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102nd Avenue plans move ahead

LEE PERLMAN
THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
This photo and accompanying photo enhancement’s vantage point is along 102nd Avenue, looking north, near Northeast Oregon Street.
Submitted Graphics
City planners and consultants are proceeding with plans for the redesign of Northeast and Southeast 102nd Avenue, and they have come up with some ideas that are not only functional but also fun.

The basic plan for the road between Northeast Weidler and Southeast Washington streets calls for retaining two lanes of traffic in each direction, two bike lanes, a center left turn lane interrupted at intervals by islands and an eight foot wide median, and almost no curb parking.

The sidewalk will be rebuilt, 15 feet wide where possible, as narrow as seven feet where existing buildings dictate. The five feet closest to the street will be planted with gingko trees and have ornamental streetlights.
This is a proposed design of Northeast 102nd Avenue from Glisan Street to Halsey Street, reproduced in two sections.
In addition, city transportation planner Dan Layden and consultant Mike Abbate of GreenWorks are proposing special treatments for major intersections. At Northeast Glisan Street they propose a series of lighted bollards, 3.5-foot cylinders used to discourage auto traffic, plus ornamental grass, benches and eight foot square concrete pavers. At Northeast Halsey Street they propose a 12-foot high stainless steel arch, possibly in the middle of the street spanning the pedestrian path.

The most unique is the “jug handle” at Northeast Weidler Street, where westbound traffic traverses a 270-degree circle. Here the planners propose to use the concrete removed by the sidewalk reconstruction to create an “art object” on the handle. On top of this would be a series of flexible poles 15 to 20 feet high.

The planners have yet to devise treatments for the East Burnside Street intersection or the major streets to the south of it.

Asked if the plan was final, Layden was frank with the Opportunity Gateway Program Advisory Committee.

“Oh, no,” Layden said. “This is big picture stuff. We want to be as flexible as possible. We want a new look for the street, but we don’t want to hurt anyone who’s there.”

The cost of the project is $5.6 million. Most of this will come from federal transportation funds, part of which has already been allocated and part of which is contained in a transportation bill now making its way through congress. If all goes according to plan, construction could begin next spring, Layden said.

The project was well received by the PAC and its audience.

Northeast 103rd Avenue resident Joe Rinella told Layden, “You’re showing real consideration to businesses and houses in the area and that is really, really appreciated.”

Portland Development Commission’s Gateway Regional Center’s team leader Sara King said, “It’s gratifying to see such a significant project built so early in the life of the district.”

Dann Wonser of the PAC told Layden, “It just tickles me, the ideas you’ve come up with. It’s not just a median strip. This is fun!”
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