The Oregonian reports this morning that Mayor Sam Adams is considering a deal that would bring big box store Costco to a site just north of the Rose Quarter (see map below). Right now only discussions have been had and no real deal has emerged, but if this happened, it would have a major impact on the transportation environment in an area that is already plagued with safety issues for bike traffic.
According to The Oregonian, Adams has talked to developers about a site currently occupied by Portland Public Schools that sits between North Interstate Avenue and N. Wheeler, just north of the Broadway/Weidler couplet (see graphic above). The Oregonian also reports that Adams has discussed the site with Portland Public Schools superintendent Carole Smith.
While it’s obviously very premature, a possible deal for Costco at this location has some legs. The deal would give Adams a jobs-creation talking point, it would show that he’s “good for business,” it could be framed as a way to spur redevelopment of the Rose Quarter (something he wants dearly), and it would help make the case for transit-oriented development with the new streetcar tracks already installed on Broadway/Weidler.
This is definitely something to keep an eye on for transportation advocates. The Broadway/Weidler couplet is already fraught with transportation safety issues and a new big box store would generate thousands of new motor vehicle trips to the area.
Check out the full story at The Oregonian.