6. Recreation/Open space Inventory: Parks, Trails, Other Deficiencies, Needs, Opportunities Goals/Action Plan
Appendices Land development actions archive? Information from old web-site, 1987 plan? Inventory data
DRAFT FOR COMMITTEE REVIEW
1. Neighborhood identity
Sullivan’s Gulch has much to offer. Accessibility is one of our strengths. Our location is convenient to the Central City, to regional employment and shopping districts, and to major transportation facilities. The neighborhood’s character is diverse with buildings representative of architecture from the early 1900’s to the present. The neighborhood’s spirit and pride is exemplified by the active involvement of residents in civic matters.
Proximity, however, is not without challenges. The I-84 freeway and Union Pacific train traffic is noisy. Neighborhood streets carry “through traffic” from other city neighborhoods. Rising land values are making affordable housing more and more difficult to find. Our aging housing stock requires constant maintenance, which owners may defer if the stability of the neighborhood is in doubt. In particular there is pressure to replace single-family dwellings, many over 100 years old, with higher density housing.
Geography The neighborhood takes its name from the ravine on our southern border. Once home to salmon, ‘Hooverville’ shanties, and a golf course, the Gulch today is home to the Banfield Freeway the MAX light rail, and Union Pacific freight. The neighborhood has a solid residential core with a mix of housing types. There is very limited vacant land within the neighborhood but there may be development opportunities bordering the gulch for open space and commercial uses.
Gulch History Reference web-site
Demographics
Population
Employment
Social Equity SGN is a diverse neighborhood in terms of its housing stock but ethnically is predominantly white. Ethnic diversity has declined as the cost of housing has increased. Like most neighborhoods in the city transportation is dominated by car use. There is a significant homeless population that needs housing and safe places to reside. The following steps are intended to improve social equity and diversity.
Increase affordable housing choice.
Increase affordable transportation options.
Climate Action Sullivan’s Gulch has the fortune to be located close to employment and services centers, which allow residents to substitute low impact bike, pedestrian, and transit trips for auto trips. The neighborhood is home to an aging housing stock. Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is encouraged. The neighborhood also has several locations that may be suitable for community solar investment. These include rooftop solar on large commercial buildings and the potential to promote neighborhood investment in more remote community solar projects. These exchanges will significantly reduce the neighborhood’s carbon footprint.
Increase opportunities to reduce motor vehicle trips.
Increase the energy efficiency of buildings.
Invest in community solar.
Livability Sullivan’s Gulch is a delightful walkable neighborhood but needs safety improvements to enhance livability. There is a significant homeless population that needs housing. Many homeless individuals experience mental health, drug, and alcohol addition and frequent criminal justice system interactions. The neighborhood also is without a functioning local park. Open space is at a premium with virtually all land developed. Pedestrian scale lighting is missing in many areas.
Invest in public/private lighting to enhance pedestrian safety.
Invest in pubic open space and recreation resources.
Invest in housing options and support programs that serve homeless persons.
