From Vacant to Vibrant Building the New Boise Eliot Village Square Market

ELIOT NEWS

A Publication of Eliot Neighborhood Association Volume 20 · Number 3 Summer 2011 From Vacant to Vibrant Building the new Boise Eliot Village Square market

By Kirsten Jenkins f you have driven by the SE corner of Fremont and I Williams lately, you can see that something very colorful and exciting is happening there. It is the Boise Eliot Village Square and it will be a public market place with live music, theatre, gospel on Sunday’s and some democracy and educational forums as well. The public market will be open on Friday and Saturday 12-8 and Sunday 12-6. Spencer Burton, a Boise resi- dent, is the creator of the venue. The grassroots driven project aims to transform a large vacant lot into a public market and vibrant gathering space. “...it is essential that we begin to localize our economy and produce what we need here in Portland and sell it in public markets in neighborhoods across the city.” - Spencer Burton

The village square model is a The stage at Boise Eliot Village Square revitalization of an old economic model. In small towns and vil- benefits the neighborhood. The vender spaces being made and go until December 18. If you lages around the world people There is a cool looking stage available in the public market this are interested in vender opportu- bring whatever they grow, cook and cob benches with timber year will ensure there’s at least a nities, volunteering or performing or create to the village square framed metal and eco roofs that little something for everyone. at the Boise-Eliot Village Square which is the center for commu- dozens of volunteers from the They will feature: locally fresh call Spencer Burton at 503-803- nity and commerce. In an era of 11th Annual Village Building food and produce, arts and crafts, 2699 or email him at : global warming and rising energy Convergence have been working selected merchandise and some spencerburtonforportland prices, Spencer believes it is es- on for the last few weeks. They free community tables. @gmail.com ● sential that we begin to localize are also planting over 50 fruit and The market will open July 15 our economy and produce what nut trees and a community gar- we need here in Portland and sell den. it in public markets in neighbor- They will be building timber hoods across the city. Spencer framed covered pole barns for hopes the project can be a sus- venders. The 10’x15’ covered tainable business model that can pole barns will be available for be used to bring blighted unused venders at a cost of $35 a day, properties into production in a and there will be some 10’ x 10’ way that engages, reflects and tent spaces for $25 a day.

Building the Square

Eliot Neighborhood Association Want to see more trees in Eliot? The Eliot Neighborhood Association is a nonprofit corporation whose members are the residents and business owners of the Eliot Looking for a motivated individual or team who would like to be Neighborhood. Its purpose is to inform Eliot residents about issues the Eliot Neighborhood planting coordinator(s) for the annual affecting the neighborhood through meetings, newsletters and other activities. Members of the neighborhood association must be Friends of Trees planting. If you are interested over 14 years old and live, own property, have a business, or repre- send an email to [email protected]. sent a nonprofit within the neighborhood. The Eliot Neighborhood Association was founded in 1969. It is recognized by the City of Portland, is a member of the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, Inc., and has representatives on several other groups and commit- tees. Upcoming Eliot Neighborhood

Eliot Board Association Meetings Board Officers  Angela Kremer – Chair  Board Meeting - Monday July 11th [email protected] – 503-284-9136  Board Meeting - Monday August 8th  Julie Woelfer – Vice Chair  Board Meeting - Monday September 12th [email protected] – 503-799-6006  Maria Roselle – Recorder Meetings typically held at Emanuel Hospital Medical Office [email protected] – 918-430-8504 Building, West Conference Room, 501 N Graham, Portland OR.  Clint Lundmark – Newsletter Editor [email protected] – 503-552-8678 For more information see eliotneighborhood.org.  Tamille Lundmark – Treasurer [email protected] –503-552-8678

