Neighborhood Notes hollywood News

Portland Water Bureau to activate maintenance run of groundwater supply

2009-08-04 11:39:00-07:00

08/04/2009

On Wednesday, August 5^th, the Portland Water Bureau will begin blending a small portion of its groundwater supply from the Columbia South Shore Well Field into Portland's water distribution system as part of a maintenance operation. The groundwater supply is a complex system that must be operated regularly to identify maintenance needs and issues. By doing this maintenance operation, the bureau will ensure the reliability of the system when needed, either in an emergency or as part of seasonal supply.

The rate of groundwater pumping will vary throughout each day. The system could potentially pump as many as 18 million gallons of groundwater per day (MGD) during the day, with no pumping at night. On average, the bureau expects to pump approximately 5 MGD for approximately 10 days. This represents about 3% of the city's total daily water demand.

The bureau does not expect that customers will experience significant change in water quality, if any change at all.

For information on daily Water Bureau operations, visit www.portlandonline.com/water/blog.

For more information on this, contact:

Mike Sheets

Portland Water Bureau, Water Quality Group Manager

(503) 823-7481

msheets@water.ci.portland.or.us

Portland Air Quality Workgroup Agenda Announced

2009-08-03 09:09:00-07:00

08/03/2009

The first hearing of the Portland Air Quality Workgroup of the House Interim Health Care Committee will take place Friday, August 7 at the Port of Portland headquarters. The workgroup will hear testimony regarding the health effects of air quality.

The Portland-area members of the House Health Care Committee decided to form an interim workgroup in response to constituent concerns about the health effects of air conditions in northern Portland. Joining Rep. Mitch Greenlick (NW Portland), chair of the committee, on the workgroup are Representatives Tina Kotek (D-N/NE Portland), Michael Dembrow (D-NE Portland) and Ben Cannon (D-NE/SE Portland).

The August 7 meeting will include representatives from Northwest Portland neighborhoods, state public health and environmental officials, representatives of industrial facilities. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.

DATE: August 7, 2009
TIME: 9:00 A.M.
LOCATION: Port of Portland Commission Chambers, 121 NW Everett St.

AGENDA - REVISED #2

9:00 A.M. Legislator Opening Comments and Introductions
9:30 A.M. Constituent Presentations

Neighbors for Clean Air, NW Portland - Mary Peveto

North Portland - TBA

Northeast Portland - Emily Adama

Carter Webb, Environmental/Safety Affairs, ESCO Corporation

10:15 A.M. Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

Andy Ginsburg, Administrator, Air Quality Division, DEQ

11:15 A.M. Multnomah County Environmental Health

Diane Drum, RN, AE-C

11:30A.M. Department of Justice

Special Counsel for Environmental Issues

11:45 P.M. LUNCH

1:00 P.M. Department of Human Services (DHS)

Jae Douglas, Toxicology Section Manager, Division of Public Health, DHS

Gail Shibley, Environmental Health, Division of Public Health, DHS

1:20 P.M. Roundtable Discussion/Public Comment

2:50 P.M. Next Steps
ADJOURN

Related Information

Something In the Air in Northwest Portland

Health Care Committee to Form Air Quality Workgroup

Neighborhood Toolbox » What Is Permaculture? A Quick Overview

2009-08-03 06:14:00-07:00

08/03/2009

Permaculture refers to the approach of recreating in communities, as closely as possible, relationships between plants, animals, and people found in nature. First coined in the 1970's, the word permaculture refers to both permanent agriculture and permanent culture. This approach to designing human settlements that work with the natural environment instead of against it, has become an increasingly more popular school of thought as global environmental and socio-economic problems increase. Permaculture design follows a set of principles that are intended to be universally understood and can be applied in virtually any environment so that they can be learned in a short amount of time. The resulting settlement would be far more self-sustainable than what is the norm in the industrialized world. This is the way in which permaculture sets itself apart from some other environmental studies (organic agriculture and sustainable forestry among them) from which it borrows some methodologies.

