Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative in Montavilla – Meeting Info
Please join us in learning about a new initiative in the Montavilla neighborhood called the “Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative” (NPI). A representative of this Portland Development Commission-driven effort will present at the Montavilla Neighborhood Association general meeting on the evening of February 13, but here are the basic facts about NPI:
- NPI would create an urban renewal district on 82nd from Harrison Street south to Franklin Street, and along Division from 82nd to 93rd.
- Tax revenues generated in the district would be reinvested in the district to stimulate economic growth (using a typical tax increment financing approach).
- The project would start summer 2012, last 7-10 years, and reinvested funds would be used on things that enhance the district.
To participate, residents can educate themselves on the project by
1. reviewing the links below and
2. attending a community forum on January 30 at PCC (2305 SE 82nd) and
3. take an online survey (see link below). Please consider how you’d like to contribute to this project – it holds significant promise for the southern part of our neighborhood.
The organizer of the project at this point is Bridget Bayer – her contact info is: Bridget Bayer, 2243 NE 20thAvenue, Portland, OR 97212, 503.290.4377, bridges@bampdx.com. Feel free to contact her.
-Fritz Hirsch, Co-Chair and Public Safety Coordinator, Montavilla Neighborhood Association
Here are the sources of info on the project:
- Learn about the project:
http://www.pdc.us/bus_serv/npi.asp
- Take the survey:
http://www.82ndavenue.org/wherewemeet/speakout.html
- Subscribe to the project’s listserv:
http://82ndavenue.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=bff7e5936a8ce9a34eb13c33e&id=8d122b790d
MNA January General Meeting Notes
Neighborhood Events and Opportunities:
- Fritz Hirsch, Montavilla Neighborhood Association co-chair and chair of the association’s public safety committee, reported that he recently helped organize a group of residents who live near Multnomah Bible College. He also reported that he plans to apply to Southeast Uplift for additional funds for graffiti removal efforts.
- Lew Scholl, land use chair, reported that he’s planning to learn more about the Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative, which is sponsored by the Portland Development Commission (PDC) and aims to promote the diversity among owners of businesses located near S.E. 82nd Ave. and S.E. Division St.
- Paul Knight, the association’s events chair, reported that he received several excellent suggestions for the year ahead, including a tour of Montavilla gardens, a 10K run and an official disaster preparedness day. If you’d like to help out with these events and others, please e-mail Paul at paul@gardpdx.com or, better yet, attend an upcoming meeting.
- Brigid’s Table is a weekly hospitality outreach for people who are homeless that’s taken place at Saints Peter and Paul at 8147 S.E. Pine St. for a quarter century. If you’re interested in volunteering on Saturday mornings or making a donation, contact Susie Pierce at susibtraveln@yahoo.com or call the church at 503-254-8168.
- Are you interested in participating in the Occupy movement right here in Montavilla? If so, please share your thoughts and ideas via e-mail at occupymontavilla@gmail.com
The Montavilla Neighborhood Forum:
The official guests of the association’s first meeting of the election year were two state representatives, each of whom have until March 6 to declare their intention to seek reelection in November. Alisa Keny-Guyer was recently appointed to serve out the remainder of Ben Canon’s term representing District 46. Michael Dembrow represents district 45, which recently expanded to include the northwest corner of Montavilla.
Dembrow offered an overview of the legislature from a historical perspective while Keny-Guyer used the presentation to introduce herself to the people of Montavilla. Having lived on Mt. Tabor for many years, she’s familiar with Montavilla through the businesses on S.E. Stark St., the farmers market, the Montavilla Community Center, where she took her children swimming, and her many trips to and from the airport. While Dembrow’s passions tend toward education, Keny-Guyer is passionate about healthcare.
Dembrow and Keny-Guyer are participating in a town hall meeting from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 30 in the Great Hall at Portland Community College Southeast Center at S.E. 82nd Ave. and S.E. Division St. Parking will be free.
Underscoring their dedication to serving as a conduit and an advocate for citizens, both would like to hear from you. To reach Keny-Guyer, call 503-986-1446 or e-mail rep.alissakenyguyer@state.or.us Dembrow may be reached at 503-281-0608 or rep.michaeldembrow@state.or.us
To learn more about how you can contribute to the quality of life in Montavilla, please call Jennifer Tamayo at 503-257-2940 or visit the association online at www.montavillapdx.com, where you’ll find information on volunteer opportunities, contact information for local resources and several options for connecting with the Montavilla Neighborhood Association, including Yahoo, Facebook, Twitter and flickr.
The best way to connect with your neighborhood association, however, is to attend the next monthly meeting on Monday, Feb. 13. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m. and are held at the Montavilla United Methodist Church, located at 232 S.E. 80th Ave., where parking and childcare services are both free and plentiful.
Current Board Positions Open:
- Secretary
- Communications