Board Directors Eliot Neighborhood Email List  Alan Sanchez – [email protected] – 503-288-4489 Join the Eliot Neighborhood Email List! Get informed on  Allan Rudwick - [email protected] - 503-703-3910  Alex Johnson – [email protected] what is happening in the neighborhood via email. The  Barry Joe Stull—[email protected] Eliot Neighborhood Email List ―announcement only‖  Jim Hlava – [email protected] – 509-998-3406 Google Group is a notification service used to share information  Joan Ivan – [email protected] – 503-265-5868 from the Eliot Neighborhood Association. To subscribe send an  Kirsten Jenkins – [email protected] – 503-515-6633 email to:  Kristen Yates - [email protected] - 503-802-0299 [email protected] or visit  Laurie Simpson – [email protected] – 503-280-1005 http://groups.google.com/group/eliotemaillist.  Mike Doherty - [email protected] – 415-307-2920  Pamela Weatherspoon - [email protected] – 503-413-4630  Pauline Bradford – 503.287.7138 (fax) – 503-281-6635 ELIOT NEWS AD RATES

Land Use and Transportation Committee Eliot News has a per issue circulation of 3,000 and is hand delivered or mailed  Mike Warwick – LUTC Chair to nearly 100% of the homes and businesses in the Eliot neighborhood. [email protected] – 503-284-7010  Laurie Simpson – LUTC Vice Chair Eliot News is an 8 page 11” x 17” black and white tabloid newspaper pub- [email protected] – 503-280-1005 lished four times a year in January, April, July and October.  Allan Rudwick - [email protected] - 503-703-3910  Clint Lundmark – [email protected] – 503-552-8678 Ad deadlines are December 10, March 10, June 10, and September 10.  Jason Franklin – [email protected]  Kirsten Jenkins – [email protected] – 503-515-6633 Category Size 1x 2x 3x 4x

1/16 Page 4.9” W x 1.8” H $24 $44 $60 $72 Eliot Monthly Meetings If you live or work in Eliot, you are welcome and encouraged to at- 1/8 page 4.9” W x 3.8” H $40 $73 $100 $122 tend the monthly meetings of the Eliot Neighborhood Association, 1/4 page 4.9” W x 7.8” H $68 $123 $168 $204 which are held the second Monday of each month at 7 pm at 1/2 Page 10” W x 7.8” H $114 $207 $283 $343 Emanuel Hospital. It’s a great opportunity to meet your neighbors, stay informed about what’s going on in Eliot, help build a stronger Full Page 10” W x 15.8” H $191 $348 $475 $576 community, and have input into decisions that may affect you. Also consider joining a committee or becoming a board member. Ad rates and sizes effective January 1st 2011. Emanuel Hospital, Medical Office Building, West Conference Room, 501 N. Graham St.

Eliot News 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 neighborhood. It does not have a ISBN.

 Editor: Clint Lundmark [email protected] - 503-552-8678  Layout: Clint Lundmark  Advertising: Clint Lundmark  Delivery: Susan Bailey [email protected] - 503-284-7010

Rights to articles are retained by the author. Opinions of the au- thors do not necessarily reflect the official positions of the Eliot Neighborhood Association.

www.eliotneighborhood.org [email protected]

