EliotA Publication of Eliot NeighborhoodN Associationews

Volume 15 • Number 3 FALL 2006

Our Neighbors — Lovetta & Jephtha By Matt Gilley, Eliot resident

t was over 30 years ago when brief periods of time, and certainly Lovetta Bingham was told her had never bought property there. “soulmate” was waiting for her “All I can see is a big white house, in London. Her naturopathic and a big yard,” she said. “Down Ihealer Ellenor Mirrell occasionally the street from a park. It is your showed clairvoyant streaks. Now house. You are going to America, she was claiming to see the future and nobody can stop you.” of Lovetta’s love-life. Word came from the INS two “I don’t think that’s going to hap- days later. pen,” said Lovetta. “I’m not going Skip forward one year—Jephtha to .” was remodeling a house near She was in Northeast Portland, Northeast 7th and Alberta streets. after all, having moved here from The home-owner needed wallpaper Hattisburg, Mississippi, as a child. hung, so Jephtha recommended a She was a licensed beautician, and gal he knew. The owner made some did upholstery work, decorating, calls and the woman showed up wallpaper hanging, painting, and soon afterwards, but it wasn’t the Lovetta and Jephtha Orriggio in their Eliot home. so forth. International travel had gal Jephtha had recommended; never really been a priority. instead, a stranger walked in the He slipped and fell, striking his Bedridden with gout, and having “Doesn’t matter,” said Ellenor. door. head on the ground and impaling recently suffered a mild stroke, “Because he is coming to you. He’s Lovetta and Jephtha immediately his left forearm on a piece of rebar. Lovetta’s seen only one room of going to come here.” hit it off. Since then, he suffers from random their 2,000 square foot bungalow Lovetta didn’t spend too much “I didn’t drive one more nail that seizures and has not been able to for the past three years. It’s too time pondering the healer’s predic- day,” said Jephtha. continue his carpentry career. painful to move off the couch upon which she sleeps, eats, and spends tion. Life got in the way, and the Work came to a halt as they spent Lovetta worked in many differ- 24 hours each day. She hasn’t seen months passed. What she didn’t the rest of the afternoon talking. ent trades: beautician, remodeler, the demolition and construction know was that Jephtha Orriggio, Jephtha told her his life story, teacher’s aid, and caretaker for the occurring in every cardinal direc- a young Jamaican carpenter, was the rough time he’d had in New ill. Together, the Orriggios flipped tion around her home. While she waiting in London for word from York, and the even rougher time (bought, remodeled and sold) three hasn’t lost her sharp wit or her faith the U.S. Immigration & Naturaliza- in Chicago before finally settling homes in Northeast Portland. in God, she has lost faith in doctors tion Service. in St. John’s. His girlfriend was Eliot has changed radically over the and modern medicine. Jephtha had spent 16 years in stealing from him, even though he fifty years Lovetta has lived here. London. During a visit to Chicago, financially supported her. In what “It used to be a mostly German “They all just tell me the same he had applied to the INS for per- might be considered a bold move, neighborhood,” she said. “But it’s thing,” she said. “Gout is hereditary, manent residency. As time passed he asked Lovetta if he could move always been a peaceful block with and here’s your bill.” and his hopes waned, he visited a in with her and her father. loving people on it.” Now 80 years old, Jephtha tire- tarot-card reader to ask about his Lovetta asked her father’s permis- Her parents moved here to work lessly landscapes their double- chances. The reader shuffled, cut sion, and that very day she helped in the Vancouver shipyards during lot, maintains the house, and is the cards, drew and read. After a Jephtha gather up his belongings the second world war. The Orriggios a full-time caregiver to his wife. moment she peered up at him; and move into her Eliot home…a never had children, but they always It’s a struggle, especially on a “Do you have a house in the big white house, with a big yard, had kids around them. Lovetta’s two fixed income, but they still have U.S.?” only half a block from Irving Park. brothers provided them with many their soulmates, they still have a block of loving neighbors, and No, he answered. Jephtha worked in the Carpenter’s nieces and nephews. Her youngest they still have their home…a big “Are you sure?” Union. While on a job about 14 brother, George Bingham, currently white house down the street from years ago in downtown Portland, works at the Dishman Community Of course he was sure. He had a park. lived in and Chicago for he suffered a life-altering accident. Center on N.E. Knott Street.

