Mt. Tabor March 2017

By Laura Smith

Due to weather-related issues, the January meeting of the Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association was cancelled. That made for a full list of topics for the February meeting.

There was a brief discussion about historic districts and the requirements needed to establish one. Restore Oregon is willing to speak to MTNA at a future meeting or separate event.

A neighbor in attendance had a question about how to get a stop sign installed at an intersection. Go to the PBOT (Portland Bureau of Transportation) website for information: portlandoregon.gov/transportation.

Another neighbor expressed concerns about the short-term rental property near his house.  Board members suggested contacting the City’s website for information: portlandoregon.gov/bps/66547, and to contact police if any illegal activity is observed.

MTNA board members and Portland Water Bureau (PWB) representatives provided an update on the progress being made at the monthly meetings between MTNA and PWB for the Mt. Tabor Reservoir Historic Preservation and Interpretive Projects. Recently for both projects, RFQs were written, bids were obtained, and now bids are being reviewed. On March 15, the selected contracts will be presented to Portland City Council. The annual report to Portland City Council on the 2016 meetings will be out April 12.

MTNA’s new website is up and running and has had favorable reviews.  Comments are always welcome. It was suggested that information be provided on the website about how to subscribe and unsubscribe to the MTNA listserv as well as the MTNA google group.

A design process is currently underway by Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) to make improvements to the Mt Tabor Maintenance Yard for worker safety and conditions as well as bike and pedestrian access to the park from the South. As part of this process, neighbors are invited to a community conversation about the Long Block and its best future uses.

The Long Block is the area between SE Harrison and Lincoln Streets from SE 60th to SE 64th Avenues. It has historically been the site of nursery plant and tree production for PP&R, and a community garden was added in 2013. Since the tree nursery area was removed in 2014, the western portion of the Long Block has not had a horticultural function, and it has been used by the community as flexible, open space.  Come to the Community Conversation: Thursday, March 9, 6 pm – 7:30 pm, Bueermann Hall, Room 103, Western Seminary, 5511 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

The building at the corner of SE 60th and Stark (currently occupied by YMCA childcare), which was owned by Portland Parks and Recreation has been transferred to the Housing bureau. No redevelopment use has been planned yet.

A property management company has been engaged to find a temporary renter or business for the Tabor Commons/Cafe au Play space for the next two years while long-term plans are determined.

Warner Pacific College has again agreed to be a host for the 2017 Summer Movies in the Park. The movie selected is Finding Dory. Date and time are yet to be finalized.

In 2016, there were 7,473 registered visitors at the Friends of Mt. Tabor Park (FMTP) visitors center. Repairs to the rock wall in the amphitheater are underway.  During the winter storms, there was a lot of tree damage in the park. The next Weed Warrior crew leader training events will be February 25 and March 18. FMTP’s annual meeting takes place on March 14. Check out the FMTP website for more information:  taborfriends.org.

The next MTNA meeting will be Wednesday, March 15, at 7 pm at Mt Tabor Presbyterian Church at SE 54th and Belmont, with social time and homemade cookies starting 6:50 pm.

For more information, visit our newly updated website: mttaborpdx.org.

Mt. Tabor March 2017

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