Printed on recycled paper. Map of Eliot Neighborhood 2 2

New Children’s Hospital on its way to February 2012 opening

By Maegan Vidal nly 8 months away tion of major work on the build- from opening its ing’s exterior. This summer O doors in February sheetrock, drywall, framing, 2012, the new home for The rough-in, painting and interior Children’s Hospital at Legacy finishes are in progress. The hos- Emanuel is 70 percent complete. pital’s interior design is inspired The hospital will better care for by Oregon’s unique geography, the community by dramatically with each floor featuring themes increasing its capacity to serve such as the Cascades, coast, de- kids and families. The new home sert and Willamette Valley. is nearly four times the size of the Legacy Emanuel’s campus current hospital, with nine- design and community connec- stories, 334,000 square-feet and tions have been improved by up- 165 beds. Physicians, nurses and grading campus entry points, pe- staff will be able to provide holis- destrian crossings and landscap- tic care in a world-class family- ing. A new approach to the cam- centered healing environment for pus on North Cook Street and the growing number of children North Gantenbein is complete Construction on The Children's Hospital first floor main lobby in our community with medical and revisions to the new ap- needs. proach on North Stanton and Molly Burchell, M.D., Legacy North Vancouver will start at the watch construction live by visit- tal at Legacy Emanuel on Face- Health clinical vice president of end of June making it easier for ing the new home’s construction book and keep up with construc- pediatrics talks about how the patients, families and visitors to webcam at: tion progress, healthy tips for new home addresses the needs of enter the campus. http://www.legacyhealth.org/ kids and families and community the neighborhood, as well as the The new home’s innovative body_iframe.cfm?id=1141 events: www.facebook.com/ region. “Oregon’s two children’s and sustainable building practices Friend The Children’s Hospi- legacychildrens. ● hospitals are often at full capac- follow the Green Guide for ity. As Oregon’s largest provider HealthCareTM, a specialized pro- of pediatric inpatient and trauma gram based on Leadership in En- services The Children’s Hospital ergy Efficiency and Design Baileywick Properties at Legacy Emanuel receives (LEED) tailored to the special Saving and Improving Housing in Eliot nearly 100,000 visits a year. Our environments of medical facili- new home will be able to accom- ties. Neighborhood for 33 Years. modate our region’s children well The campaign to raise the re- Houses and Apartments for rent. into the future.” mainder of the $25 million fund- Significant progress is being raising goal for the new home of (503) 806-3502 made on the busy construction The Children’s Hospital at Leg- site with nearly 250 workers. The acy Emanuel kicked off in May tower crane was removed by an 2011. Campaign commitments even larger tower crane at the end total $12 million to date. of May, signifying the comple- To keep up with the project

Online Event Calendar Check out the list of upcoming events in Eliot Neighborhood on the neighborhood website Event Calendar! http://eliotneighborhood.org/eliot-guide/event-calendar

now solar powered! 503-281-8075 www.cloudburstrecycling.com

DROP BOX SERVICE COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION * MAXIMUM RECYCLING * We collect -- COOKING OIL for BIODIESEL & FOOD WASTE for COMPOSTING

3 3

Eliot Eateries 2011 Concert Schedule Announced

At the Eliot Neighborhood April General Membership Meet- Breakfast/Coffee/Cafés ing concert planners Tamille Bridges Café Lundmark and Pamela Weather- 2716 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-288-4169 spoon announced the concert schedule. Dawson Park will host Eliot E-Mat Café 4 concerts this season – every 2808 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-280-8889 Wednesday evening in July. Goldrush Coffee Bar July 6 Obo Addy and Okropong 2601 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-331-5955 Concert in Dawson Park July 13 Hillstomp Tiny’s Café July 20 The Dirty Syncopators 2031 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-467-4199 July 27 Lisa Mann ● Waypost 3120 N. Williams St., 503-367-3182 National Night Out at Irving Park

The King, Sabin, Eliot and signed to: Boise neighborhoods are invited - Heighten crime and drug pre- Bars/Taverns to a National Night Out at Irving vention awareness; 820 Park, August 2, 5:00 to 9:00 pm. - Generate support for, and 820 N. Russell St., 503-284-5518 The Irvington Community As- participation in, local anticrime sociation (ICA) invites you to a programs; Bill Ray’s Dive neighborhood picnic to celebrate - Strengthen neighborhood 2210 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd. National Night Out at Irving Park spirit and police-community part- Gotham Tavern on August 2, 5:00 to 9:00 near nerships; and 2240 N. Interstate Ave., 503-517-9911 the picnic table area between the - Send a message to criminals Off Leash Dog area and the Chil- letting them know that neighbor- McMenamin’s White Eagle Café & Saloon dren’s Playground. Look for the hoods are organized and fighting 836 N. Russell St., 503-282-6810 red and white striped tents and back Secret Society the big barbecue. Over 37 million people par- 116 NE Russell St.,503-493-3600 ICA will supply hot dogs, ticipated in National Night Out drinks and dessert. Bring your 2010. Sloan’s Tavern favorite picnic eats to share and Questions: contact Mary 36 N. Russell St., 503-287-2262 also your sport gear. Plus… sur- Piper, 503-288-9234, dsmith- Widmer Gasthaus Pub prises for the neighborhood kids! [email protected]● National Night Out is de- 929 N. Russell St., 503-281-3333