While at its core permaculture means a redesign of communities to reflect a more balanced and natural use of environmental resources, it also encourages members of a community to rely on each other more than what modern societies are accustomed to. It encourages people to think about how actions and systems affect not only the individual, but the entire community, the natural environment, and even the larger global community. It also breeds a sense of self-confidence; positive changes can be made at a very local level -through one's own efforts and without relying on resources brought in from other areas, things purchased, or government intervention.

The Core Values of Permaculture

In a nutshell, three core values of permaculture:
1. A recognition that humans are a part of the earth and that there is a need to support it as the source and sustenance of life.
2. Developing healthy societies, in which harm is avoided and support is offered, is imperative to human survival.
3. Practicing fair, intelligent and a globally equal usage of earth's resources will ensure human surival.

Put simply, permaculture stresses common sense, and working together—things which all humankind theoretically has the capacity to master.

Permaculture Design Strategies

There are seven basic steps to designing a permaculture which can be practiced in virtually every sort of environment.
1. Observe - before any permaculture design is created or implemented, a careful observation of the site is undertaken. Factors such as the local flora, fauna, climate, and soil type are considered.
2. Boundaries - an understanding of physical and social boundaries will help inform the design process.
3. Resources - it is important to consider the resources that are available; who will be involved in implementing the system, how much funding is available, and what sort of outcome can feasibly be expected.
4. Evaluate - look at the three above factors before delving into any type of design or implementation
5. Design - a clear understanding of the site, the boundaries and the resources available will heavily impact this creative process. A typical permaculture site design will maximize the resources available by finding ways in which they can be used for multiple purposes - i.e. chickens can be implemented in a garden as pest controllers, fertilizer producers, and food source through their protein rich eggs.
6. Implementation - the part in the process where your designs are transformed into reality through plant and resource placement and use.
7. Maintenance - once in place, minor adjustments may be needed for unforeseen factors, but a well thought out and well-executed permaculture site will require less and less minor adjustments as it develops and grows.

This brief overview is intended to provide a basic understanding of the basis of creating permaculture sites. For more in-depth information on the subject, visit these websites: portlandpermaculture.com, thedirt.org/ppa, permaculture.org.

Beat the Heat in Portland Neighborhoods

2009-07-23 05:44:00-07:00

07/23/2009

Beat the heat with these tips from Portland Parks...

Portlanders can find relief from the extended forecast of hot temperatures arriving this weekend by taking refuge in their city's parks and pools. From a shady walk in Forest Park to a movie or concert in your neighborhood park, from a dip in a community pool to a splash in a spray fountain, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) offers many free or inexpensive opportunities to escape from the heat.

To help the public beat the summer heat, in addition to PP&R's thirteen public pools, there are free spray features in several city parks to help children have a safe and cool summer. For those that prefer parks and trails to pools, there are also thousands of shade-providing trees and over 10,000 acres of parks and natural areas where Portlanders can catch a breeze.

In addition, PP&R is offering free summer entertainment in many Portland neighborhood parks this week, including Movies in the Park and the Summer Concert series, where you can join your neighbors in the refreshing cool of your local park while enjoying family entertainment. The full schedule of free movies and concerts is available online at portlandparks.org.

For members of the public participating in sports and other strenuous activities during extreme hot weather, Parks officials advise them to follow these guidelines:

Drink plenty of fluids. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Aside from water, you may want to look into a sport drink with electrolytes to assist your body in regulating fluids. Caffeinated drinks are diuretics and will work against you. Drinking ice cold drinks causes the body to work harder than if you drink cool, but not iced drinks.
Eat light. Bananas are a good choice as they have potassium. This also supports your body in maintaining our normal electrolyte balance and reduces the likelihood of muscle cramps.

Shade. Get in the shade when possible. Minimize time in the direct sun. Wear hats with big brims, or use an umbrella if you are going to be somewhere w/o trees or other cover. Some PP&R facilities, such as skateparks, offer limited shade cover and the sun reflection off surfaces is increased.
Reschedule sports activities. Plan your outdoor games and activities early in the day or in the evening to avoid the most intense hours of sun exposure.

Sunscreen. Protect your skin from the nasty UV rays. Long term damage from short term sun exposure have been linked to skin cancer. Oregon has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in our nation.
In the event of heat-related emergencies, especially fainting, extraordinary dehydration, inability to catch your breath, or an irregular heartbeat, dial 911. Dial 211 if you need free help to identify or access health and social services.

