Land Use Issues

Neighborhood Update: August 2001

Comprehensive Plan Change: Albina Fuel Site

There is interest in the site from a potential buyer for a project that would fit well into our neighborhood. For everyone, having a specific development project would make the process easier. When a decision is announced we will post it here.

This zoning case has remained on hold while the traffic consultant revised his report to answer specific questions for the city reviewers. The report is now complete. Peter Fry, the planner for Albina, expects that the first hearing will occur in October.

We have not given up on the idea of a MAX stop here (or nearby) in the future. From METRO we have received a map showing the current number of potential transit riders in the area.

Look under Projects for a full history of this issue.

Land Subdivision Request

On NE Multnomah -just east of 21st -the owner is requesting a land subdivision. Four properties are involved -three with frontage on Multnomah and a fourth running behind along the Gulch. Together, these properties equal 1.1 acres. The applicant wants to put in a private street and create 18 lots for rowhouse development. A similar request was made in 1997.

The pre-application conference for this case was held yesterday. According to the presiding city official, the applicant was told that his initial proposal had significant problems; alternatives were suggested. The applicant indicated a wish to work with the neighborhood, so we are eager to hear from him. We will be watching this closely and invite interested neighbors to contact us.

The zoning on the portion of the neighborhood east of NE 21st. is R2.5, attached residential. This zoning permits up to 8.7 units of detached housing or 17.4 units of attached housing per acre. If the property is subdivided, the minimum lot area allowed is 1,600 sq. ft..

New Development on Farrell's

Today the land use committee met with architects Alan Kravitz and Greg Miller about their interest in the Farrell's block (between Broadway and Weidler and 17th and 16th) They will be acquiring the Farrell's site and are talking with owners of the other properties within the block. Doug Fick of Broadway Florist joined us.

Kravitz and Miller envision a project of first floor commercial with condos above. The CS zoning on the site permits a 45 foot high building. This height allows for three floors of housing in addition to the first floor of commercial . They would like to add a setback, fourth floor with lofts-taking the height to 65 feet. A zoning adjustment will be required for the additional floor, and for this they are seeking our opinion and potential support.

The prospects are intriguing. Certainly this site (not including the florist) is in need of redevelopment. The mixed-use with housing predominating would serve as a good transition between the commercial on Broadway and the residential south of Weidler.

We will keep you posted via this site as the discussion continues. The Land Use committee will be updating the SGNA board at its September 11th meeting. You may certainly add your comments to the web site send an e-mail lcoward@imagina.com.