Lunch/Dinner Afrique Bistro 102 NE Russell St., 503-943-6616 Chuck’s Market, J&S Grocery 2415 N. Williams Ave., 503-281-6269 Dreamers Marketplace 2737 NE MLK Jr. Blvd. 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. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-281-8455 Queen of Sheba 2413 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., 503-287-6302 Russell Street Bar-B-Que 325 N.E. Russell St., 503-528-8224 Sparky’s Pizza 2434 N.E. MLK Jr Blvd Toro Bravo 120 NE Russell St.,503-281-4464 Tropicana Bar Be Cue 3217 N. Williams Ave., 503-281-8696 Under Wonder 128 N.E. Russell St., 503-493-0371

4 4

The Al Forthan Memorial Scholarship Summer Bike and Hike

Crime Blotter By Kristin Yates

By Ofc Peter Helzer & Angela Wagnon Bringing the Sun to the North- year! Amazing right?! A schol- named one of the top 100 climbs west arship that started six years ago in the US by Bicycling maga- ello! The weather s a native Oregonian, with $500 to its name has now zine. I realize this is not every- has finally begun to every year at this gone on to help over 80 students one’s cup of tea so we also have a H swing in the right di- time, I wonder to my- from Oregon pursue higher edu- leisurely 2-4 mile hike that you rection, and school is letting out A self, “Can it get any worse?” But cation. We at Volunteers of can take part in or just join us for for the summer. It’s time to re- this year the weather seems par- America Men’s Residential Cen- the BBQ at the top. We would member our basic prevention ticularly bad. I do need to remind ter feel really privileged to be a love to have the opportunity to techniques. Check your outdoor myself that even while I write part of this because more than share with the neighborhood lighting and watch out for your this article the sun is shining anything we want to see drug/ more about the scholarship and neighbors. Just as a reminder, brightly outside. Maybe it just alcohol addiction prevention also raise money for it! And please keep your valuables out of takes us awhile in the Northwest through education. It is with this we’ve attached a warm, sunny your cars or out of sight and to regain the comfort that the sun in mind that we would like to in- day guarantee to the event as watch out for roving bands of really does come out again, after vite you to our Bike and Hike well. Please contact me with any teenagers out tagging. Also, as our nine month dreary win- Fundraiser at Larch Mt. on Au- questions you might have or to we start leaving windows open ters. Let’s talk about better, gust 6th. register for the event! for ventilation, remember to brighter things though. You can be a part of this event Kristin Yates block them in some way, so they Let’s talk about how the Al in three ways: Join the bike ride only open a little bit to keep the Education and Prevention Coordinator Forthan Memorial Scholarship that starts at Lewis & Clark State [email protected] burglars out. was able to award $35,000 in Park and winds its way to the top 503-802-0299 ● Areas of Recent Concern: scholarship money to high school of Larch Mt. This 45 mile ride is - Armed Robberies / Assaults: seniors throughout Oregon this for the serious biker and has been This is a recent and disturbing increase. I have not been able to identify a pattern. The bulk of King Farmers Market Opened on May 1st the assaults appear to be split be- With the improving weather Bite Size Kids Cook at the (June); berries (July); summer tween domestic disputes and came the reopening of the popu- Market: the last Sunday of each squash (August); and tomatoes gang related violence. lar King Portland Farmers Market