In
early December consultants Crandall Arambula delivered the Final Draft of
our planning study culminating six months of work.
The three public meetings were interspersed with reports from traffic
and economic consultants, conferences with major property owners and public
agencies. A committee with representation
from Grant Park, Irvington, Kerns and Laurelhurst joined Sullivan's Gulch
and met with the consultants to tie work in with neighborhood issues.
The
results of the study are bold and impressive--receiving broad general support
from those participating in the public meetings.
Now
the draft is in the hands of the individual neighborhoods for their action. Acceptance
of the Plan will be on the agenda for the February Board meeting of the Sullivan's
Gulch NA. The meeting will be at Holladay Park Plaza (16th and Multnomah)
at 7:30 PM on February 9.
If
accepted by the neighborhood, the Plan can be used to support testimony when
a development proposal for the Albina Fuel site enters the design review process.
Agents for the property have been in contact with the consultants and
are knowledgeable about the aspects that pertain to their site.
The consultants have met with and Bob-Curry Wilson of Fred Meyer and
Joe Weston owner of the properties south of Fred Meyer.
While Weston and Curry-Wilson will wait for specific development proposals
before committing themselves, the consultants believe that the Plan incorporates
the future interests of these major property owners.
It
is important to remember that the Plan will not have official City status. The goal
of the study was to provide an opportunity for our communities to look at
circulation and development issues in a broader context than has been the
case with formal zoning procedures e.g. Albina Fuel and Fred Meyer. The development and circulation potentials
shown in the Plan are a first cut at what might develop. Review and refinements can follow as specific
development projects emerge from property owners.
Following
action by the individual neighborhood associations, the informal group of
representatives will continue to confer, not only about the plan, but also
about developments in their areas that relate to the plan. If you want to participate or have questions
and comments please contact Lynne Coward, Sullivan's Gulch Land Use Chair:
503-335-9405 or email.