Places to Cool Down in Portland Parks
Indoor and Outdoor Pools (call for hours)

Buckman Pool - Indoor
320 SE 16th Avenue, 503.823.3668

Columbia Pool - Indoor
7701 N Chautauqua Blvd., 503.823.3669

Creston Pool - Outdoor
SE 44th Avenue & Powell Blvd., 503.823.3672

East Portland Pool - Indoor
740 SE 106th Avenue, 503.823.3450

Grant Pool - Outdoor
NE 33rd Avenue & US Grant Place, 503.823.3674

Matt Dishman Pool - Indoor
77 NE Knott Street, 503.823.3673

Montavilla Pool - Outdoor
8219 NE Glisan Street, 503.823.4101

Mt. Scott Pool - Indoor
5530 SE 72nd Avenue, 503.823.3183

Peninsula Pool - Outdoor
700 N Rosa Parks Way, 503.823.3620

Pier Pool - Outdoor
N Seneca St & St Johns Avenue, 503.823.3678

Sellwood Pool - Outdoor
7951 SE 7th Avenue, 503.823.3679

Southwest Pool - Indoor
6820 SW 45th Avenue, 503.823.2840

Wilson Pool - Outdoor
1151 SW Vermont Street, 503.823.3680

Spray features in neighborhood parks (available all regular park hours)

Columbia Park, N. Lombard Street and Woolsey Avenue
Essex Park, SE 79th Avenue & Center Street
Earl Boyles Park, SE 112th Avenue & Boise Street
Grant Park, NE 33rd Avenue & US Grant Place
Kenton Park, 8417 N. Brandon Avenue
McCoy Park, N Trenton Street & Newman Avenue
Northgate Park, N Geneva Avenue & Fessenden Street
Peninsula Park, N. 700 Rosa Parks Way
Pier Park, N Lombard Street & Bruce Avenue
Raymond Park, SE 118th Avenue & Raymond Street
Woodlawn Park, NE 13th Avenue & Dekum Street

Closure Schedule for I-405 Paving Project Has Changed

2009-07-20 09:12:00-07:00

07/20/2009

An important heads up from ODOT...

The schedule of single-directional closures of Interstate 405 between the Marquam and Fremont bridges has changed. The contractor on the project will postpone by one week the start of the single-directional closures (they were previously scheduled to begin the weekend of July 24-27).

**Following is the revised closure schedule (these dates may change due to weather or other factors. A traffic advisory will be sent out if further changes are made:
Friday, July 31, 10 p.m., through Monday, Aug. 3, 5 a.m.: all lanes on northbound Interstate 405 will be closed between the Marquam and Fremont bridges. All ramps connecting to northbound I-405 also will be closed during these work hours. Lanes and ramps on southbound I-405 will remain open during the northbound I-405 closure. The Fremont and Marquam bridges will remain open during this work
Friday, August 14, 10 p.m., through Monday, August 17, 5 a.m.: all lanes on southbound Interstate 405 will be closed between the Marquam and Fremont bridges. All ramps connecting to southbound I-405 also will be closed during these work hours. Lanes and ramps on northbound I-405 will remain open during the southbound I-405 closure. The Fremont and Marquam bridges will remain open during this work.
Friday, August 21, 10 p.m., through Monday, August 24, 5 a.m.: Southbound I-405 will be closed (northbound I-405 will be open). The same information applies as shown above for the southbound I-405 closure Friday, Sept. 11, 10 p.m., through Monday, Sept. 14, 5 a.m.: Northbound I-405 will be closed (southbound I-405 will be open). The same information applies as shown above for the northbound I-405 closure.
Traffic Impacts and Detours
Due to high daily volume of traffic on I-405, ODOT is allowing the contractor to use a total of four weekends of full directional (north or south) closures as noted above to complete the paving project. Two weekends will be allowed for each directional (I-405 north or south) closure. During the weekend closures, one direction of I-405 will be completely closed to all traffic from 10 p.m. Friday night to 5 a.m. Monday morning (the other direction will remain open during the work period).
During the full directional closures of I-405, motorists will be able to use Interstate 5 as an alternate route to reach their destination. Detour maps are available on ODOT's project web site listed below.
Project Background
ODOT contractor Kerr Contractors Inc. of Woodburn, Ore., is working on the $11.6 million project to repave Interstate 405 from the Fremont Bridge to the Marquam Bridge. Work includes repaving the ramps to and from I-405, relighting the freeway corridor and tunnels, and upgrading freeway signs.
Federal Stimulus Funds
Approximately 30% of the $11.6 million I-405 paving project uses federal stimulus funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Project Information
Media Inquiries: Christine Miles, 503.731.8265, christine.l.miles@odot.state.or.us
General Inquiries: Mike Mason, 503.731.8246, michael.w.mason@odot.state.or.us