Websites link Eliot residents Eliot Neighborhood ASSOCIATION There are two websites with information about Eliot Fall Membership Meeting Eliot resident Jennifer Jako is blogging on OregonLive at: http://www.oregonlive.com/eliot/weblog/ Monday, October 9 Please Join Us! You can email her with suggestions at: [email protected] 7:00 – 9:00 pm There’s also a lot of info about Eliot including a copy of the latest Eliot News at: Emanuel Hospital http://www.portlandneighborhood.com/eliot.html Medical Office Building West Conference Room

Announcing For questions about the Eliot News write to [email protected] 501 N Graham St ELIOT Neighborhood association U Editor’s Note By Tony Green The Eliot Neighborhood Association (ENDA) is a nonprofit corporation whose members are the residents and business owners of the Eliot Neigh- borhood. Its purpose is to inform Eliot residents about issues affecting t’s safe to say that it was not a very neighborly urge I had to see whether any the neighborhood through meetings, newsletters and other activities. predatory or sexually violent sex offenders live in Eliot. Members of the neighborhood association must be over 14 years old and I live, own property, have a business, or represent a nonprofit within the Regardless, a new website maintained by the State Police proved ir- neighborhood. The Eliot Neighborhood Association was founded in 1969. resistible to me. You can search for offenders by name or location. Searching for It is recognized by the City of Portland, is a member of the Northeast offenders by name is a good idea if you’re going to rent a room in your house Coalition of Neighborhoods, Inc., and has representatives on several other or hire a nanny. But I was curious as to how many of the “most dangerous sex groups and committees. offenders in Oregon” live in our little neighborhood. So I went to the website and hit the “map offenders” option. Then I typed in ENDA Board Members my address, and up popped the shocking news…69 offenders. I quickly realized that the search was for a 1-mile radius, which is far beyond Eliot’s borders. In Chair Gary Hampton, 503.282.5429, [email protected] fact, 60 of the men whose names were listed lived across the river on Old Town. Co Vice Chairs Chris Bleiler and Jennifer Jako Then I looked more closely at the remaining nine addresses. Three offenders 503.284.6650, [email protected] lived south of Eliot; three more lived north of Eliot—that left three with Eliot Treasurer Carol Kennedy, 503.331.1312, [email protected] addresses. The website provided not only the offender’s names and addresses, but a photo, Recorder Jason Mershon 503.330.0922/503.331.2929, [email protected] a list of convictions and a general description of the type of victims they chose. I’m not going to provide details, but it was a bit shocking. One man appeared to Newsletter Editor Tony Green, 503-221-8202, [email protected] be a violent pimp. Another “groomed” 13-to-15 year-old boys during “counseling Eric Aronson, 503.282.4126, [email protected] sessions.” The third man, who lives a block away from me, “coerced minor male acquaintances into sexual contact.” His conviction was from 2003. Whatever Howie Bierbaum, The Wonder Ballroom you may say about posting the names of sex offenders on the Internet, it is not 503.284.8686, [email protected] particularly comforting. Ryan Bender, Tubman Middle School, Sun School Coordinator The statewide sex offender numbers are staggering. About 16,000 men and 503.916.5636, [email protected] women in Oregon were convicted of sex-related crimes that were serious enough Pauline Bradford, 503.287.7138 to require them to register with law enforcement agencies. It is a small solace that Co Board Members Abby Christopher and Mike Faden, 503.282.2658, just 700 of those men and women have met the criteria to be labeled “predators [email protected] or [email protected] that are likely to re-offend.” Co Board Members Matt Gilley and Vickie Walker They have to live somewhere, right? Part of me wishes I didn’t know where 503.233.0929, [email protected] or [email protected] they live and what they look like. Will I more carefully scrutinize people in the Co Board Members Todd Morella and Kirsten Jenkins coffee shop now? But for me, at least, I think it is better to know. 503.515.6633, [email protected] If you want to know, here is the website: http://sexoffenders.oregon.gov Laurie Simpson, 503.280.1005, [email protected] Matt Svybersky, Volunteers of America, Men’s Residential Center 503.335.8611, [email protected] Serena Stoudamire, Legacy Emanuel Hospital BAILEY & WARWICK 503.413.4630, [email protected] Co Board Members Chris Yeargers and Marie D’Hulst Saving and Improving Housing in Eliot 503.284.4392, [email protected] or [email protected] Neighborhood for 25 Years. Houses and Apartments for rent. ENDA Land Use Committee: Chair — Mike Warwick (503) 806-3502 503.417.7555/503.284.7010, [email protected] Chris Bleiler, 503.998.8806, [email protected] Pauline Bradford, 503.287.7138 Matt Gilley, 503.233.0929, [email protected] Gary Hampton, 503.282-5429, [email protected] Kirsten Jenkins, 503.515.6633, [email protected] Jason Mershon, 503.330.0922/503.331.2929, [email protected] Flagship Store Now Open! Laurie Simpson, 503.282.1005, [email protected] 3964 N Mississippi Ave

