03/01/2016
Concerned about Air Toxics? Learn More
Here's a round-up of links shared by Multnomah County on the topic of Air Quality:
Air Toxics: Questions and Answers
Stress and Worry, A Normal Response to Potential Environmental Exposures
OHA Cancer Incidence Evaluation Southeast Portland, 2009-2013
Laboratories Serving Oregon Soil, water, plant tissue and feed analysis
Complete video of community open house on air quality, Cleveland High School, 2_9_16
Complete video of community open house on air quality, Tubman School, 2_18_16
Chair Deborah Kafoury, Mayor Charlie Hales letter to Gov. Kate Brown
These sites have maps, and other documents that may help.
Oregon Health Authority Metals Emissions
Multco Air Quality: A community concern
Here's a link where you can find toxicology information on all the metals currently of concern in Portland (plus, a lot more!)
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/index.html
Also, links to videos from recent Community Forums on the topic in SE and North Portland:
and
02/29/2016
Update: February 29th 2016
Arbor Lodge Street Tree Pruning this Saturday, March 5th, 8:30-noon
Yep, it's going to rain. But you live in Oregon right? Grab that rain gear and join the group at Arbor Lodge Park at 8:30. The City will provide coffee and treats. You'll learn how to prune young trees from a Certified Arborist, and you'll help young trees be able to grow strong and proud as trees in Arbor Lodge neighborhood!
02/29/2016
Middle Housing and Comp Plan Update
At our monthly board meeting on 2/17, we discussed updates to Portland's Comprehensive Plan. In particular, we talked about the City's new plan to create additional zoning that would allow for "middle housing" to be built. You can find more information in a powerpoint our Land Use volunteer, Nate Young, compiled here (Thanks, Nate!):
Based upon input from neighbors, the Arbor Lodge Board agreed to write a letter to City Council and Bureaus of Planning and Sustainability as well as Development Services stating our concerns about a middle housing proposal. The letter was sent today, and can be read here.
Comprehensive Plan Timeline
The city's hub for information on the Comp Plan is here. You can search for calendars, policy documents and more.
City Council will continue to meet during work sessions to make amendments and discuss policies and maps in more detail. Then, on April 14th (6-9p) and April 20th (2-5p), there will be public hearings for all Portlanders to come and testify, especially on any new amendments. Council will vote to approve the amendments on April 28th.
On another, but similar note, there will also soon be public hearings on some of the 'implementing' projects. This is where Zoning (as opposed to Comp Plan/land use designations) will be discussed. These zones will be reviewed with the Planning and Sustainability Commission. Both the Residential/Open Space and Mixed Use Zones maps and reports will be released early to mid March. On April 12th and April 26th, there will be public hearings on the Residential/Open Space maps. On May 10th, there will be a public hearing on the Mixed Use Zones map.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns, Arbor Lodge's BPS district liaison Leslie Lum will be at the St. Johns Community Center, 8427 N Central on March 29th, from 5-7p to answer any questions. Please stop by or contact her at leslie.lum@portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-7896.
02/25/2016
Information about the Gas Tax
At last week's meeting, our board voted to endorse a proposed gas tax on the upcoming ballot that would fund safety and road improvements across Portland.
Learn more about the proposed tax here: http://www.fixourstreetsportland.com/
Fix Our Streets Campaign Manager Aaron Brown also provided the following information as follow-up to some questions raised during the meeting. In regards to the question of whether TriMet will have to pay this tax: TriMet will be exempt from paying this tax. In regards to whether the tax will fund improvements along N Lombard, he hasn't found any more information about funding for N Lombard. However, here is the full list of projects that would be funded via the revenue generated by the tax: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/558947
02/20/2016
Seeking - Tree Pruning Experts and Newbies
Our street trees filter air and water and provide shade to cool the neighborhood on hot summer days. We're gearing up for a Young Street Tree Pruning Day in Arbor Lodge and would love your help keeping our trees healthy!
No experience necessary - we will have a certified arborist on hand to teach proper technique. Have fun, grow your green thumb and make a difference in our Arbor Lodge Urban Forest!
Details:Saturday, March 58:30am-noon (8:30 registration, pruning demonstration at 9, 10-noon pruning in teams throughout the neighborhood)Meet at Arbor Lodge ParkN Delaware and Bryant
RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/arborlodgeprune
**As part of this event, we also will pay pick-up drivers who are willing to pick up debris and drive it over to Delta Park! Contact Patrick.Key@portlandoregon.gov with questions and for more information.