month (May 29, June 26, July 31, (September). - Car Prowls: Last issue I specu- on Sunday, May 1. August 28, September 25). Kids King Portland Farmers Market lated that the increase in car can cultivate their culinary skills is located just north of Eliot prowls may have been due to the New vendors planned for 2011 and experience a cornucopia of Neighborhood at NE 7th & Wy- economy or just getting a little include: farm-fresh foods though these gant between NE Alberta & NE lax after the holidays, but the Eatin’ Alive, a bicycle pow- free drop-in classes. Each month Prescott. It is open every Sunday trend has continued. They appear ered mobile vending station that will center on a featured ingredi- from May 1-October 30, 10 AM- to be centered around the hospital believes in harnessing raw energy ent: radishes (May); greens 2 PM. ● and Lower Albina. The spike in both transport and cooking. A around the hospital is likely due Portland company, they use all to the change in parking patterns organic, locally grown produce to with the construction of the chil- create seasonal, freshly prepared dren’s hospital. The Lower Al- raw snacks such as: seed and nut bina trend appears to be related to pates, wild crafted pesto, garden events at the Rose Garden. wraps, a variety of prepared sal- - Rave Parties: Lately I have ads, and delicious sweet treats. only received a couple com- Good Natured Gardens, a plaints from these locations. small, family run vegetable and They continue to operate and are herb farm located on Sauvie Is- obtaining all the necessary per- land that grows a wide variety of mits and variances. Please let me heirloom produce and seedlings know of any problems. using organic methods to ensure Active Listings bed bath sq ft price Recent/Upcoming Events: the highest quality. KCK Farms is a family owned 209 NE Fargo 5 1.1 2604 $249,000 - National Night Out: August 537 NE Russell 3 2.1 1356 $270,000 and operated nursery in the heart 2nd is coming right up! 426 NE Fargo 3 2 2480 $279,500 of the Willamette Valley of Ore- 51 NE Graham 3 2 2466 $305,000 - Dawson Park Improvements: gon offering fresh cut peonies, 3216 NE Rodney 4 3 2615 $359,900 Angela and I attended a meeting bare root, containerized trees and with the Parks Bureau and the Pending Listings bed bath sq ft price perennials. 2008 N Williams 3 2.1 3456 $349,500 contractor in charge of the Daw- Trailhead Coffee Roasters, the 51 NE San Rafael 3 2 2070 $289,900 son Park facelift two weeks ago. 2833 NE Rodney 3 1 2116 $260,000 bike-based Portland coffee They were very receptive to our 628 NE Knott 2 2.1 1285 $299,000 roaster featuring coffee produced 18 NE Ivy 3 2.1 1920 $299,999 input on how to make the park by women farmers and served 301 NE Ivy 4 2 2564 $335,000 safer while improving the look from Trailhead’s rolling bike 3639 NE Rodney 4 3 2952 $349,000 and feel. cafe. Sold Listings bed bath sq ft price

2011 King Market classes and 2056 NE Rodney 3 2.1 1806 $274,000 OFC Peter Helzer, NRT 246 NE Thompson 3 1.1 2638 $290,000 [email protected] activities: 73 NE Graham 4 4.1 2270 $315,000 503-823-5818 In addition to shopping for 28 NE Graham 4 3.1 2270 $365,000

farm-fresh produce, baked goods, Angela Wagnon, ONI meats, cheeses, seafood and other [email protected] specialty foods, there is lots go- 503-823-4094 ing on each Sunday! Here’s a ● taste of what market-goers can find at King Market: Get Growing: every Sunday in May. A hosted booth was open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM where shoppers brought plant starts (purchased from market vendors) to have them potted into container gardens free of charge. 5 5

