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.

A news release from the Portland Police Bureau about a robbery, kidnapping investigation occurring Sunday at the Courtesy Motel in Parkrose follows:

“On Sunday May 29, 2011 at 11:05 a.m. Portland Police officers received information of a possible hostage situation at an unknown motel along Sandy Boulevard. Officers were told there was a man in a motel room being held at gunpoint against his will.

“North Precinct officers responded to the area of Northeast 110th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard. The initial information in the call did not specify a particular motel. Through their investigation officers were able to determine the motel in question was the Courtesy Motel at 11324 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Room # 24.

A news release from the Portland Police Bureau about an armed robbery at the Ace Tavern on Sandy Blvd last night follows:

This evening, Tuesday February 22, 2011, at approximately 6:08 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to the Ace Tavern, located at 8868 Northeast Sandy Boulevard, on the report of an armed robbery. Officers received information that the suspect entered the bar armed with a handgun and demanded money.

A news release from the Portland Police about a medically endangered man, gone missing in our area follows:

Portland Police are asking for the public’s help in locating  70-year-old William McCoy who was last seen in the area of Northeast 82nd and Sandy Boulevard in the early morning hours of Friday January 14, 2011. McCoy was last staying at the Travel Lodge Motel in the 3800 Block of Northeast 82nd Avenue.

William McCoy is 5’7″ tall and weighs 150 pounds. McCoy was last seen wearing an unknown-colored top, black pants, red tennis shoes, and a green fanny pack. McCoy is balding with gray hair and a beard and has blue eyes.

Anyone with information on William McCoy‘s whereabouts is urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. Anyone with additional information should contact Detective Mike Weinstein at (503) 823-0446.

A news release from the Portland Police Bureau about a car hitting a pedestrian on Sandy Boulevard in east Portland follows. The Portland Police Major Crash Team is investigating.

“At approximately 7:30 p.m. on September 8, 2010, a 31 year-old male pedestrian was hit by a Ford Escape SUV as he crossed Northeast Sandy Boulevard. The pedestrian crossed in the 9700 block of Northeast Sandy Boulevard approximately 100 feet from the nearest crosswalk.

“The driver of the SUV stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the Portland Police Major Crash Team as they investigate this accident. Both east and westbound traffic on Northeast Sandy Boulevard is blocked at this time.

James Mayer had a good story in yesterday’s (Thursday’s) inPortland section of the Oregonian entitled “Potholes are the pits, Portlanders say.”

It talks about new Mayor Sam Adams and his obsession with potholes. Another Adams stunt or is he serious?
Portland has a backlog of street maintenance (30%) that grows larger every year. True, potholes are a small part of the problem, but they are the most visible.

And, last month’s December to Remember storms only exacerbated the situation.

Take Sandy Boulevard in east Portland for instance, from Northeast 82nd to around 47th Avenues to be exact. Let us now call it “Pothole Boulevard.” please, take it and fix it Mayor Adams.