СВЕТИ ГЕОРГИThe Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative wrapped up its three organizational meetings last month with creation of a seven-person steering committee for the next step: a formal commitment to the Portland Development Commission and city, then formation of an “urban renewal light” district bringing physical, permanent improvements along Sandy Boulevard, from Northeast 99th to 120th avenues.

Colleen Gifford, from left, David Ableidinger and Luke Shepard at a Parkrose Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative organizational meeting held last month. Gifford, hired by the Parkrose Business Association through a grant from the City to recruit steering committee members for the Parkrose NPI, one of six areas in Portland designated by the City and Portland Development Commission.

As part of its citizen outreach, the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission held one of its three hearings on the draft Portland Plan at Parkrose High School Community Center last month. Several local residents gave testimony on issues the Plan should address.

The Portland Plan will set policies to guide the creation of a new City Comprehensive Plan, replacing one enacted in 1980. This will set zoning and other regulations to guide both public activity and private development.

Parkrose High School sophomore Max Denning, right, Metro representative of the Oregon Association of Student Councils, testifies at the Portland Plan hearing at Parkrose High School Community Center held last month. Mid-county Memo photos/Tim Curran

At the Argay Neighborhood Association meeting last month, planning consultant John Gessner presented a plan on behalf of an Argay property owner to divide the undeveloped property between Beech and Failing Streets, on Northeast 141st Avenue across form Argay Park. “It’s important to be a good neighbor; that’s why we’re here,” Gessner said.

This 25,000 square foot piece of property across the street from Argay Park on Northeast 141st Avenue is being platted for two, possibly three new homes. Tim Curran/Mid-county Memo

Neighbors at the meeting expressed concerns the houses will be rentals, and because of smaller lot sizes, house designs would have to be two-story, narrow houses without garages.

After two years of outreach, planners have a draft version of the Portland Plan — which will set policy for city action and private development — and the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission has set a series of public hearings to hear feedback.

City officials care ... Let them know at the Portland Plan meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Parkrose High School Community Center.

The meetings are set for Tuesday, Nov. 8 at Jefferson High School, 520 N. Kerby Ave.; Tuesday, Nov. 15 at Parkrose High School Community Center, 12003 N.E. Shaver St.; and Tuesday, Nov. 29 at the Portland Building, 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave. All three hearings are 5:30 to 9 p.m.

You want to hold public office and represent, among others, the people of east Portland. Well, Democrat Jefferson Smith thinks there are some things you should know.

That is why, last month, District 47’s State Representative Smith — who has not ruled out a run for Portland’s Mayor himself — organized a pair of guided tours of the area, and invited candidates — whose jurisdictions if elected would include the area — to learn about it and the issues people who live there face every day. The response was considerably less than universal, but the following people showed up for the two tours: Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz and a challenger for her seat, State Representative Mary Nolan; Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel, and Alissa Keny-Guyer, who is running to earn the appointment for the remaining term of House District 46, recently vacated by Ben Cannon; State Representative Lew Frederick; Multnomah County District Attorney candidate Kellie Johnson; and Metro Council candidate Bob Stacey.

Hundreds of people showed up for an open house at Glendoveer Golf Course last month to tell Metro what they thought of proposed changes for the golf course and tennis facility. In dozens of different ways, they all told Metro pretty much the same thing: keep your hands off Glendoveer; and if you are going to do anything, upgrade the existing amenities and do more maintenance.

Joanne Lund, right, in black shirt, grew up near the golf course and went to David Douglas High School. She warned Metro’s Mary Anne Cassin, left not to make drastic changes at Glendoveer.

Approved by City Council last week, the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services’ Community Watershed Stewardship Program will grant $95,500 to 15 community groups this year to support watershed projects in Portland.

CWSP grants up to $10,000 for individual projects that encourage watershed protection and enhancement. The grants fund native plants, supplies, equipment, rentals, transportation, and technical assistance for community-based watershed projects. Projects include invasive plant removal, native plantings, education, monitoring, bioswale and ecoroof construction, natural area cleanup and restoration.

East Portland projects funded by CWSP grants this year are:

• Columbia Slough Watershed Council Wilkes Creek Restoration — $4,840

We wish you a Happy New Year.  A recap with links to stories in the January 2011 Mid-county Memo follows:

We caught up to busy busy Superintendent Karen Fischer Gray for an interview as she begins her third year at the helm of the Parkrose School District.

East Portland business and neighborhood leaders are canvassed and asked what are major issues facing our little corner of Portland.

Joann “JoJo” Glass calls it quits after 35 years tending bar at the Candle Light Restaurant and Lounge on 74th and Northeast Glisan St.

A press release from Portland Parks & Recreation follows. PP&R and the Portland Bureau of Transportation are seeking members for the Sullivan’s Gulch Trail Project Advisory Committee connecting the mythical land of  “East Portland” (why do people— especially professional press release writers who are supposed to know these things —  insist on using the grammatically incorrect “East Portland”) with a separate pedestrian/bike route to downtown.

Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) are assembling a Project Advisory Committee (PAC) to assist in the development of a concept plan for the future Sullivan’s Gulch Trail, a 5-mile long opportunity to connect East Portland with a bicycle and pedestrian route that is separated from auto traffic. This trail will provide safe, continuous, and direct transportation options for cyclists and pedestrians.

A news release from the Portland Housing Bureau seeking members for a new advisory committee follows. Attention Richard W. Ellmyer, here’s your chance.

Interested in weighing in on investments of public resources in housing? Want to serve as a sounding board on significant housing policy issues? Want to be in a position to officially advise City Council and City staff on matters relating to housing issues?

The Portland Housing Bureau invites you to apply for membership on its new Portland Housing Advisory Committee. The Portland Housing Advisory Committee is a new volunteer public advisory body that will advise the Director of the Portland Housing Bureau, the Housing commissioner, and the Portland City Council on a range of housing policy and program issues.