6 • The Southwest Portland Post NEWS SOUTHWEST CORRIDOR PLAN (Continued from Page 3) tunnels under and connecting Oregon Health & Science University and Hillsdale. “It would add cost to project and increase travel time,” Ford reported. “There would be disruptive issues in Hillsdale and at the local schools.” The lack of community support and already good transit in Hillsdale provided final reasons not to build the tunnels. Staff recommended continuing studying the cut-and-cover tunnel to PCC Sylvania until October. A clear need to improve transportation does have impacts but suggested ongoing targeted work with additional community feedback. Some other options were proposed to include a bus rapid transit on 49th Avenue to PCC Sylvania and then on to the Tigard transit center. Ford reported that there would be very little capital change with approximately $4 million to improve routes and increasing ridership by 15 percent to PCC Sylvania. Metro staff will be meeting with the college board of trustees in the summer. The new appointed president said he wanted to encourage cooperation and is excited with the collaboration. A strategic plan has been developed by the college. “Our goal is to get people out of cars,” said Linda Degman, the college’s bond program director. It wasn’t clear to the committee what the community college’s investment in the project was and how high capacity transit would facilitate growth of the college. They wanted to know what would land use look like and how would the parking lot be adapted to the plan. “The Sylvania master plan will have less parking and community development,” Degman replied. Community college students disputed the disparities of numbers of commuters who would use public transportation versus what the Metro study compiled. “There is no need for high capacity transit,” testified a PCC Sylvania student leader. According to a student poll, 80 percent don’t want to get out of their cars. “They need substantial incentives,” continued the student who name was unclear. “Sometimes it’s easier to walk than even take the bus. It seems like a waste of money to spend lots of money on a subway that students won’t use.” Another student said that planners need to entice students with carpools or bus rapid transit. “Students have different schedules and needs,” she said. “You need to expand on existing routes and shuttles or utilize the PCC [Sylvania] bus more. Perhaps we need to find out where the students are coming from. “It affects not only the students, but neighbors and the environment at PCC [Sylvania] disrupting campus activities.” Numerous questions then came from the steering committee. They weren’t sure what outdoor escalators and people movers would look like at either OHSU or PCC Sylvania as proposed in further details of the report. Christian Preschool and Daycare for ages 3-11. Full Day, Half Day, and Preschool Only Options Available. Mention this ad when you register for Half-Day or Full-Day care in September, and we’ll waive your $100 Registration Fee! Little Lambs Preschool & Daycare A ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 3405 SW Alice St. (Between Barbur & Capital) 503-244-4558 www.ShepherdingToJesus.org You’re Invited! Thursday, August 6 + 6:30-8 pm A canned food drive to benefit Neighborhood House will be held Food Bring your own picnic dinner OR Buy a meal for $5 Bounce House Music Meet a Police Officer Climb on a Fire Truck (hamburger, hotdog, or veggie burger, chips & a drink) FREE ICE CREAM! August 2015 “Two different contractors hired by Metro have been looking at that issue,” said Noelle Dobson, public affairs manager. “A lot of the details will be looked at during environmental impact study.” Dobson finished her presentation with a summary of the project to date. “We held two community forums,” Dobson concluded, “posted comments, provided an online map and survey results, and meeting notes. “We had over 1,300 responses.” The steering committee voted unanimously to support all the staff’s recommendations. A final report documenting the steering committee’s actions was scheduled to be produced after this meeting. The next steering committee meeting will be held on Sept. 14, from 9 to 11 a.m. Location to be decided. Unusually cool weather greets shoppers and vendors during the 2012 Multnomah Days street festival. (Post file photo by Don Snedecor) Multnomah Days Fun! (Continued from Page 1) volunteers for the garbage and recycling pick up duty. Mark Seker has been organizing this aspect of Multnomah Days for the past three or four years. Seker works with a counselor at Wilson High School to line up students who need volunteer service hours on their resume. They pair up and spend a two to three hour shift taking wheelbarrows around to clean up the garbage and the recycling bins. “And it’s not hard work; it’s nice,” Seker says. “Plus, there are certain perks. We give them a goodie bag and a T-shirt and a lunch ticket.” Other volunteer opportunities are available too, he adds, and you can sign up as late as Aug. 8 at Mseker@ tutordoctor.com. Seker said everyone loves Multnomah Days, so it’s easy to get help. “The spirit of our volunteer committee Four-story development (Continued from Page 1) Multnomah Village, there is no infrastructure such as sidewalks, streetcars, high-capacity transit, and improved roads. Neighborhood leaders visit business association McCarthy, Rounds, Sucec, and several other neighbor association members visited the June 25 meeting of the Multnomah Village Business Association. Business leaders said that they want storefront commercial development to move closer to the village. The developer, Tim O’Brien of Urban Assets Advisors, recently said that the business association had supported his development but did have concerns about the height, materials used, and parking. The business association markets the village as a brand which draws international tourists for its quaintness. is very positive. It’s a team here, so it’s not that hard and the community responds when you ask then to pitch in.” But whether you volunteer, dance to the music, march in the parade, host a booth, or enjoy the annual pancake breakfast, on Aug. 15, Multnomah Village is the place to be. “It’s a feel good event for the whole community,” Seker said. “Lots of people come out. They’re engaging in a social activity that helps build community spirit. It’s just an old-fashioned block party.” Editor’s Note: This year there are two stages with great music and merriment throughout the day. And there is a Kids Festival and lots of great food. Wine aficionados won’t want to forget about Vine & Dine in Multnomah Village on Sunday, Aug. 16. This annual event is a fundraiser for the Multnomah Village Bloc Initiative. You can find a list of the major Multnomah Days events on Page 5, and a complete list of events on the Multnomah Village website, www.multnomahvillage.org. The business association hasn’t taken a formal position yet though. At the June meeting, this reporter heard a range of thoughts, but one thing that was made clear: more retail is always good for business. “The neighbors don’t have any financial stake in development,” a long time business member said. “To businesses, it’s more customers.” Long-time business association president Michele Cassinelli asked if there was any requirement for the group to take a position. “I think we should take a stand,” she said. “The developer is open and willing to work with us.” “I think it’s unfair to commit one way or the other,” said current co- president Jason Lensch. “A collective voice is too much of a risk.” Instead, it was suggested that an online questionnaire be posted online to allow members to share their concerns and comments anonymously. At press time, the business association was scheduled to revisit the topic at the July 30 meeting.