Got Traffic? By Mike Warwick he Central City plan process is in full swing T in N/NE Portland. The process will re-examine and re- zone the entire “central city” which includes the Lloyd Dis- trict, Convention Center, Broad- way/Weidler corridor, and por- tions of Eliot south of Rus- sell. Our area of town is the first of the four central city “quadrants” to plan. The effort in this quadrant is unusual in that it includes the participation (and funding) of the Oregon Depart- ment of Transportation (ODOT). ODOT’s interest is in improving the freeway between I- 84 and I-405. Improvements to the freeway mainline will require changes to the freeway ramps as Concept 4c. Three‐Point Interchange (couplet). One of several proposed freeway concepts. they intersect Broadway and obviously impact the thriving ing traffic from one set of on/off NE Quadrant Central City Plan Weidler. ODOT’s preference is commercial businesses in the ramps to Hancock. As Eliot resi- web site for details. (http:// for a conventional freeway inter- area. More importantly, it will dents know, MLK acts as a bar- www.portlandonline.com/bps/ change, which will take up a increase the exposure of children rier to through traffic on Han- index.cfm?c=52841&). Eliot’s much larger part of the neighbor- going to Tubman to speeding cock, so any non-Eliot traffic on representatives to the Central hood than the current ramps traffic and auto exhausts. Bike it would be forced on to Eliot’s City plan process are on notice do. In order to minimize prop- traffic is particularly heavy on other residential streets to exit the opposing the proposed erty condemnation and demoli- Flint as well, and this will be af- neighborhood. That would likely changes. However, we need the tion many of their options make fected, although the change in turn Rodney into a heavily traffic support of Eliot residents to make use of existing surface streets. In traffic pattern may reduce bike/ commuter and truck route as well our point. If you are concerned Eliot, this includes Flint and Han- vehicle conflicts on Vancouver as increasing traffic on Tillamook about the potential for traffic in- cock, which ODOT’s plans envi- and an overpass on Hancock and Thompson as drivers diffuse creases in Eliot, please let me sion as part of the freeway access would facilitate access to the through the area. know. I can be reached at my system. As a result, traffic on Broadway Bridge. The proposed What can you do about office at (503) 417-7555 or by these streets will increase signifi- overpass on Hancock is designed this? The proposed designs were email at cantly. to take freeway traffic off of showcased at an Open House [email protected]. ● Traffic increases on Flint will Broadway and Weidler by rout- June 29th at Metro. See the N/ Fremont Bridge Upper Deck Paving Project contractor for the - Use I‐5 south as a detour to join the mailing list for regular [email protected] Oregon Department during the weekend closures updates, contact: Mike Mason, Visit the website at ore- A of Transportation - Close the ramp from the Fre- ODOT Community Affairs Coor- gon.gov/ODOT/HWY/ (ODOT) will start work soon on a mont Bridge southbound to US dinator, at 503‐731‐8246 or mi- REGION1/I405_Fremont ● project to replace the original I‐ 30 westbound during full week- 405 Fremont Bridge’s upper deck end and some partial weekend asphalt pavement. Due to the closures complexity of the work and the - Be combined with a paving unique, long‐lasting pavement and bridge repair project on I‐5 in material that will be used, the the Rose Quarter area to avoid project will: closures of both sections of free- - Require 3 weekends of full ways: Fremont closures in 2011; closure and at least 1 weekend of I‐5 Rose Quarter closures in partial closure of the upper deck 2012. - Require partial closures (two - Keep the Bridge open over lanes) on the upper deck during these weekends: Bridge Pedal weeknights. Lanes will be open (Aug. 14), Hood to Coast (Aug. until 11 p.m. when there are 26), Labor Day, Race for the events at the Rose Garden Arena. Cure (Sept. 18), and Portland - Keep the northbound direc- Marathon (Oct. 9). tion open (lower deck) To learn about the project or

Fremont Bridge Upper Deck Closure Schedule.