ELIOT MONTHLY MEETINGS If you live or work in Eliot, you are welcome and encouraged to attend the monthly meetings of the Eliot Neighborhood Association, which are held the second Monday of each month at Emanuel Hospital. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, stay informed about what’s going on in Eliot, help build a stronger community, and have input ELIOT NEWS AD rates into decisions that may affect you. Also consider joining a committee or Eliot News has a per issue circulation of 3,000 and is hand-delivered or becoming a board member (we have vacancies). mailed to nearly 100% of the homes and businesses in the Eliot neighbor- Emanuel Hospital, 501 N. Graham, Medical Office Building West hood. It is also distributed to residents and businesses in surrounding neigh- Conference Room borhoods, including Irvington, Sabin and Boise. Eliot News is an 8-page tabloid (11 x 17) newspaper and is published four times a year. Ad deadlines are March 1, June 1, Sept. 1, Dec. 1. Eliot News is published four times a year by the Eliot Neighborhood Association. It is delivered or mailed free of charge to every address in the Category Size (h x w) 1x 2x 3x 4x neighborhood. It does not have a ISBN. 1/16 page 2.25" x 5" $ 25 $ 42 $ 63 $ 84 Editor: Tony Green, 503-221-8202 • [email protected] 1/8 page 4.5" x 5" $ 37 $ 68 $ 97 $ 122 1/4 page 8.25" x 5" $ 58 $ 108 $ 154 $ 194 Layout: Lisa J. Switalla • 503-460-2558 • [email protected] 1/2 page 8.25" x 10.25" $ 105 $ 195 $ 277 $ 349 Advertising: [email protected] Full page 16.25" x 10.25" $ 188 $ 353 $ 502 $ 632 Delivery Coordinator: Kirsten Jenkins • 503-515-6633 Please make checks out to Eliot Neighborhood Association and mail to: Rights to articles are retained by the author. Opinions of the authors do not Susan Bailey, 535 NE Thompson St., Portland, OR 97212. necessarily reflect the official positions of the Eliot Neighborhood Association Questions? Call Tony Green at 503-221-8202 or email [email protected]