For the latest information on the I-405 project, go to http://www.tripcheck.com or dial 5-1-1.
You can also visit the project web site for general project information and scheduled closure information: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION1/I405/

I-405 Repaving Project

Portland Air Quality Workgroup Announces First Hearing on Health Effects of Pollution

2009-07-14 14:40:00-07:00

07/14/2009

This just in from Rep. Mitch Greenlick...

The first hearing of the Portland Air Quality Workgroup of the House Interim Health Care Committee will take place Friday, August 7 at the Port of Portland headquarters. The workgroup will hear testimony regarding the health effects of air quality.

The Portland-area members of the House Health Care Committee decided to form an interim workgroup in response to constituent concerns about the health effects of air conditions in northern Portland. Joining Rep. Mitch Greenlick (NW Portland), chair of the committee, on the workgroup are Representatives Tina Kotek (D-N/NE Portland), Michael Dembrow (D-NE Portland) and Ben Cannon (D-NE/SE Portland).
The August 7 meeting will include representatives from Northwest Portland neighborhoods, state public health and environmental officials, representatives of industrial facilities. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.
WHAT: Portland Air Quality Workgroup - Northwest Portland Hearing

WHO: House Health Care Committee Members, community members, local, state and industry representatives
WHEN: Friday, August 7 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WHERE: Port of Portland Commission Chambers
121 NW Everett St.
For more information please contact Tom Powers at (503) 297-2416 (tom.powers@state.or.us) or Sandy Thiele-Cirka at (503) 986-1286 (sandy.thielecirka@state.or.us).

Related Information

Something In the Air in Northwest Portland

Health Care Committee to Form Air Quality Workgroup

Independent Police Review Division Looking for Volunteers to Serve on Citizen Review Committee

2009-07-14 08:00:00-07:00

07/14/2009

Interested in volunteering? Here's an option...

The Independent Police Review Division (IPR) receives and screens complaints about Portland Police Bureau officers. IPR may investigate, mediate, dismiss, or refer complaints to the Portland Police Bureau. IPR oversees investigations, analyzes complaint patterns, and conducts policy reviews. IPR is seeking volunteers for the Citizen Review Committee to monitor and advise IPR, hear appeals and receive public concerns. Candidates must be Portland, Oregon residents or business owners with a lack of real or perceived conflicts of interest for or against law enforcement. Seeking five volunteers for two year terms, two positions commencing on September 1,2009 and three positions beginning on January 1, 2010.

Applications are available at the IPR office in City Hall as well as on IPR's website at www.portlandonline.com/auditor/ipr. Applications will be evaluated and scored by the Selection Committee and the most qualified candidates will be asked to appear for an interview. Those selected will be presented for appointment by City Council.

Applications must be received at the IPR office in City Hall by 4:30 PM on Monday, July 20, 2009. Delivery can be done by: mail or in person at 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 320, Portland, OR 97204, e-mail at iprcrc@ci.portland.or.us or fax at 503-823-3530. Questions, please call IPR's main line 503-823-0146.

Sharing Our Public Spaces

2009-07-13 13:23:00-07:00

07/13/2009

This just hit our inbox...

The present economic crisis has drastically impacted many of our neighbors. Commissioners Amanda Fritz and Nick Fish invite all members of our neighborhoods to join them in a community forum to find alternative ways to share our streets and review opportunities for supporting members of our communities who are faced with homelessness and other challenges.

