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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2018)
May 2018 NEWS The Southwest Portland Post • 7 Is the city cramming in more housing in guise of livability, affordability? out the city), former Mayor Charlie Hales ordered a re- view of hous- ing redevel- opments and created the Residential Infill Project in 2016. G o r t e r represented Southwest neighbor- hoods on the Residential Infill Project Stakehold- er Advisory Committee Jim Gorter speaks to the Multnomah Neighborhood Association which includ- while vice-chair Leslie Hammond listens. ed city staff, (Post photo by Erik Vidstrand) neighborhood association representatives, develop- ers, and architects. MULTNOMAH NOTEBOOK Gorter is a retired educator and served most of his career as the direc- tor of outdoor environmental educa- By Erik Vidstrand tion for a local agency. The Southwest Portland Post “In the last few years,” Gorter said, “the project has morphed into cram- Longtime Burlingame resident and ming in more housing and people activist Jim Gorter was the keynote in the guise of livability and afford- speaker at the Multnomah Neighbor- ability.” hood Association meeting on April He said the city wanted to focus 10. on “little picture” issues such as the Gorter said that due to demoli- number of stairs a new development tions (and the resulting building of could have or setback distances. “mcmansions” happening through- “They weren’t concerned about the bigger picture issues like displace- ment, affordability, or infrastruc- ture,” he said. “An affordable house is the one that is already there. “Since its inception,” Gorter said, “the RIP has gone through several renditions. I am planning to attend two upcoming hearings in May. Pub- lic comments are open until May 15.” According to Gorter, the RIPSAC committee was disbanded a year ago without even a thank you. Gorter is now working with United Neighbors for Reform which is focused on asbes- tos and lead paint abatement when demolishing older properties. “Rules have been made for that,” he said, “but there is some concern about the definition of demolition.” UNR supports the reduced scale of houses, setbacks, and a reduced height to 35 feet. There are incentives for affordable housing and historic properties being kept but there con- tinues to be no required parking. Accessory dwelling units up to 800 square feet are allowed. One audience member who is pro-ADU and pro- middle housing asked what if these units become short-term rentals like Air BnB. “I thought this was about providing housing options to youth, seniors, or other low-income residents and families,” he said. “We’re not against ADUs or middle housing,” Chair Martie Sucec said. “Forty-five percent of Multnomah is made up of apartments and town houses. What we are opposed to is the overlay adding even more housing such as duplexes and triplexes.” Another member said she would like to see a restraint on these rental units, yet another member said this could cause antagonism to neighbors, as it is their right to have additional income. “The neighborhood association has already provided the city with areas where density could work in Multnomah,” Sucec said. “Additional housing could be phased in over time.” Someone asked if middle housing options would bring affordable op- tions. “No, it is a sham,” Sucec said. A motion was made to limit ADUs in the area but due to by-laws, the motion could not be accepted. “We can’t pass a motion because it needs to allow adequate discussion to debate it,” Sucec said. The motion was withdrawn. Sucec said she would hold a town hall meet- ing on short-term rentals in the future. The city has set up drop-in hours at the Hillsdale Library on May 3 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. for those who would like to meet with staff to answer questions about the Residential Infill Project. Hearings begin at 5 p.m. on both May 8 and 15 at 1900 SW Fourth Ave., Rm. 2500. The Portland City Council will hear testimony in the fall. You know your FAMILY. We know SENIOR LIVING. Together, we will find the RIGHT PLACE. INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE A Place for Mom has helped over a million families fi nd senior living solutions that meet their unique needs. Our Advisors are trusted, local experts who can help you understand your options. Here’s what’s included with our free service: A dedicated local Advisor Hand-picked list of communities Full details and pricing Help scheduling tours Move in support There’s no cost to you! CALL (844) 269-4351 ! We’re paid by our partner communities Joan Lunden, journalist, former host of Good Morning America and senior living advocate.