2 ELIOT NEWS B Around Eliot By Mike Warwick Visualizing Eliot

sually this column and the Eliot This effort has been ridiculed and housing sites, increasing prices and need, either in terms of how to inte- land use committee deals with I haven’t given it much thought, but density (more flag lots, in-fill projects, grate these new buildings into the sur- issues of immediate concern. I that doesn’t change the fact that it will and row/town homes). rounding traditional neighborhoods, Uwill dispose of those quickly as I want be pursued to completion, the results or providing developers with the rights to focus on the mayor’s visionPDX will reflect someone else’s views if I Preserve residential areas/allow to build “up” and local residents with construction of taller buildings. effort. don’t participate, and it is an interesting sufficient design oversight. For Eliot Portland’s traditional residential neigh- exercise, regardless. Anyone can go to this means more buildings towering There are a lot of land use issues in borhoods are part of its livability. Pre- the visionPDX web site and fill out a over our single family homes along the wind currently, but nothing final, serving them is essential to keeping questionnaire or participate through a Broadway and MLK. The good news so I will save those for another day. Portland as Portland. Accommodating structured community meeting. To that is that it will make it increasingly dif- One issue that did come up may be of more businesses and more residents end, the next Eliot Land Use Commit- ficult to locate or operate Cascadia-type wider interest. At the risk of repeating without destroying those neighbor- tee will be given over to this purpose. projects due to the rising land costs. myself, Eliot and its residents spent hoods means new buildings will have That meeting will be September 21st three years developing the Eliot Plan to be taller, not tall and thick like in the Medical Office Building (MOB) Expand transit/reduce streetscape component of the Albina Community buildings in the Pearl, but potentially Twenty years from now I hope the at 6:30 p.m. That will be a good op- Plan. It reflected the zoning compro- very tall, and slender. Why? Because automobile is fading away as a transit portunity for residents unhappy about mises residents felt they had to make to Portland isn’t a Fortune 500 town option. I don’t know if the “19th Cen- the planning and zoning decisions of protect and preserve Eliot as we know anymore. In fact, very few cities are. tury” mass transit options (rail-based the 1990s to express their vision for it and to establish the context for future If you don’t have those kinds of firms, transit like street car and MAX) will the next 20 years. See companion article development of Eliot as a place we all you don’t need to have whole floors displace it, but something will and this issue. wanted to live, play, and work in. One for “cube farms.” Instead, the market should. That won’t happen without at of the key compromises was to accept is for small firms, small offices, but Portland (and Eliot) least planning for alternatives. MLK higher density zoning in areas of single ones with windows and views. Hence should transform into a mass transit family homes. That was in exchange for in 2025 the need for slender office towers. The street and away from a truck/auto The visionPDX public input process zoning that would have ensured Eliot’s same is true for many new residents. commuter corridor. There should be has been extended through September. residences would be demolished and They don’t want to live next door to a similar transit loop to couple Alberta Residents are encouraged to participate replaced with warehouses and T 1-11 noisy neighbors, and “point towers” and Killingsworth between 33rd and through a survey or structured discus- 4-plexes. In addition, Eliot doesn’t give them that option. Unfortunately, I-5. The City also needs to confront the sion. Many of Portland’s papers have have a large population and it needs current zoning isn’t consistent with this it (as well as more diverse incomes) responded in their pages. I think the (continues on page 4) to attract retail and service outlets in Portland Tribune and Portland Mercury Eliot. In effect, we embraced increased (8/8) did the best job. The Tribune fo- density as a means to an end, namely cused on elimination of the business Kirsten Jenkins’ Real Estate Report preservation of historic Eliot and tax and changing the “weak mayor” form of government. The Mercury increased livability in terms of com- Want to know about: mercial services and workplaces. said Portland needs to “grow up” into the big city that it is, but everyone is Great new capital gains tax laws? Increasing density is evident every- trying to stop, and they also took on Current market information on your home? where in Eliot. Inevitably, it clashes the government issue. Here are some I know your neighborhood. with the expectations of newer resi- of my thoughts, to get Eliot residents dents (and some longtime ones) who thinking and hopefully, participating Active Listings Bed Bath Sq Ft Price are surprised to see new buildings next in this process. 437 NE Monroe 5 3 2580 $339,000 door that are bigger or closer than they 1927 NE Rodney 3 2 2911 $389,000 thought. Most folks don’t look at the Keep/attract jobs in town/abolish 78 NE Stanton 3 1.1 2652 $399,000 underlying zoning when they buy a the business tax. 118 NE Tillamook 5 4 2550 $400,000 I agree with the Mercury that Portland 2019 NE 7th 3 2 2478 $419,000 home; much less know how to inter- 608 NE Ivy 4 2 2435 $424,900 pret it if they did. While unfortunate, needs to “grow up” and with the Tri- 123 NE Graham 4 2 2574 $499,000 it doesn’t change the facts or the reason bune in that the business tax should Pending Listings Bed Bath Sq Ft Price for that zoning. The land use commit- abolished. Portland, the region, area 216 NE Tillamook 3 1 1336 $285,000 tee can mediate between parties to try farmers, and the environment would 113 NE Sacramento 3 2 2360 $327,000 and find ways to mitigate impacts, all be better off if the office build- 532 NE Brazee 4 2 2582 $379,000 but the fact is Eliot endorsed the zon- ings in places like Kruse Way were in 51 NE Graham 4 2 2466 $395,000 59 NE Cook 4 1.1 3240 $449,900 ing in the Eliot Plan. This provides a downtown or the Lloyd District. In somewhat awkward transition to the fact, many of the professional offices Sold Listings Bed Bath Sq Ft Price visionPDX discussion. that were in Portland moved to Kruse 446 NE Cook 2 1 1913 $260,950 Way because of the business tax. The 229 NE Monroe 3 1.1 2292 $289,000 The mayor’s visionPDX project is 2301 NE Rodney 3 2 1573 $276,950 business tax hits professionals (versus an attempt to poll Portland residents 504 NE Thompson 2 1 1756 $305,000 manufacturers) especially hard. For 626 NE Russell 3 2 1596 $327,000 about what they want Portland to look these firms it equals what they are 74 NE Ivy 3 2 2334 $322,500 like and be like 30 or more years from now paying in rent in the suburbs. 123 NE Graham 3 2 2574 $350,000 now. It relies on responses to four basic 119 NE Morris 4 2 2830 $360,000 In essence, by relocating and avoid- questions: 246 NE Thompson 3 1.1 2638 $429,000 ing the business tax, they get “free” 23 NE San Rafael 8 4 5187 $450,000 • What do you value about rent. This is stupid. Portland needs to Portland and why? do everything it can to keep jobs in • What changes would you town as well as to create new ones for like right now? the professionals (and that includes RE X equity group, inc. “artistic” professionals) who continue • Imagine that your hopes for to be attracted to Portland. This also Kirsten Jenkins Portland 20 years from now means that Portland has to grow up as are realized. What is different 503.515.6633 in upwards. For Eliot, this means more and how is it a better place? office/residential towers in the Lloyd RE/MAX Inc., Realtors • What needs to be done to get to District and along MLK. This will put Office: (503) 287-8989 your vision of Portland in 20 years? more pressure on existing housing and

