pearl district blog...
February 19,2007
Taking issue with boundary issues...
by pearlgirl
I received an informative email from the PDBA about their boundaries and sponsorship.
Boundaries
The PDBA voted to expand its boundaries to include periphery businesses that
a. feel most of their business is derived from the Pearl or
b. feel that they would be more adequately represented by PDBA
It is important to note that expanding the PDBA's boundaries was discussed with PDBA members at outreach meetings and 11 board members who represent businesses that include Whole Foods, Powell’s Books, Paragon Restaurant, and other small businesses all approved the expanded member boundary..
Sponsorship
Sponsorships are at varying levels and cover much more than just the cost to produce the walking map, so it is incorrect to state that 20% of the map is paid by businesses outside the district.
_____________________
I'd like to thank the PDBA for its clarification. I had no idea that business association boundaries could differ from the boundaries embraced by neighborhood associations and the city. Interesting. Regarding sponsorship, I was just trying to point out that 5 of 24 businesses listed as "Sponsors of the Pearl District" are located outside the Pearl (that is a little over 20%) It's good to know that the majority of sponsorship dollars come from within our own neighborhood -- thanks for the info. :-)
Boundaries
The PDBA voted to expand its boundaries to include periphery businesses that
a. feel most of their business is derived from the Pearl or
b. feel that they would be more adequately represented by PDBA
It is important to note that expanding the PDBA's boundaries was discussed with PDBA members at outreach meetings and 11 board members who represent businesses that include Whole Foods, Powell’s Books, Paragon Restaurant, and other small businesses all approved the expanded member boundary..
Sponsorship
Sponsorships are at varying levels and cover much more than just the cost to produce the walking map, so it is incorrect to state that 20% of the map is paid by businesses outside the district.
_____________________
I'd like to thank the PDBA for its clarification. I had no idea that business association boundaries could differ from the boundaries embraced by neighborhood associations and the city. Interesting. Regarding sponsorship, I was just trying to point out that 5 of 24 businesses listed as "Sponsors of the Pearl District" are located outside the Pearl (that is a little over 20%) It's good to know that the majority of sponsorship dollars come from within our own neighborhood -- thanks for the info. :-)
posted at 10:49 AM
2 comments
Comments:
Anonymous - February 19, 2007 03:50 PM
As a homeowner in the Pearl District the boundary issue is interesting to me. Let’s face it; we buy in a neighborhood for a lot of reasons, one being the neighborhood itself. I bought in the Pearl because it was a clearly defined neighborhood that had most of the amenities I desire.
The Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), www.apnba.com, defines a business district association as:
“Business district associations are like trade organizations where membership is based on business location, instead of business type. Businesses form associations to help themselves and their area thrive, attract customers, and become a shopping destination.”
The Pearl District boundaries are defined by the City as Burnside to the south, 405 to the west, NW Broadway to the East, and the Willamette to the North; at least when you go to PortlandMaps.com and click on Pearl District. The Pearl District Development Plan of 2001 uses the same boundaries with the small addition of the piece of land just north of the Fremont Bridge, location of Riverscape Condominiums. And online you can find any number of City maps that use these same boundaries. So there is a clearly accepted definition of the Pearl District’s boundaries.
As for the businesses that feel that their own business associations don’t adequately represent them, why not get involved and make them better? I’m not an exclusionist or protectionist, but neighborhoods are not just business zones, they are communities. To be a part of a community means you work to improve the community in which you reside.
This kind of thing happens in all cities where one neighborhood is perceived to be more desirable than those around it. Businesses and residents try to expand the boundaries to latch on. What that means for those of us who bought and live in the neighborhood is possible decreased value because the neighborhood no longer as exclusive as it once was. The boundaries and thereby the definition of the neighborhood change from what we bought.
It’s disappointing to see the business community actively trying to change the definition of the Pearl District that I bought.
The Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations (APNBA), www.apnba.com, defines a business district association as:
“Business district associations are like trade organizations where membership is based on business location, instead of business type. Businesses form associations to help themselves and their area thrive, attract customers, and become a shopping destination.”
The Pearl District boundaries are defined by the City as Burnside to the south, 405 to the west, NW Broadway to the East, and the Willamette to the North; at least when you go to PortlandMaps.com and click on Pearl District. The Pearl District Development Plan of 2001 uses the same boundaries with the small addition of the piece of land just north of the Fremont Bridge, location of Riverscape Condominiums. And online you can find any number of City maps that use these same boundaries. So there is a clearly accepted definition of the Pearl District’s boundaries.
As for the businesses that feel that their own business associations don’t adequately represent them, why not get involved and make them better? I’m not an exclusionist or protectionist, but neighborhoods are not just business zones, they are communities. To be a part of a community means you work to improve the community in which you reside.
This kind of thing happens in all cities where one neighborhood is perceived to be more desirable than those around it. Businesses and residents try to expand the boundaries to latch on. What that means for those of us who bought and live in the neighborhood is possible decreased value because the neighborhood no longer as exclusive as it once was. The boundaries and thereby the definition of the neighborhood change from what we bought.
It’s disappointing to see the business community actively trying to change the definition of the Pearl District that I bought.
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NW Community Garden
I agree 100%.