Portland’s Neighborhood Character: Do Something About It Share

Portland’s growing pains have sparked discussions and proposals around density and affordability. How do we retain neighborhood character, but also meet the demand of growth in Portland? Restore Oregon was invited to sit on the City’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee, a group convened to advise project staff on the issues of residential infill across the city and to assist in the development of the current proposals.

The city has begun hosting a series of public meetings to discuss the Residential Infill Proposal that the Stakeholder Advisory Committee produced. The primary concern voiced at these meetings so far and throughout the community is that the current proposals will in fact exacerbate the demolition epidemic already occurring in Portland. If this proposal is enacted, the rezoning of neighborhoods throughout the city for infill housing, particularly “middle housing,” will change the character of Portland’s neighborhoods. It will dramatically increase infill housing with an allowance of up to three housing units on an R5 zone, a 5,000 square foot lot.

Download a PDF copy of the Residential Infill Proposal.

The City will host four more public meetings for community members to talk with city officials and voice their opinions about this proposal. The times and locations are:

Historic Kenton Firehouse

8105 N. Brandon Ave.

Wednesday, July 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

*Tri-met: Bus #4 and MAX Yellow Line

East Portland Neighborhood Office

1017 NE 117th Ave.

Wednesday, July 13, 6:30 – 8:00 pm

*Tri-met: Bus #25, 71 and 77

German American Society

5626 NE Alameda St. (at Sandy Blvd)

Thursday, July 14, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

*Tri-met: Bus #12 and 71

SMILE Station

8210 SE 13th Avenue

Saturday, July 30, 10:00 am- 12:00 pm

*Tri-Met: Bus #70

Note this final open house is hosted by United Neighborhoods for Reform.

There is also an opportunity for written comments on the infill proposal. The online questionnaire is available at: http://residentialinfill.participate.online/share-feedback

Some neighborhoods are exploring designation as historic districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a way to preserve their character. By designating a home or district in the National Register, the process of demolishing a residential property is much more extensive, which provides a layer of protection and planning. The City’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is hosting a “Lunch & Learn” about historic district and landmark regulation on Friday, July 15 from noon- 1:00 pm. City officials will help educate home owners and realtors on zoning code that affect historic properties.