FALL 2006 3 . Homes and Buildings of Eliot By Kirsten Jenkins Eliot Rising n 1994, I became a homeowner for years I’ve made changes inside and for the $42,000 she was willing to Most people focus on the inside of their the first time. It is the same home out, transforming the house into my pay for it. The banks’ appraiser would house first, so when they are finally that I live in today, and I am proud “home.” only give it the value of $39,000. This painting the outside you know they Ito say it’s one of the many jewels that happened in 1990. My how things have already put a lot of blood, sweat After buying my house I was excited make up the Eliot neighborhood. to share with my friends and family have changed! The average price for a and tears into the home! And it’s not Using the Kerby exit from the Fre- the information I had learned about home in Eliot in 1999 was $150,000. just single family homes. The condos mont Bridge, I drove past the house the home buying process. I became Today, the average price for a home in on the corner of Rodney and Tillamook daily on my way to my apartment in knowledgeable about home values Eliot is $325,000. The last two years in are a good example of how things can Irvington. I loved the look of the neigh- in the Eliot neighborhood. People Portland have been the highest appre- change with a makeover! They were borhood and the predominance of Old were asking me about prices as if I ciating years in real estate, with Eliot renovated last year and sold for an Portland and Victorian architectural were a realtor. I decided to get my being no exception. For example, a average of $195,000 for a 750 sq. ft., styles. The house had been for sale real estate license in 1997 and have home that sold for $275,000 in 2004 is 2 bed/1 bath unit. for some time and my curiosity grew loved being a realtor ever since. I find now on the market for $389,000 with There are some major building proj- as to why it hadn’t sold. The flyer said it most rewarding to help people with very little work being done to it. ects coming up that will make a big the asking price was $70,000. It was their sales and purchases in the Eliot Here are some statistics for the Eliot impact on our neighborhood. Some of Pepto Bismol pink, but I fell for it. By neighborhood, because it is my home. neighborhood: the proposed sights are a 3-story proj- the time I made an offer on the house, it With its amenities and growing sense • There are 655 single family homes. ect at 7th and Knott, a 40-unit condo had been on the market for 6 months, of community, Eliot has become one of 66% of those are owner occupied. project at Williams and Vancouver, a with only one other offer. It was the the most sought after neighborhoods in 9-story residential building and flex • Average property taxes are $1,677 only house I considered buying. the Portland real estate market. studio space at Cook and Albina, a • Average total sq. ft. is 1,693 I tell people that you have to wait condo/commercial building on Fre- I have neighbors who lived in Eliot • Average lot size is 4,318 sq. ft. for the “love” reaction when buying many years prior to me that talk about mont between Williams and Vancouver • The earliest home built was in 1894 a home—just as if you would upon the days when banks would not even (where the old Kelly Tire building meeting that special person. What I loan money for real estate in the Eliot • 77% of the homes were built was), and the commercial/residential also loved about the house was its loca- neighborhood. Buyers used money before 1940 building that has finally started at MLK tion and proximity to downtown, free- from credit cards and private loans to • 196 homes have fireplaces and Fremont. Time will tell, but there way access, Matt Dishman Community buy their houses. One neighbor told • 196 homes have garages is generally a very positive outlook regarding the present and future face Center, and shopping. Throughout the me that her house did not appraise The average age and population of of the Eliot neighborhood. Eliot is also changing. Of late, there is a noticeable increase in baby carriage A good way to meet neighbors and traffic in Eliot. In fact, there is a joke to keep up on what’s happening in the on Monroe Street between Williams Eliot neighborhood is to join the Eliot and MLK that there is something in Neighborhood Board that meets the the water. There are lots of babies and second Monday of every month in a toddlers living in homes on that two meeting room at Emanuel Hospital (see black stretch and more are coming front page for details). soon (four new arrivals in the last ten For more information of the Board weeks)! meetings or real estate questions, Witnessing the renovation taking please call Kirsten Jenkins, ReMax place by Eliot’s residents is refreshing. Equity Group at 503-515-6633.

