pearl district news...
Oct 7,2008
Amber, Aqua, and the Streetcar?
by shooter
No, it's not porno version of " A Streetcar Named Desire ". These will be the names for the streetcar lines once the eastside alignment is operating. The existing South Waterfront to NW 23rd alignment will be named "Amber", and the new eastside alignment will be named "Aqua", according to PortlandTransport . Supposedly, the general family of colors is based on the colors of precious stones. I'm more of a primary color man myself.
PortlandTransport also reports that summer weekday ridership on the "Amber" line was up about 25% over last year. Saturday and Sunday also had record ridership. It amazing what people will do when fuel prices are so high. They'll even take Amber for a ride... Related links: PDOT Extends the Streetcar Survey PDC to Spend $5M for Streetcar Engineering City Council Approves Final Engineering for Eastside Streetcar Loop
Read More...
posted at 02:40 PM
0 comments 
Aug 29,2008
Take the Streetcar Survey
by Trace
The Portland Office of Transportation (PDOT) is currently drafting a Streetcar System Plan, with the intent of creating a citywide network. The purpose of the Streetcar System Plan (SSP) District Working Group process that is currently underway is to engage the public in the beginning of a long-range planning effort that will identify future streetcar corridors with the highest potential in a long-term implementation strategy. Specifically, the goal of the NE District Working Group process is to identify where community support for potential streetcar corridors is located in NE Portland. Currently, volunteers like us are doing community outreach to gauge the level of support in Northeast Portland along various corridors such as Broadway/Weidler, MLK Blvd, Alberta St, and 82nd Ave. The city has stated that new streetcar corridors will be prioritized in areas where community support exists.http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=7QjGufQZvkQ5cFawdRA6CA_3d_3d
Read More...
posted at 11:07 AM
0 comments
Aug 27,2008
PDC to spend $5M for Streetcar Engineering
by shooter
The PDC is expected to approve $5M for final engineering of the eastside streetcar extension, even though the Federal government hasn't approved the money to build it. This article from the Oregonian gives some details of the politics involved in getting the Feds to approve $75M for the project. At present, it's held up because the Bush Administration favors buses. In February , the Administration gave tentative approval for $50M, but its uncertain when delivery will occur, possibly after the new administration takes office.
The reason for moving forward without receiving the federal money is to prevent cost increase due to automatic inflation adjustments in the contract. At present, every month of delay costs the city $500K in automatic inflation adjustments.
The project is expected to be completed in 2011.
Read More...
posted at 07:53 AM
0 comments
Aug 21,2008
City Council Approves Final Engineering for Eastside Streetcar Loop
by shooter
The Daily Journal of Commerce reports that the City Council approved $6.3M for project management, design, and civil engineering on the 3.3-mile east side streetcar loop. The extension will cross the Broadway Bridge and run south to OMSI.Federal financing has been delayed, and may not be approved, until after the November elections. Due to construction contingency requirements that rise with inflation, every month of delay costs the City $500,000. The City hopes to recoup the money once federal financing is approved.
Read more...
posted at 12:53 PM
1 comments
Aug 18,2008
LA Times Reflecting On Portland
by stockboy
"L.A. could learn a thing or two from Portland...""The city is a veritable transit utopia where light rail goes to the airport, parking restrictions increase public transit use and free streetcar service benefits downtown businesses. It also has a 20-year head start on planning." In an interesting article the LA Times marvels at the strides Portland has made and continues to make.
posted at 07:58 PM
0 comments
Aug 15,2008
Portland In the National News... Again!
by stockboy
USA Today reported that Portland was founded in the mid-19th century as a shipping and logging center (which prompted one of its first nicknames, Stumptown), and has been a poster child for progressive urban planning for decades. Check out the newspaper article online at USA Today .
posted at 11:11 PM
0 comments
Aug 14,2008
Portland Streetcar in the New York Times
by shooter
A story from the NY Times highlights cities that are planning to construct a streetcar system and mentions the usual reason why—they spur growth and development. Of course, Portland Streetcar gets lots of love! Critics contend that the development doesn't come without significant subsidies. I see some truth in both sides of the argument. Streetcars foster the 20-minute neighborhood , where within a 20-minute walk your daily needs can be met. In the suburbs, you need your car for pretty much everything, but in a high-density neighborhood you can easily avoid using a car for most daily errands. Streetcar advocates have been touting this for years, but it seems that even with today's soaring fuel costs, critics still don't believe it. Perhaps they should look at TriMet's increasing ridership .
Read More...
posted at 08:30 AM
0 comments
Jul 17,2008
Streetcar's usefulness is questioned again
by shooter
The Portland Tribune has a pretty good story today asking if the streetcar is a tool or a toy. I believe it's a useful tool, but I also understand that it is not THE solution for every situation. I think a well-integrated public transit system is one that incorporates bus, streetcar, and light rail. Rather than focusing on one option, perhaps the city should be studying the major transit corridors to determine which option is best suited for the situation and develop an integrated plan.
What do you think?
posted at 08:41 AM
4 comments
Jul 14,2008
Take the Streetcar Survey (NW closes 7/15)
by pearlgirl
The Streetcar System Plan (SSP) is a big picture look at the City of Portland's transportation network and how streetcars can fit into this network in the future. The goal of the SSP is to identify an interconnected citywide system of streetcar corridors integrated with the City's transportation and land use network. The Portland Streetcar System Plan can play a key role in shaping the City by: reinforcing walkable and economically diverse neighborhoods and vibrant main streets encouraging sustainable and equitable development and infrastructure supporting reduction of vehicle trips supporting greater accessibility, housing options, employment, and economic development WHAT DO YOU THINK? Help the city prioritize potential future streetcar corridors by taking a streetcar survey for the area where you live or work. NORTHWEST Portland Streetcar Survey - closes July 15 NORTHEAST Portland Streetcar Survey - closes September 15 NORTH Portland Str
Read More...
posted at 01:34 PM
1 comments
Jul 3,2008
Prospects Improve for Eastside Streetcar
by pearlgirl
There's no news like good news. If you'd like to get involved, join the Streetcar Master Plan SE Work Group . For information on other work groups, click here .
posted at 02:11 AM
0 comments
Currently viewing records: 1 - 10
- 1-10
pearl district
©Kenneth Aaron, Neighborhood Notes
See Sammy's Flowers in the Pearl
Neighborhood Association
Board Meetings
6pm, 2nd Thursday of each month
Pacific Northwest College of Art
1241 NW Johnson St.
Committee Meetings
Planning
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
Board Meetings
6pm, 2nd Thursday of each month
Pacific Northwest College of Art
1241 NW Johnson St.
Committee Meetings
Planning
1st & 3rd Tuesdays
6pm, PNCA
1241 NW Johnson St.
Transportation Sub-Committee
Transportation Sub-Committee
2nd Thursday of every month
3:30pm, Ecotrust
721 NW 9th Ave.
Livability
When: First and third Mondays
6 p.m., Community Room of The Louisa
124 NW 13th Ave.
Communications
Last Tuesday of every month
6pm, Umpqua Bank
Last Tuesday of every month
6pm, Umpqua Bank
1139 NW Lovejoy
Neighborhood Map
Community Links
Neighbors West Northwest
City of Portland
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Pearl District Business Association
NW Community Garden
Neighborhood Map
Community Links
Neighbors West Northwest
City of Portland
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Pearl District Business Association
NW Community Garden
