SULLIVAN'S GULCH
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN

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AREA 3:   NEIGHBORHOOD CORE--WEST

FINDINGS

• Traffic volumes on Weidler are high and conflict with current residential zoning. The speed and the amount of traffic make it difficult to use driveways.
  
• Deterioration of residential properties along Weidler have a negative impact on the neighborhood as a whole.
  
• Traffic is perceived to be a problem in this area.
  
• Generally, the quality of both single and multifamily dwellings in this area is very good.
  
• Properties on N-E Multnomah have experienced pressure for commercial conversion.
  
• Traffic on NE Multnomah between NE 16th and 21st is relatively heavy.
  
• Northeast Broadway has the capacity to carry two-way traffic and maintain on-street parking.
  
• There have been requests for upzoning to R1, medium-density multifamily residential, over the last several years.
  
• Several of the existing apartment complexes are over the density allowed by the current zoning, however, the majority of owners of these properties are satisfied with the existing zoning.

POLICY 3: NEIGHBORHOOD CORE --WEST

MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE EXISTING RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF THIS AREA WITH A FOCUS ON RE-ESTABLISHING THE RESIDENTIAL QUALITY ALONG ITS BOUNDARIES –NE 17^TH, 21^ST, WEIDLER AND MULTNOMAH.

OBJECTIVE 3A

Maintain a mixture of housing types and opportunities which are in keeping with the neighborhood character.

OBJECTIVE 3B

Support the reestablishment of NE Weidler as a two-way local service street between NE 16th and 24th in order to reduce traffic on NE Weidler, provide incentives to maintain and upgrade the residential properties and support the existing land use designations.

OBJECTIVE 3C

Retain present zoning and Comprehensive Plan Map designations which should help preserve existing housing stock by discouraging speculation.

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS (These are not intended to be adopted by Planning Commission or City Council.)

1.    Identify properties in need of repair or maintenance and work with their owners to improve properties.

2. Work with property owners to encourage upkeep of properties.  
   
3. Include the Broadway/Weidler de-coupling as a long-term capital improvement goal.

4. Request funds through neighborhood needs, Broadway Business Association, property owners (LID), and other sources to defray costs of new lights on Broadway in order to effect the two-way change.

5. Encourage screening and landscaping behind commercial uses on Broadway.

6. Explore the possibility of having a tot lot in this area on vacant property on NE Multnomah.

7. If Weidler is changed to two-way, work to change the Arterial Streets Classification Policy (ASCP) designation to local service street.

8. If Weidler is changed to two-way, work to reestablish on-street parking where it has been removed.

Discussion: The de-coupling of NF, Broadway and Weidler would have a positive effect in this area. It is difficult to maintain NE Weidler as a residential street because of the traffic. The neighborhood is already small. The street conversion would help protect and reclaim this area. The neighborhood core is fully developed with good housing. The policy and objectives directed at Area 3 promote a commitment to maintain the quality and mixed densities here while allowing infill and internal conversions to maximize existing density. The upgrading of existing apartment buildings and residences that has already taken place is a credit to their owners.

AREA 4: NEIGHBORHOOD CORE--EAST

FINDINGS

·        There are few parcels of vacant land in this core area.

• There is heavy traffic bordering this area on NE 28th, NE 21st, NE Weidler and NE Multnomah.
  
• New development on the Hyster property could adversely impact this area if not managed.
  
• The only useable access to the industrial uses in the gulch, west of N-E 28th, is through this area off of NE Multnomah. The truck traffic which service these uses is incompatible with the residential neighborhood.
  
• Northeast Multnomah and 24th experience cut-through traffic.
  
• The traffic on NE Weidler threatens the continued maintenance of housing in this area.  
  
• The housing stock in this area is of very good quality.

POLICY 4: NEIGHBORHOOD CORE­

MAINTAIN, ENHANCE AND PRESERVE THE RESIDENTIAL

CHARACTER OF THIS CORE AREA  BETWEEN NE 21ST AND 28TH

WEIDLER SOUTH TO MULTNOMAH.

OBJECTIVE 4A

Preserve the qualities which contribute to the overall character of this area which include the age, style, uniform setbacks, narrow tree-lined streets and landscaping.

OBJECTIVE 4B

Support the reestablishment of two-way traffic on NF, Weidler and Broadway between NE 16th and 24th.

OBJECTIVE 4C

Retain existing zoning and Comprehensive Plan Map designations which support the maintenance of existing single-family residences and provide for some increase in density.

OBJECTIVE 4D

Support actions in the Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP) which may reduce the amount of through traffic in this area.

OBJECTIVE 4E

Encourage increased access to gulch properties from east of NF, 28th to eliminate truck traffic through this area.

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS (These are not intended to be adopted by Planning Commission or City Council.)

1 Identify owners of housing in need of repair or maintenance and work with them to improve properties.

2.  Continue to investigate solutions to access problems to gulch properties.

Discussion: Much of what has been discussed about Area 3 can be repeated here. The neighborhood character is evident in this area. The commitment of property owners in this area is also shown by the care taken to maintain their properties. The issue of truck traffic on NF, Multnomah is a sensitive one. The neighborhood recognizes that access to gulch properties is necessary. The neighbors and property owners have shown a willingness to explore long-range solutions to this issue.

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