VISUALIZING, continued from page 3

fact that it doesn’t have enough money for catastrophic disasters. Despite our to care for the streets it has today, and as love for our neighborhoods, if the City people switch to mass transit it will have were leveled, it wouldn’t make sense even less money. This is a losing battle. to rebuild our city as it was. Portland It is time to start abandoning streets to needs a “catastrophic” zoning overlay adjoining property owners. Let them based on a “clean sheet of paper” look convert them into single lane service that would guide reconstruction along alleys with bioswales for run off. Eliot more rational lines. For example, the will have streetcar on its southern flank waterfront should be opened up for within five years. We should demand residential development – no freeway, something similar along MLK within 10 no railroad - from Sellwood to Linnton. years. Closing streets in Eliot will be a Transportation corridors should blan- challenge, because there is a shortage of ket the City so no one is more than ¼ off-street parking, but we are a creative mile from a transit station (more or neighborhood and should be able to less) and dedicated bikeway. Commer- come up with an innovative solution. cial “nodes” should be identified along transit lines with density decreasing Plan for the best/ from them. Buffer areas should be es- plan for the worst tablished around known (and remain- The Eliot and Albina Plans do not sup- ing) nuisances like airports, freeways, port the kinds of proposals described and rail lines. Warehousing activities above. They will need to be changed, should be located outside the urban and should be changed quickly so area in a way to avoid conflicts between we can embrace our future. At the long-haul trucking and urban transit. same time, Portland is at high risk

4 ELIOT NEWS FALL 2006 5 H F Local Food Finds Eliot Eateries

Breakfast/Coffee/Cafés Bridges Café 2716 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-288-4169 Eliot E-Mat Café 2808 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-280-8889 Goldrush Coffee Bar 2601 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-331-5955 San Rafael Café 415 N.E. San Rafael St. Tiny’s Café 2031 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-467-4199

Bars/Taverns 820 820 N. Russell St., 503-284-5518 Bill Ray’s Dive 2210 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Billy Reed’s Restaurant & Bar 2808 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-493-8127 McMenamin’s White Eagle Café & Saloon 836 N. Russell St., 503-282-6810 Sloan’s Tavern 36 N. Russell St., 503-287-2262 Waypost 3120 N. Williams St. Widmer Gasthaus 929 N. Russell St., 503-281-3333

Lunch/Dinner Café Wonder 128 N.E. Russell St. 503-493-0371 Chuck’s Market, J&S Grocery 2415 N. Williams Ave. 503-281-6269 Doris’ Café 3606 N. Williams Ave., 503-460-2595 Echo 2225 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-460-3246 Mint 816 N. Russell St., 503-284-5518 Pizza A Go Go 3240 N. Williams St. 503-335-0300 Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken 3120 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-281-8455 Queen of Sheba 2413 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-287-6302 Russell Street BBQ 325 N.E. Russell St. 503-528-8224 Tropicana Bar Be Cue 3217 N. Williams Ave. 503-281-8696

