Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association

December 1998

Jan 30, 1999

By Cindy Peek

In December we talked about traffic, crime, and the row house proposed by Rose CDC at 77th & Raymond.

Scott Batson came from the City of Portland Traffic Bureau to speak about the status of traffic projects in the neighborhood. The current projects are as follows:

Marysville Elementary School Safety Project - This project includes a median pedestrian refuge island on SE Holgate at 78th Avenue and a curb extension on Raymond at 78th. The project is in final design and will be combined with other projects completed this winter. A construction package will be bid in the spring or early summer for construction next summer/fall.

Arleta Elementary School Safety Project - This project is in early design and planning stages. A safety committee has identified preliminary concerns around the school and at school crossings. Concerns include speeding on Raymond, crossing safety on Foster at 64th and crossing safety on Holgate at 67th. A final design is due this spring for construction in summer ''99.

SE 80th Chicane Test Project - This is a test of serpentine roadway as an alternative to speed bumps for slowing automobiles. Design review is underway and design changes are anticipated before this test project proceeds. Status uncertain.

For speeding complaints, Mr. Batson said to call the Police Traffic Division at 823-4636 with as specific information as possible. For traffic safety concerns, contact the District Traffic Operations Engineer at 823-5055.

House at 77th & Raymond - A letter was sent to H.C. Tupper of Multnomah County regarding the vacant house at 77th & Raymond. Rose CDC wants to destroy the house and build a row house with five three-bedroom apartments for low-income families. The lot is only 7,500 square feet -- a lot and a half. Neighbors do not want the house destroyed if at all possible. If the beautiful old home must be destroyed, neighbors hope that the unit can be built more in keeping with the neighborhood than the present plan appears to be, and if possible keeping the single-family status of the property.

Crime - Officer Mark Georgioff came to speak. He gave statistics on residential burglaries, car prowls, and car theft. All are down this year. He said foot patrols work. There was discussion about possible drug house locations, and how to log activity. We also talked about how to protect against car prowls. The main suggestion from Officer Georgioff was to get the car off the street. Barring that, leave nothing in the car, use a Club, and leave the car in as well lighted an area as possible.

Rhetta Deason, our crime specialist, came to speak. Rhetta would be a great person to work with concerning suspected drug houses and setting up neighborhood watches and patrols. She also works on partnership agreements with businesses. Her phone number is 232-0010, x18.