimp and signs advertising the neighborhood event. They got about 12 people and got a lot of pruning done and also did a plant swap. She said that Lauren, their Co-president, tried out the graffiti removal kit she and posted a video of it on next door. They provided cookies and iced tea and it was a fun event.
John Newman reported that the city will be doing the sidewalks on Elliott next year after decades of planning and will link West Bay Drive to Division Street.
Gerald Apple announced that a group of residents from the South Capitol neighborhood would present traffic solution proposals to the City Council, with measures such as a school zone, bicycle lane, and a drawing for license plates to reward good drivers.
He also anticipates that the board would meet more frequently to discuss traffic issues and prepare for the resumed parking committee. Sue shared her successful strategy of increasing membership in the South Capital Neighborhood Association through informative blogs and emails. A picnic is also planned for September 8th at Lincoln Elementary, and flyers were sent to over 600 people, including renters.
Robert Vanderpool outlined the upcoming agenda for the Council, which included discussions on community oversight of law enforcement recommendations, the Capitol Mall Triangle sub-area discussion, and a mid-year retreat focused on the 2025 budget, comprehensive plan discussion, and work plan update.
Tim Smith discussed two significant housing projects and was asked about the potential impact of a proposed freeway ramp. The city is looking at a pre-application near 101 with around 300 affordable units. Combined with the West Bay development that means 1,000 more units on the way. Melissa asked if this is tied with the proposed new freeway off-ramp. Tim says that is a factor in the future.
The rollout of a new internet provider, Ziply Fiber, and its fiber-optic installation strategy which will provide an alternative to Comcast/Xfinity and will have some impact on street access as the utility construction proceeds was discussed.
Robert Vanderpool introduced the concept of tactical urbanism, a method for implementing small-scale improvements to streets with the intent of eventually undertaking larger capital projects. Justin discussed the effectiveness of low-cost, temporary traffic calming measures and the need for more creative pilot projects.
The attendees discussed ideas to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by narrowing suburban streets with paint. The number of fatalities, particularly among pedestrians and cyclists, is increasing. It was suggested more matching grants for such safety projects. Robert suggested providing feedback on the update on transportation chapter of the comp plan. Additionally, Justin shared his experience with a workshop on ‘tactical urbanism’ from a transportation conference in Seattle ten years ago.
Judy and John discussed the potential impact of two new buildings in West Bay and West Bayview, focusing on concerns about traffic congestion, limited parking, and the effect on Schneider Creek. John proposed the idea of daylighting Schneider Creek, which had been dismissed by the developer due to cost and asked about the public input into the design process.
Larry Dzieza proposed the creation of a sounding board to gather feedback on Joyce Phillips’ work on the land use section of the comprehensive plan. He also discussed a neighborhood forum, which will focus on housing policies, and the desire for a transportation-focused forum due to widespread transportation issues.
Larry anticipated a forum on the city’s financial condition as the city would likely be preparing to make the case for tax increases and we can benefit from a community dialogue about it. The City is also interested in a forum for introducing additional rental protections, such as rent controls, and the development of a program to upgrade houses.
Larry shared details about a $500,000 budget for sidewalk repair. He also raised the question of whether the recent tax increase for additional funding for sidewalks will reflect some of the issues faced by specific neighborhoods. He suggested a participatory budgeting approach, which would allocate a small portion of sidewalk improvement funds to projects that neighborhoods deem beneficial.
Robert and Judy indicated ongoing discussions about housing and land use, and sidewalk safety, respectively. Jim emphasized the need for accountability in reporting on existing funds and proposed carving out money for neighborhood-focused transportation projects, a concept he said has been successful in Seattle.
Jim proposed that the Transportation and Parks and Recreation departments should share responsibilities for funding certain recreational uses of lower volume streets. Charlotte highlighted the need for improved sidewalks for safe walking to parks, which was acknowledged as an ongoing issue.
Tim Smith presented a plan to boost community engagement through a website that would feature articles and information from various communities. Lastly, he spoke about upcoming job openings for assistant city manager and director for the Department of Planning and Community Development. City plans on recruiting for the Assistant City Manager position overseeing community vitality, including planning, housing, and economic development, before recruiting for the Community Planning and Development Director position.
Ideas for Potential Action or Follow-up
• Robert to create a process for tactical urbanism projects to be implemented in the city, involving community participation.
• Robert to explore including tactical urbanism in the Comprehensive Plan update.
• City staff to provide information on the cost per foot for sidewalk construction.
• Consideration of allocating a portion of the $500,000 sidewalk repair budget for neighborhood-identified projects. Looking for council leadership in allocating funds for neighborhood-focused transportation projects.
• Gerald to write articles and collect information from neighborhoods about their activities and use of matching grants for the CNA website.
• Neighborhoods to submit information and articles to Gerald about their activities and events.
• Larry to add the topic of sidewalks and the June 25th listening session on South Capitol traffic solutions to the next CNA meeting agenda.
• Neighborhoods to provide input on the use of the voted parks and pathways funding from 2004.
• Consider involving the Parks and Recreation Department in funding and planning for recreational walking amenities in neighborhoods.
Council of Neighborhood Associations 