There was a notable debate at the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission meeting Tuesday night on a topic near and dear to our hearts: the Portland transportation bureau’s recent decision to re-stripe Hawthorne Boulevard without bike lanes.
“I trust ODOT to deliver the plan… They’ve made compromises. And I think we should move on.”— Mary Nolan on I-5 Rose Quarter project (5/5/20)
Chris Smith is outraged by what just happened. The Portland Planning & Sustainability Commissioner member, transportation activist, and Metro Council candidate watched this morning as the unelected, five-member Oregon Transportation Commission brushed aside considerable concerns about the I-5 Rose Quarter project and voted unanimously to let the Oregon Department of Transportation move forward without any … Read more
We’re at that awkward stage in a highway mega-project when the agency in charge is under a cloud of controversy and still (after years of planning) doesn’t have an official endorsement to start construction, but still wants money to keep the project moving forward. Of course I’m talking about the Oregon Department of Transportation and … Read more
Governor Kate Brown spent about an hour with members of the City Club of Portland today. At the event, a preview of the 2020 legislative session, Brown fielded two questions about the controversial I-5 Rose Quarter project. As we reported Thursday, the Oregon Department of Transportation and their bosses at the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) … Read more
This story is by northwest Portland resident, Planning & Sustainability Commissioner and devoted civic activist, Chris Smith. I confess, I’m a heavy user of Amazon Prime. Not in the “I’m too lazy to go to the grocery store” way, but more of a “there’s so much selection, I can get exactly the thing I’m looking … Read more
It’s been a long time coming, but Portland is finally about to take a big step forward in road safety. The Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS) announced today they’ll propose a change to the City’s administrative rules that would require all garbage and recycling contractors to fill gaps in the sides of their trucks … Read more
It’s a big deal for bikeable neighborhoods.
Chris Smith calls the question — and almost gets his answer.
It will be an official follow-up to our unofficial event.
Comment of the Week: The role of socializing and culture