SULLIVAN'S GULCH
NEIGHBORHOOD ACTION PLAN

(Page 7)

AREA 6* THE GULCH BETWEEN NE 16TH (EXTENDED) AND 28TH

FINDINGS

• There is inadequate access to the properties in the gulch, particularly for the existing uses which require truck deliveries.
  
• Much of the gulch is extremely steep and narrow.
  
• There is a problem with transients in the gulch.
  
• The gulch is a regional transportation corridor providing rail, car and mass-transit access to the Central City.
  
• It is unlikely that new attached single-family residences will be developed in the gulch.
  
• The noise from the freeway and railroad is perceived to be very great.
  
• A conditional use proposal for office use at NE 21st and Multnomah was approved in 1980 and supported by the neighborhood. However, the approval has lapsed.
  
• The Central City Plan recommends improved pedestrian access from Lloyd Center to the river. This could continue through the gulch and north to Grant Park.
  
• Northeast Multnomah east of NE 21st is very narrow and not appropriate for increased nonresidential traffic from new developments around this area.
  
• Columbia Knitting Mills owns a large structure in the gulch which is an eyesore. It is only used for storage now. Their property includes several adjacent residentially zoned lots on NE Multnomah.

·   There are parcels of undeveloped land in this area. 

POLICY 6e THE GULCH BETWEEN NE 19M AND 2

EXPLOIT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT WHICH CAN PROVIDE INCREASED BUFFERING TO TIRE NEIGHBORHOOD FROM THE FREEWAY CORRIDOR IMPROVE THE LOOK OF THE GULCH AS AN ENTRANCE TO THE CITY CENTER, PROVIDE NEW HOUSING OR USES WHICH ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE ADJACENT RESIDENCES.

OBJECTIVE 6A

Support changes to zone and Comprehensive Plan Map designations when alternative access to gulch properties from non-local service streets is available for development which will not significantly increase traffic on N-E Multnomah.

OBJECTIVE 6B

Encourage Lloyd Properties to develop their vacant properties in this area with high-density housing or mixed housing and commercial uses.

OBJECTIVE 6C

Encourage redevelopment on N-E 21st, south of NF, Multnomah, which can provide gulch access to the east or west.

OBJECTIVE 6D

Require tree planting within the gulch with applications for new or expanded development.

OBJECTIVE 6E

Establish pedestrian access through the gulch to connect with the path provided behind the Lloyd Cinemas.

OBJECTIVE 6F

Encourage new development to adequately buffer for noise and vibration from the freeway and railroad traffic.

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

1 .Contact Tri-Met, Union Pacific Railroad and the State Highway Department about their participation in screening, beautification and noise programs.

2.  Seek assistance from transportation planners, urban designers and other to solve the access and development problems in this area.

3.  Work with the Parks Bureau to explore the possibility of developing a jogging/pedestrian path through the gulch.

Discussion: The gulch poses several difficult planning and development problems. Much of the terrain is steep. Access is minimal. Noise and vibration from traffic and rail is a reality. It is unlikely that new industry would be attracted here, yet the area could provide opportunities for residential or nonresidential uses designed to minimize these adverse impacts which could be compatible (in terms of traffic, hours of operation, intensity, and nuisance) with nearby residences. This plan does not solve the gulch problems. It is intended to provide ideas and guides with which to access future development proposals and improve the look and productivity of the gulch.

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