Friday, July 15, 11 p.m. to Monday, July 18, 5 a.m. – Partial closure. Left two lanes of upper deck closed (southbound); ramps from Kerby Avenue and I‐5 north to Fremont Bridge are closed. Friday, July 22, 11 p.m. to Monday, July 25, 5 a.m. – Full closure. Upper deck closed (southbound); all ramps to the upper deck are also closed. Friday, July 29, 11 p.m., to Monday, August 1, 5 a.m. – Full closure. Up- per deck closed (southbound); all ramps to the upper deck are also closed. Friday, August 5, 11 p.m., to Monday, August 8, 5 a.m. – Full closure. Up- per deck closed (southbound); all ramps to the upper deck are also closed.

This preliminary schedule could change due to weather and construction‐related fac- tors. Visit TripCheck.com or call 5‐1‐1 for the latest closure information.

6 6

These Are Our Streets! By Allan Rudwick ince it was platted by work and didn’t like having Edwin Russell, William tracks in the roads. Additionally, S Page, and George Wil- streetcar ridership was declining liams in 1872, the city of Albina and track maintenance was not in (now Eliot) was set up with a the budget due to mismanage- Manhattan-style grid with long ment. Clunky at first, these cars east-west blocks that are 2.5 were smaller and simpler than times as long as the north-south they are today. In the early 1900s, blocks. This, combined with the MLK was a major bike connec- steep cliffs separating the tion street, the main north south neighborhood from the river spine of the east side. By 1930, made all the north and south MLK Avenue had been taken streets important connections for over by cars and was widened to a huge area north of Eliot over its current width. The street the last 140 years. In 1888, the changed from a fairly mixed resi- Steel Bridge opened and life on dential/commercial street into a the east side was booming. Elec- street almost completely dedi- tric streetcars started running cated to commercial uses. MLK over the bridge in 1889 on the at this point became somewhat of original Albina line. In the early a pedestrian barrier. In the 1980s, 1900s, streetcars ran up and down an Oregon Department of Trans- Williams and Union (now Martin portation project added medians Luther King, Jr.) Avenues. The and put MLK into its current con- speed limit before cars came figuration. The design is set up to along was 6mph, with streetcars move a large volume of cars allowed to go 12mph. Crossing quickly through the area, at the the street was no big problem for cost of local business and adding the early residents of Albina. challenges for pedestrians trying A few east-west streetcar lines to cross the street. also ran through Eliot with a line In residential Eliot, there are 5 Former streetcar routes in and around Eliot that ran between MLK and Mis- streets that connect north and sissippi Avenues on Stanton south through the entire posing on Williams Avenue the perspective of a blank slate: Street. Another line ran from the neighborhood: (from west to east) called the North Williams Traffic starting fresh, where would we Boise neighborhood through Vancouver, Williams, Rodney, Safety Operations Project. There draw the lines? According to the what is now Legacy Emanuel MLK, and 7th street. In their cur- is a proposal to narrow Williams city traffic engineer, Rob Buch- Hospital property along Russell rent configuration, crossing MLK Avenue through Eliot from two field, traffic won’t come to a to MLK. This made the intersec- is probably the least fun, fol- automobile lanes heading north to standstill, and he is willing to en- tion of Russell and Williams lowed by Williams, 7th, Vancou- one lane. Some of the extra space dorse reducing the street to one Avenues a hub for commercial ver, and then Rodney being the would be used as breathing room driving lane, one wider bicycle activity, which it was until torn easiest and most enjoyable. My so that cars, bikes, and buses can lane and parking on both sides. down for a still-non-existent hos- personal goal is to make it more all share the street with less con- There might be some slowness pital expansion 36 years ago. comfortable and enjoyable to flict. Crossing the street will be during rush hour, and some driv- Over time, these streetcar lines cross all of the streets in Eliot so easier as pedestrians will only ers will choose alternate routes. I were consolidated and in 1950, that we can all visit local busi- have to wait for a lane of bikes think that is a price we should be all the streetcars were removed nesses, parks, and neighbors and a lane of cars to stop instead willing to pay to get a friendlier, from Eliot and replaced with bus more easily. Most of the east- of two lanes of cars and a lane of safer, more neighborhood - lines. west streets are not too difficult bikes. designed Williams Avenue. Starting in the 1930s, cars to cross, so I am hoping that we There has been some concern More information can be were coming to Eliot. When the can work on some of the north- from area residents that narrow- found at cars were used mostly on week- south roads. MLK Avenue seems ing Williams will create a bad http://www.portlandonline.com/ ends, some of the empty lots in such an uphill battle that I’m not traffic situation, that we’ll be transportation/williams Eliot were used as garages with sure we’ll be able to do much in swamped in heavy traffic on Wil- Feel free to contact me at three to five cars to a lot. By the the near future. liams, and that there is no reason [email protected] or 503-703 late 1940s, people were using Right now, there is a project to change a street that already -3910 ● cars to get around town and to that the City of Portland is pro- works. I look at this project from