4 ELIOT NEWS FALL 2006 5 Portland Streetcar — Part 2 By Lee Perlman t is not a certainty, and it will be have an inclination not to fund street- a few years before it gets here, but cars. But they fund some, and we have an extension of the Central City a pretty good chance of being one of Streetcar is probably coming to them. We have strong champion in Ilower Broadway. That will make a big Congressman Earl Blumenauer.” difference to people who live in Eliot Another source of funding is…us, or and the surrounding areas. at least those of us who own property In July, the Portland City Council, the in the extreme south end of Eliot. The Metro Council and other government streetcar has been funded in the past by bodies officially approved a route for local improvement districts, a special the east side extension. It will come assessment on nearby properties. Gus- across the Broadway Bridge, go east tafson expects to secure $8–10 million and west via the NE Broadway-Wei- with this plan. Plans call for an assess- dler Street couplet, and proceed north ment of properties along the Northeast and south via NE Grand and Seventh Broadway route. The assessment for Avenues. If the extension is built in properties within one block of the route phases, the first phase would extend is $6 per $1,000 of property valuation, to the NE MLK Jr. Blvd and Oregon and for properties within two to three Street—the main entrance to the Or- blocks, it is $3 per $1,000 valuation. egon Convention Center. Eventually, There would be a minimum charge of plans call for the streetcar to continue $.45 per square foot for vacant lots. south via the MLK-Grand couplet and In the past, the streetcar projects SE Water Avenue, past OMSI, and have not assessed owner-occupied back across the Willamette River via a housing; backers have judged this to new Carruthers Bridge. It would form be politically unpopular and gener- a continuous loop, around the inner ally not worth the effort. However, city on both sides of the river. the City Council has recently chided With the route decided, the next the streetcar board for this omission step is securing funding. According —the Council thought that wealthy to Rick Gustafson of Shiels Obletz Pearl District condo owners should Johnson, the director of the extension pay their share. “We’ll probably recom- effort, it would cost an estimated $100 mend doing what we have in the past, million for the first phase, $167 million but Council will have a strong voice in to build from the Broadway Bridge to the decision,” Gustafson says. OMSI, $177 million for the full loop. Such an assessment is justified in So far, between federal and local funds, general terms, streetcar backers say, there is only $8 to $9 million commit- because of another outcome of its ted. Gustafson hopes to get another installation: it has proven to be a real $25 million total from the four urban catalyst to high-intensity development. renewal districts that the extension Land within two blocks of the streetcar would pass through—Oregon Con- tracks, before it was installed, was on vention Center (which includes parts average developed to only 30 percent of Eliot), Central East Side, River, and of the potential density and value its North Macadam. He also hopes for a zoning allowed, Gustafson says. Since already been identified as being at- the right of way with cars. Planners have big chunk of change—up to $75 mil- the streetcar came along, redevelop- risk. What about the auto dealerships, identified potential problem areas as the lion—from the federal Small Starts ment within two blocks of the tracks with their surface parking lots, that turn at SE Grand Avenue to Broadway, program. Unfortunately, securing this has been to an average of 90 percent dominate this area now? The streetcar the highly congested Broadway-Wei- federal money involves dealing with of what’s allowed. This has particular “can play a role in influencing how the dler-Williams-Vancouver “box,” and the an administration that, in the words of significance for Eliot, where the CXD land is redeveloped,” Gustafson says. on-ramp from Grand to I-84. one planner, views mass transit as “a zoning allows for very intense residen- “If someone is doing business, and if What of the future? Some residents, charity for people who can’t drive.” tial and commercial development. they think they’d make more money by such as Matt Gilley, dream of a future “It’s becoming increasingly clear we It could spell danger for some things staying where they are than by moving streetcar route northward on Martin can make such a request,” Gustafson we’d like to see preserved; the landmark to a different location, they’re likely Luther King through the heart of Eliot. says. “It won’t be easy. Federal officials Mt. Oliver Baptist Church building has to stay. The streetcar would increase The current priority is a southbound the value of the land and open up the route to Lake Oswego. After this, choices. There’s no question it could there are advocates for a route along enhance the value of the Blanchard Broadway to Hollywood, or along Center, or Joe Weston’s property” at the SE Belmont Street. All four routes, Barolli east end of the Broadway Bridge, where interestingly, once had streetcars on he plans to build a condominium tower them. Specialty Painting up to 400 feet tall. “We go through phases figuring out The streetcar would give Eliot some what’s the next horse to ride,” Gus- additional transit service. Its physical tafson says, “Regardless of the choice impact would be relatively minor; unlike there’s a lot more public support now now scheduling the MAX light rail, the streetcar shares than when we first started this.” interiors

…Let us color your world Phone (503) 281-1238 CCB0040364 this winter…

Call or Write Rob Bardel at 503-284-4020 434 N. Tillamook Street [email protected] Portland, Oregon 97227 Can we Have a Rewrite? A response to an Oregonian columnist’s take on our Cascadia Campaign By Matt Gilley

made the mistake of returning us in rejecting additional special needs wasn’t inflammatory enough, seeing as MLK Vision Study (see http://www. the call of a certain Oregonian facilities in Northeast Portland, so how her closing line was this: fomlk.org/why.html for more). columnist who wanted to talk to Mitchell interviewed the director for “So the next time you want to catego- Mitchell’s column was a day late and me about Cascadia’s move into our her column. But the quote she chose rize “those people,” start the count a dollar short. She tried to stir up an is- Ineighborhood. Hopefully you missed to use made absolutely no sense. with yourself.” sue that fizzled out months ago. Despite the column by S. Renee Mitchell on “What you want to do is come in and Those people? Exactly who were overwhelming rejection of Cascadia’s July 26th entitled “Don’t Hide Mentally be a part of the community,” says you quoting with that one, Renee? plans by our neighbors, there’s noth- Ill – Help Them.” I was assuming that Willie Brown, interim director of Even the quote she picked from our ing we can do to make the contractor the Northeast Coalition of Neighbor- she would represent my words and 10-minute conversation was severely change its mind. Therefore, Eliot has hoods, which includes Eliot. “They the position of the Eliot Neighborhood been working on a Good Neighbor agree that that needs to happen out of context. Association in an accurate light. It Agreement with Cascadia, and we’ve seemed as if I could hear her disap- more. But it’s kind of like the horse I don’t understand why she found it is out of the barn, now.” so hard to find a decent quote to sum made a lot of progress (which, by the pointment through the phone as it way, we couldn’t have done without Contrast that quote with the official up our concerns. I can do it in three became clear that racism was not a Eliot resident Clint Lundmark who statement Brown sent to the city last sentences: factor in this story. Instead, she had to has attended 95% of the multiple GNA Spring: concoct something a little less sensa- Eliot contains an abundance of meetings since last June). tional; Eliot residents “don’t want to “(Properties like the Y.O. Center) special-needs facilities and social see” the mentally ill! are more valuable to the commu- services, including a halfway house But, I guess all that reality makes nity as retail and commercial sites. A for a pretty boring column… this one I emailed a copy of the Summer Eliot for ex-convicts five blocks south, and mental health and residential facil- included, so I’ll wrap it up. News to her, which contained a detailed a mental health treatment facility a ity doesn’t fit the vision of the PDC, couple of blocks north. Cascadia, Just one more thing: update on the issue. Had she read it? Eliot Neighborhood Association or who holds a horrible track record in “I’m skimming over it right now,” she the Northeast Coalition. Eliot neigh- Hey, Renee? Maybe you should con- the Cully Neighborhood, will offer said during our phone interview. borhood is currently over saturated centrate more on issues in your own with special needs and social services redundant services on the same street west-side neighborhood, and spend a Apparently the update wasn’t good agencies…This proposal by Cascadia and won’t generate property taxes nor little less time starting fires in ours. enough for her, because nothing made will impede residential and economic new jobs. This building, which is a its way into her column. Instead, she growth and deter Eliot’s neighborhood former Kienow’s grocery store and Nike chose to use some new quotes that recovery efforts from previous years of shoe store, could have been pivotal for were, at best, puzzling: violence, drugs and gangs.” economic revitalization on our blighted For example, the Northeast Coali- Even half of that would seem to be section of MLK, Jr. Blvd., and in achiev- tion of Neighborhoods stood behind a more relevant quote. But maybe it ing the goals of the Albina Plan and the