On April 29, 2009 the Portland City Council agreed to postpone a decision on the Sidewalk Obstructions Ordinance rather than vote to continue or allow it to sunset. A recent court ruling and the Portland Police decision suspending the sit/lie ordinance has created a wonderful opportunity for a community dialogue on the next steps. A report by the Street Access For Everyone (SAFE) Committee sets the framework for discussion about which services have been provided and which are needed.
One way that you can help is to join together and come up with ideas to support our neighbors who are struggling in meeting some of the most basic needs.
Possible discussion ideas:
What are SAFE Recommendations - Areas of agreement, areas of disagreement?
How are services coordinated/who does what in the City?
What services are needed/missing/need enhancements?
Who needs to be at the table?
What issues are outstanding?
Next Steps
Please Join Commissioner Fritz and Commissioner Fish along with other Portlanders as together we discuss opportunities to make our city friendly, supportive and accommodating for everyone.
There will be two community meetings with identical content on:
Saturday, July 18 from 10a.m. to 12p.m at Kaiser Town Hall
3704 N. Interstate, Portland.
Tuesday, July 21 from 7p.m to 9p.m. at First Unitarian Church
1011 SW 12th Ave, Portland.
Please Attend whichever meeting is more convenient for you. For more information contact Dora Perry at 503-823-3229.

6 Neighborhood Websites Hacked Over Weekend

2009-07-13 08:33:00-07:00

07/13/2009

Morning, neighbors. The Pearl District, Madison South, Central Northeast Neighbors, Cully and Hillside websites were hacked over the weekend. OakStand Community Web Development was quick to respond and all sites are now in working order. Thanks, Todd!

Last Call: OLCC Customer Service Survey

2009-07-10 06:42:00-07:00

07/10/2009

This just hit our inbox. Sounds like a great opportunity for neighbors to provide feedback to OLCC:

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) is measuring how well it serves key customer groups by asking a set of standard questions, which all state agencies are required to ask. The OLCC has many key customer groups and your response is important to provide a more complete picture of how the OLCC is doing.
Please take a moment to complete the Customer Service Survey below. We sincerely appreciate your time and value any additional comments you may have.
OLCC Customer Service Survey:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tCNRf0BvN8rPDVkeI3F2ew_3d_3d
If for some reason you are not able to view the above link, or can not connect to the survey, copy and paste the URL address in the Windows Explorer browser. This should connect you to the survey.
This survey will close on Friday, August 14, 2009.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Farshad Allahdadi (503-872-5023). Thank you.

Technical Difficulties: Please Stand by!

2009-07-07 18:45:00-07:00

07/07/2009

Hi, Neighbors.

Sorry we've been missing in action the past couple of days. The tech gods were not happy—our site completely disappeared!

As you may know, we've been working on a site upgrade for about 6 months now. Well, we're this close to launching the site and will be working offline the rest of the week to ensure that the upgrade happens sooner, rather than later.

We've still got lots of great neighborhood news and events to share—we also think you'll dig the new site—so, stay tuned!

See you on the flipside,
Lynnette, Ken and the Neighborhood Notes crew

Notes of Interest » July 1, 2009

2009-07-02 07:05:00-07:00

07/02/2009

Here's a little neighborhood news to wash down with that morning cup of coffee...

RACC Seeks Proposals for Artistic Projects in 2010

2009-06-30 11:50:00-07:00

06/30/2009

Do you know what Hand2Mouth Theatre, NW Film Center and Miracle Theatre Group have in common? Aside from being fine artists, they're all recipients of grants from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC). Now, you're invited to join this esteemed group and submit a proposal for an artistic project planned for 2010:

The Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) invites nonprofit organizations and individual artists in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas Counties to submit proposals for artistic projects and cultural events that are planned for calendar year 2010. "Intent to Apply" forms must be submitted online through RACC's website before 5:00 p.m. on August 5, 2009.
For 14 years, RACC "Project Grants" have enhanced and supported a wide range of artistic activities throughout the Portland tri-county area (including Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties). To be eligible, projects must involve the creation or presentation of a performance, exhibit, or other work of art that is available to the general public. Proposals must address ONE of the following objectives:
Artistic Focus: Projects that demonstrate high artistic quality, innovation, creativity in programming and artist selection, and demonstrated ability by the artist or organization.
Community Participation: Projects that support cultural and arts programs and services that involve direct community participation. The project should impact a variety of citizens in the RACC service area by helping to provide them with a greater sense of self, family, community and place.
A third category of Project Grants are for "Arts-in-Schools." These applications will be available on August 27, 2009 with deadlines in October.
Non-profit organizations and individual artists are all welcome to apply, and RACC encourages submissions from new, emerging, and established artists alike. All eligible proposals will be grouped by discipline and adjudicated by a panel of community volunteers with interest and experience in arts and culture programming. Approximately $400,000 is available, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 each.
Guidelines and other important materials—including a list of projects that were funded in 2009—are available online at www.racc.org/grants. All applications must be submitted using RACC's online grants system; RACC provides computer access and technical support for people who require assistance. RACC staff is also available by telephone and email to guide applicants through the process of submitting a competitive application. First-time applicants should contact Helen Daltoso at 503.823.5402 or hdaltoso@racc.org for assistance. Returning applicants should contact Ingrid Carlson at 503.823.5417 or icarlson@racc.org.
In addition to these one-on-one support opportunities, two free orientation sessions are being provided to help applicants better understand RACC Project Grant guidelines and application procedures. These orientations will be held at RACC offices, 108 NW 9th, Room 202, Portland. Please call 503.823.5866 or email ttoler@racc.org to RSVP.
A free orientation for individual artists will be held Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 3pm.
A free orientation for not-for-profit organizations will be held Wednesday, July 8, 2009, at 3pm.
"Intent to Apply" forms are due August 5, 2009 at 5:00pm. RACC staff will notify applicants as to whether their proposal meets the minimum eligibility requirements, and all final proposals must be submitted online by August 19, 2009 by 5:00pm. Applicants submit copies of their proposal and supplemental materials by August 26, 2009. Awards are announced by mid-December. For more information, please visit www.racc.org/grants

Notes of Interest » Weekend Recap (6/26-6/28)

2009-06-29 07:24:00-07:00

06/29/2009

Kickstart your week with a little neighborhood news...

photo: Beaker & Flask

Citywide Code Amendments Create Green Incentives

2009-06-25 10:09:00-07:00

06/25/2009

From the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability:

The City of Portland is developing code amendments that would foster green technologies and practices on a neighborhood scale. The 2009 Regulatory Improvement Program - Sustainability Work in Progress contains a "green bundle" to promote the installation and use of solar panels, water cisterns, wind turbines, eco-roofs and district energy systems.
The green bundle is part of a larger set of updates, and a "discussion draft" of proposed new zoning code will be reviewed at a Planning Commission hearing scheduled for August 25th, 2009.
"The green bundle is a perfect example of how the City of Portland can ensure sustainable practices while addressing our Climate Action Plan goals and stimulating the growth of our local green industry," said Mayor Sam Adams.
Portland's new economic development strategy focuses in part on creating an "incubator environment" around the sustainability industry. The code changes in the green bundle will ensure there are no local obstacles to implementing green technology on the neighborhood scale.
The following zoning code changes are included in the green bundle:

Solar Panels
In recent years Portlanders have become increasingly aware of the importance of diversifying their energy sources, reducing dependence on foreign sources of energy, and decreasing the emissions of climate-changing greenhouse gases. While Portland strives to be a leader in the growing solar energy industry, this code amendment would:
Clarify how rooftop solar panels and equipment are treated in building height calculations and create opportunity for installation of panels on buildings that are already built to the maximum height.
Exempt solar panels installed on existing buildings from Design Review. A narrower exemption would be created in Historic Districts.

Small Urban Wind Energy Systems
Advances in small-scale wind turbine technology in recent years make it possible to incorporate wind power into urban areas and building design, or add small systems to rooftops. Although Portland does not have the wind conditions to produce large amounts of power from urban turbines, allowing these devices may help stimulate advancement of the technology and encourage entrepreneurial efforts in this industry. This amendment would:
Allow small-scale wind energy systems to exceed zoning code height limits, either as standalone towers or when incorporated into building architecture.
Exempt small-scale wind energy systems from Design Review. A narrower exemption would be created in Historic Districts.