7 7

Spring Cleanup Kudos Oral History Walking Tour

By Julie Woelfer By Kayla Gill hanks to all the hard llies of Eliot, a group work of volunteers and of eight PSU commu- T generous donations, A nity development stu- the annual Eliot clean-up was a dents, has produced a historic success. We removed over 10 walking tour of Eliot based on a tons of debris from the neighbor- series of interviews conducted by hood, plus a few more tons of the Eliot Oral Histories Project scrap metal that were recycled. port (Thanks, Katy!) and on community outreach con- We also raised about $500, to be Metro, for waiving tipping ducted for the walking tour. The used to help fund neighborhood fees tour is self-guided and consists of events such as the Dawson Park Wonder Ballroom, for their an informational booklet with concerts. generous donation to the historical photos, and correspond- As with any project, it could- neighborhood. ing audio tracks taken from the n’t have been done without lots And of course our awesome interviews. Booklets and audio of help, and I’d like to take volunteers: players will be available for a minute to thank all those who Chris, for his invaluable ad- checkout from Dishman Commu- made it possible: vice, taking charge of the flyers, nity Center, where the tour begins New Seasons Market, for and working the clean up and ends. A condensed brochure sponsoring 2 of our drop boxes Ken, for volunteering his time version of the booklet and audio A page from the tour booklet Emanuel Hospital, for once and truck to pick up for our sen- mp3s will be available for free again allowing us to use their ior and disabled residents download from the project web- powerful and personal vehicle for parking lot Lee, Barry Joe, Clint and site this summer. doing so. We find that listening Julius Jackson and his crew, Tamille, for giving up their Satur- We have immensely enjoyed to first-hand experiences of long- for keeping scrap metal out of the day morning to help out. working with the Eliot Neighbor- term residents in the physical set- landfill And a special shout out to the hood. Through listening to the tings in which they took place Les Schwab, for disposing of guys from VOA’s Men’s Resi- stories of elder residents and in- creates a unique juxtaposition tires dential Center. Once again, we teracting with them, we’ve that encourages the use of histori- NECN, for their continued fi- couldn’t have done it without gained a much deeper under- cal imagination. We’d like to nancial and knowledgeable sup- you! ● standing of the community thank all involved for their hard around us, its past, how it came work and dedication, and hope to be the way it is today, and the that you take a moment to enjoy perspectives of our neighbors. the tour! Eliot News is printed on Our goal for those who take the For more information, visit tour is to provide historical con- our website, and continue to Recycled Paper. texts and inspire new insights, check back as updates are coming and we feel that oral history is a soon. http://eliotoralhistories.com ●

Free!

Dawson Park Summer Concerts

Concerts start at 6:30 pm @ the Gazebo Williams Ave and Stanton St

th July 6 Obo Addy & Okropong (Ghanaian drums & dance) presented by Grand Central Baking Company th July 13 Hillstomp (bucket & slide rock) presented by The Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel th July 20 Dirty Syncopators (funk for the people) th July 27 Lisa Mann and Her Really Good Band (bass-driven blues)