October Art Sale

Painting and sculpture by Ron and Jerry Fenter

Saturday, October 21 Sunday, October 22 10:00 am–5:00 pm 210 NE Fargo Portland, OR 97212

Information: 503-282-4520 or 509-365-5119

FALL 2006 7 Eliot Salons

Akasu Hair Studio and Spa Dean’s Barber Shop Purusha Salon and Spa 2037 N. Williams Ave. 213 N.E. Hancock St. 2637-C N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 503-287-3813 503-282-2920 503-282-2155 What: Hair; massage including relaxation, chronic What: Haircuts. Barbering. Shaves. What: Hair, facials, waxing, massage. pain and injury; skin treatments including Vibe: Longtime African-American barber shop with Vibe: A comfortable window to MLK, combining a facials, microdermabrasion, rosacea and acne many third-generation customers. slick look with a relaxed feel and lots of natural treatment; manicures and pedicures; hand and Hours: Tues–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. light. foot therapies. Hours: Mon–Sat by appointment only. Vibe: Earthy tones, intimate sitting spaces, flowing Dean’s Beauty Salon water, local art and bamboo plants relax and Reggie’s Barber Shop pamper at this full-service spa. 215 N.E. Hancock St. 3213 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Hours: Appointments available Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; 503-282-3379 503-280-0222 Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. What: Haircuts, Dyes, Weaves. Full-service hair salon. Vibe: The women’s branch of the barbershop with What: Men & women’s hair cuts. Beard, eyebrows, Broadway Barber Shop the same name, where ladies have been getting mustache. Razor line. Straight razor shaves. 623 N.E. Broadway (Next to Les Schwab) their hair styled since 1954. Walk-ins as well as by appointment. 503-287-3111 Hours: Tues–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Vibe: An old-school barber shop that happens to be What: Hair. Caters to men, women, kids. A walk-in new, and caters to kids, too. barber shop, kids welcome. Dirty Little Secret Hours: Tues–Fri, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Vibe: Simple, inexpensive haircuts. No frills, but 1909 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saturday 10 a.m.–7 p.m. plenty of toys for the kids to enjoy. 503-288-8968 Hours: Tues–Fri, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; What: Full-service hair salon, facial waxing. Style Solutions Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Professional dreads/weaves available by 2723 N.E. 7th Ave. appointment. 503-280-4938 Vibe: A little bit of kitsch and funk, complete What: Hair coziness and experienced stylists. Vibe: A homey place with colorful murals on the Hours: Open seven days by appointment, wall and a full range of hair services, including 10 a.m.–8 p.m. cuts, styles, relaxing and curls. The Mane Place Wildroot 2721 N.E. 7th Ave. 801 N. Russell St. 503-287-7664 503-280-2044 • www.wildrootsalon.net What: Hair Vibe: A comfortable, well-lit fixture in women’s hair What: Hair, facial waxing care, on a corner that has long been a haven Vibe: Industrial meets cozy in this renovated build- for salons. ing where top-notch stylists offer a drink or Hours: Call for appointments. neck massage along with your hair cut. Hours: Monday, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Tues–Fri, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.