Eco-Roofs
Eco-roofs are lightweight, vegetated roof systems that replace conventional roofs with a layer of foliage over a "growing medium" on top of a waterproof membrane. They are an important part of Portland's efforts to manage stormwater with facilities that perform like natural systems. This amendment would:
Exempt eco-roofs installed on existing buildings from Design Review.

Green Power and District Energy - Zoning Code Use Categories
District energy systems produce hot water, steam or chilled water at a central plant and distribute the energy through underground pipes to buildings connected to the system. Similar district systems are possible for distributing electricity from solar panels or processing stormwater, grey water, sanitary sewage or even kitchen compost. Net-metered solar systems are also increasingly common, where the excess energy produced is sold back to the grid. District systems, net-metering and other small-scale community renewable energy systems make it possible for districts and neighborhoods to generate their own renewable energy, thereby reducing the costs and environmental impact of drawing energy from large power plants. This amendment would:
Clarify the land use categories in the zoning code to ensure that neighborhood-scale renewable energy production is allowed in residential and commercial zones. (Current rules may classify these facilities, in some cases, as "manufacturing and production.")

Water Harvesting Cisterns
Harvesting rainwater runoff in barrels (or cisterns) is one way to reduce water consumption. This amendment would:
Allow water cisterns within zoning code setbacks within reasonable parameters.
Exempt water cisterns from Design Review. A narrower exemption would be created in Historic Districts.

Bike Parking
Bicycle transportation is a sustainable alternative to driving, and the City of Portland - through its transportation and land-use planning efforts - is making it easier for residents to commute and travel by bike. Increasing the number of people who rely on bicycles to get around is an important element in the City's Climate Action Plan. These amendments would:
Address the lack of long-term parking in apartments and condominiums by removing exemptions that allow multi-dwelling buildings to avoid installation of long-term bicycle parking for residents.
Require new apartment and condominium complexes to provide covered secure bike parking, making them subject to the same rules that already apply to new commercial and employment buildings.

Larger Eaves
Larger eaves help protect buildings from weather and are important for energy conservation. This zoning code amendment would:
Allow buildings to have larger eaves that project deeper into the setback.
For more detailed information on the "green bundle" and to see photographs illustrating the changes listed above, please see the green building summary.

Notes of Interest » June 24, 2009

2009-06-25 07:43:00-07:00

06/25/2009

Get your daily dose of neighborhood news...

Notes of Interest » June 23, 2009

2009-06-24 08:13:00-07:00

06/24/2009

Tee off your day with an early round of neighborhood news...

Photo courtesy of the culinary addict

Notes of Interest » June 22, 2009

2009-06-23 08:56:00-07:00

06/23/2009

Here's a little neighborhood news to wash down with that morning cup of coffee...

Notes of Interest » June 18, 2009

2009-06-19 10:19:00-07:00

06/19/2009

Jumpstart your day with a little neighborhood news...

photo: Alicia J. Rose/Portland Mercury

Master Gardener Hotline and Open House

2009-06-18 08:28:00-07:00

06/18/2009

Whether you're a newbie gardener or seasoned veteran, you'll love the Master Gardener Hotline. OSU Master Gardeners are available to offer answers to your gardening questions every Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sage advice, indeed.

Taking their cue from First Lady Michelle Obama, many folks in Multnomah County are planting vegetable gardens for the first time. Many have questions about soil, landscape plants, fruits and vegetables, and of course, weeds.

OSU Master Gardeners will throw open their doors Friday, July 17 from 12:00-4:00 p.m. to meet residents, answer questions and inspect plants. The Master Gardener Hotline (503.445.4608) has just relocated to the West Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District office.

The Master Gardener office is in Suite 453 and the hotline is open and staffed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last year, the gardening hotline in Washington County answered 4,500 inquiries and the hotline in Clackamas County responded to 3,500 calls.

Master Gardeners are available to answer questions about growing and caring for plants in home gardens and landscapes. They also help identify and recommend management options for household pests. Master Gardener volunteers provide unbiased information about sustainable gardening to help the general public make informed management decisions.