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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2011)
8 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS October 2011 Governing partners prepare Sellwood Bridge funding priorities By Lee Perlman The Southwest Portland Post Participating governments last month began zeroing in on a budget for a new Sellwood Bridge – as they would like it to be, and as it may have to be if they run short of funds. As part of this venture, the proj- ect’s Citizen Advisory Committee adopted a list of design features they would like to see added. These include belvederes (tow- ers that both add architectural character and stopping places for bicyclists and pedestrians) benches, pavement treatment to designate bike and pedestrian paths , fencing, A photo simulation of a deck arch Sellwood Bridge replacement. (Photo courtesy of Multnomah County) structural lighting, and a Gateway Feature and artwork. The total for all these comes to $3.85 million. This in turn brings the existing funding shortfall for the $269 million project as a whole to $22.7 million. Project manager Ian Cannon told the Project Stakeholders Committee (composed of representatives of the participating jurisdictions) that the best chance to gain the money is to secure a federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant. Failing this, Cannon said, the project team is working on a list of “downsized and deferred” items. Deferred items could be added later, but “downsized” ones would alter the bridge structure and, in all probability, would never be restored. None of the cuts would interfere with the project going forward as scheduled, Cannon said. Virtually all of the proposed cost reduction measures presented called for alterations in the west end or approaches to the bridge. Even if they were all adopted, Cannon said, transportation would oper- ate “somewhat better” than it does today. In answer to a question from Mayor Sam Adams, Cannon said that cuts of $8 million or less could be made in such a way as to allow their restoration later. Above $8 million, Cannon said, “The interim plan becomes the plan.” In discussions with the CAC, Cannon noted that the completed new span would be 2,000 feet long. Thus, he said, the stopping-off place the belvederes provide is not only an amenity for sightseers, but also a necessity for the elderly and infirm. Bicycle and pedestrian advocates have argued that for the bridge to operate properly, bike and pedestri- an paths need to be clearly marked and differentiated. The CAC agreed on the need for a fence, but said it shouldn’t be “penitentiary-like” in character. The Multnomah County Com- mission is scheduled to vote on the proposal on October 6. Alan Lehto, who represented Tri- Met at the PSC meeting, said, “We definitely support this. It makes sense to move forward and look at whatever resources we can find to not have this become a leftover project.” Parker Realty, Inc. We’d like to meet you! Please join us for Near Multnomah Village – Maplegrove Heights – $289,500 Just listed! Architect’s personal residence - unbelievable remodel conducted over the past 16 years with extraordinary attention to high quality detail not normally found in this price range: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, gourmet kitchen, beautiful woodwork throughout, gorgeous private back yard with one of a kind outdoor fireplace. MLS 11417415 Jeff Parker Your Neighborhood Realtor Since 1980 the RIVERDALE HIGH School OPEN HOUSE Sunday, October 30th, 2011 503-977-1888•7830 SW 35th Ave., Portland, OR www.parkerrealtyportland.com RIVERDALE High School is a college preparatory high school with an intimate and collaborative approach focused on individualized education. We offer a challenging academic curriculum supported by a wide range of co-curricular activities. Our size of under 300 students ensures individual attention. We’re conveniently located only 10 minutes from downtown Portland. SAVE THE DATE Sunday, October 30, 2011 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm An opportunity to interact with faculty, staff, current students, and parents. To schedule a school visit, set up a shadow day, or answer any questions, call Hilary Chandler, Admissions Coordinator at 503.262.4844 or email: hchandler@riverdale.k12.or.us Riverdale 9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd. | Portland, OR 97219 | www.visitriverdale.com