“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.