Mail: PO Box 83068, Port. OR 97283 * Web: www.stjohnsreview.com * Phone: 503-283-5086
ord Grassroots: “Of the people,
m up, non-hierarchical, rank
le.”
Mr. Adamski typifi es anyone
st SJLP and the destruction of
sland as “misguided” He adds
the current “slip lane”which
xt to Ivy Island as unsafe. He
comments: “Among the goals
e SJLP was to foster revital-
SJ Town Center and Lombard
dor commercial areas, to pro-
opportunities for new housing
the Lombard main street ...
balanced multi-modal trans-
ion system. He goes on to say,
ng design guidelines and plan-
priorities in place was of great
rtance” and further, “SJLP was
esult of collaboration of City
neighborhood interests. Coun-
ssed the SJLP with no oppo-
.” I believe Mr. Adamski has
presented the shear size of cit-
standing against the proposed
ohns Lombard plan. Mr. John
solicited and received over
ignatures against the proposed
sland transfer to a developer.
convinced there are literally
ands of neighbors who oppose
eizure and transfer of Ivy Is-
e issue of safety for the citizens
Johns is much larger than Ivy
d. Lombard is at near peak en-
ring capacity and to add addi-
apartment construction means
onal traffi c. Increasing apart-
dwellers, cars and trucks will
ncrease St. Johns’ high asthma,
health and infrastruc-
ture problems. The en-
trepreneur who creates
problems should not
be given permission to
build until and unless
they a plan to mitigate
impact on safety and not at the ex-
pense of those that have no benefi t.
Let me remind you of super-fund
cleanup sites and the business’ who
profi ted then left toxic waste for tax
payer bailout.
Ms. Quinn cites a meeting where
“informal grassroots” gathering took
place with Robin Plance, Ryan Die-
bert, Lorelei Jutenen, Sarah Ander-
son et. al., learned about the “Main
Street Approach ”which advocates
a return to community self reliance
and local empowerment. Further,
”The organizational model is based
on building broad based community
support and tapping the collective
wisdom of partners, with volunteers
serving on a Board of Directors,
and four committees: Design, Eco-
nomic Development, Promotion and
Organization.” Further, ”All local
advocates expressed a strong desire
to preserve and enhance the historic
character of the town center while
encouraging investment.” She then
states that, “Communities generally
go in one of two directions real estate
wise, either toward improvement or
decay” saying that “The Main Street
program offered a way to move in a
positive direction while maintaining
St. Johns control through local board
members.”
First, I am not for decay but to
destroy St. Johns in order to save it
is a paradox inherent in growth vs.
safety. I do not believe 500 persons
who have signed Mr. Teply’s peti-
tion are for decay. To inform your
readers, Main Street is a part of The
National Trust for Historic Preserva-
tion. What part of the destruction of
existing buildings and the transfer of
Ivy Island into private hands can be
interpreted as historic preservation?
Historic preservation (US), heritage
preservation or heritage conservation
(UK), is an endeavor that seeks to preserve, con-
serve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or
other artifacts of historical signifi cance.
I would advocate for a court of higher jurisdiction
come forth with issuance of a Writ of Mandamus.A
(writ of) mandamus is an order from a court to an
inferior government offi cial ordering the govern-
ment offi cial to properly fulfi ll their offi cial duties
or correct an abuse of discretion. SJNA does not
follow parliamentary rules and this is an abuse of
discretion.
Ivy Island has historically been a part of the gen-
eral obligation and ownership of the citizens of
St. Johns and the people of St. Johns. I believe the
historic ownership and maintenance of the Island
makes the transfer into private hands to be illegal
and should be challenged by the courts.
Richard Tennant
----------------------------
Using Art to Calm Traffi c
Dear Editor,
Concerning the Bolouri Development and Ivy
Island two things often come up: 1) How do you
make an effective and interesting gateway into Main
Street St Johns? And, 2) How do we calm the traffi c
of the Lombard Slip Lane that borders Ivy Island?
Last week I attempted to show the community
what that could look like. When the people driving
into St. Johns came to Ivy Island they saw a paint-
ed menagerie of life-size endangered creatures,
interacting with children and roaming our iconic
entrance. Polar bears, California condors and go-
rillas! The title of this piece is “Slow it Down for
the Children.” There is a second inferred meaning to
the title about animal endangerment, global warm-
ing and how we should work at slowing it down for
our children.
There are two things that art can do for our gate-
way at Ivy Island. 1) Art creates an interesting and
noteworthy entrance into the community. Which is
perfect since this is a gateway into St Johns. 2) Art
makes one aware of one’s surroundings. This also
makes for safer driving. By itself art doesn’t solve
the vehicle speed issue, but in conjunction with oth-
er measures it can be part of the solution.
This is just one idea and of course there are many.
How remarkable would it be if something as simple
Page 5
as artistically dramatic fl ood lamps
were part of the Ivy Island experi-
ence. Banners? Flags? Amazing art?
A statue of James John, (who is cer-
tainly worthy.) Much like the Ugly
Duckling story, where from a hum-
ble beginning, Ivy Island transforms
into a beautiful swan and becomes
a truly valued part of our commu-
nity. A memorable entrance AND it
calms traffi c. People should come
out, check it out, and if it’s still there
(for it may not be), tell us what you
think. And save the date for the Ivy
Island Town Hall Meeting at Pattie’s
Homeplate: Fri., Jan 29th at 6pm. All
are welcome.
Thank-you,
John Teply
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