Traffic issues prove too messy for big-box developer
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on October 3rd, 2007 at 8:39 am
“We are excited to share this victory with more than 2,200 supporters who have made it possible…this isn’t over…this land is still open to development proposals and we are committed to working towards the right fit for the neighborhood.
–Save Madison South
Remember the story about a group of neighbors in Northeast Portland who were concerned about the transportation and livability impacts of a proposed big-box store at 82nd and Siskiyou?
The folks behind Save Madison South rallied support from the bike community (among others) because they felt the proposed development would create 9,000 more car trips in their neighborhood, would harm bike safety, and would impact cyclists riding to and around Rocky Butte Park.
They even put together a bike ride and rally to raise awareness for their cause.
I’m happy to follow-up and report that their efforts have been successful! (For now at least.)
According to a story in the Oregonian this morning,
“The developer proposing a controversial big-box retail project on Northeast 82nd Avenue and Siskiyou Street withdrew the application Tuesday and hopes to come back with something more acceptable to the city and the neighborhood.
‘Our intention is to resubmit in the near future after having considered all of the environmental — figuratively speaking — concerns,’ said Flavio Volpe, spokesman for SmartCentres, a shopping mall developer based in Toronto.”
The fight isn’t over yet, but this is definitely a great step and shows the power of organized neighborhood activism. Save Madison South plans to continue to channel their efforts to pro-actively create their vision of NE 82nd Ave.
Stay tuned to SaveMadisonSouth.org for future information.
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October 3rd, 2007 08:58
Awesome! That area just can't support the increased traffic a development like that would bring. Hopefully it won't be simply be replaced by more condominiums.
October 3rd, 2007 09:55
Quoting Matt Picio:
Hopefully it won't simply be replaced by more condominiums.
Why do you say that, Matt? Me, I think helping more people live in close-in neighborhoods will help us increase bike/transit/walk trips and decrease car trips.
I would like to be able to live in places like this neighborhood, in large part because I don't want to have to get a car, and that can't happen without an increase in housing stock.
Also, I believe that more compact housing (such as condos instead of single-family homes with yards) creates more of a bike- and people-friendly city for many reasons, including because it creates density sufficent to support local business districts and transit lines.
October 3rd, 2007 10:12
I concur with Jessica, only the actual design of the condo needs as much scrutiny as big-box retail. The devil is in the details.
October 3rd, 2007 10:46
In close living only works when the services you need are in close as well.
More housing without the retail and other services nearby is going to increase the number of car trips out of the neighborhood.
Car trips are bad regardless of the direction they take.
October 3rd, 2007 10:59
That's why there's this little gem of a thing called...
...mixed-use development. Stores and offices below, housing above.
Aaaah. That phrase is music to my ears. How I do love that phrase. How I would love to see more of it along 82nd Avenue!
Let's here it for mixed-use!
October 3rd, 2007 11:16
Matt, I think you will like this.
http://www.milepostfive.com/
82nd north of Glisan.
October 3rd, 2007 15:56
well done and kudos to the Save Madison South people
October 3rd, 2007 20:07
i hope the next bianchi model is named 'flavio volpe.'
October 3rd, 2007 20:09
flavio volpe. that is so hot.