HAND
By Jill Riebesehl
Fall is here, schools are finally back in full session, and we have a handful of issues to attend to in our neighborhood. At the September meeting, the Hosford-Abernethy NA Board and attendees focused on two river-based situations. But our attention also ranged wider as we gathered more information on the November vote to rewrite Portland’s City Charter; learned of progress on a proposed tiny village; and agreed to donate $100 to the International Day of Peace celebration September 21 on SE Hawthorne Blvd. We also received a brief introduction to the Sustainable Southeast Community Coalition (S2C2).
The Board voted to go on record regarding two efforts: OMSI’s plans for a large riverfront development and the loss of a piece of the Holman Dock at the Portland Boathouse complex. Regarding OMSI, our neighborhood has many suggestions and concerns and will be voicing them via written communication, plus voice at the city’s next planning meeting. About the dock: three years ago, a 120-foot section, called the load freeboard dock, was damaged, preventing easy access from the river for swimmers and small boats The city is marshaling federal, state and local agencies to replace the dock, hopefully by July. We support a quick resolution. Our neighborhood wants full access to the river back.Â
 HAND does not take positions on elections, but does present information to our residents. In July, we heard from a Charter Commission member who recommended against changes to the City Charter. At the September meeting, we heard from a commission member in favor, as well a person versed in the longstanding issue of the need for changes in our city government. Â
There is a bit of land on SE 19th Ave. off Division St. for which HAND has been trying for decades to find a constructive use. We sense progress: Reach Community Development and the non-profit We Shine are drawing up plans for a 12-pod tiny village, with fencing, on that spot, a place that is now and has been intensely misused. The effort involves city bureaus, neighbors and relevant and nearby charities, and may see some resolution by year’s end. A finished project would include a Good Neighbor agreement and a village council to set rules. Housing would be transitional, granting residents a two-year stay.
 Anyone wishing for more details on our discussions will be able to find the meeting minutes on the HAND website. Our next meeting, via Zoom, is Tuesday, October 18. Â
Montavilla Neighborhood Association
By Jacob Loeb
The next Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) meeting will feature the proposed mural by Hector H. Hernandez that will soon appear at the corner of NE 82nd Ave. and Glisan St. The public art project is part of the new Jackson’s convenience store and gas station currently under construction on the prominent corner. After the presentation, MNA members will vote on new Board members for the 2022-2024 term.
The MNA selected Hernandez for this project in 2022 to create a sizeable ceramic-tile mosaic incorporating the neighborhood’s diversity. He will install the artwork along a street-facing wall that backs a new corner plaza at the outer edge of the gas station. This meeting will be the first time residents can see the proposed artwork ahead of its installation in 2023.
Annual Board Member elections for the MNA occur in October. Two out-of-cycle appointed members are running for a full two-year term. Former chair Louise Hoff returned to the Board this year as the Parks Chair and new MNA member Natalie Mallis recently joined the Board as the SE Uplift Liaison. Both are seeking a full term and are unopposed. Additional Board seats are open this year and existing MNA members can self-nominate at the general meeting before the election. People interested in joining the Board should email jacob@montavilla.org for more information about running for an open position.
The next MNA meeting is Monday, October 10, 6:30 pm. Register for the Zoom link at the MNA website, montavilla.org/mna-calendar. Audio recordings of the previous gatherings are available online at montavilla.org/pdx-mna-meeting-podcast.
North Tabor Neighborhood Association
By Ross Hiner
The North Tabor Neighborhood Association hosted a general membership and Board meeting September 20 via Zoom. The general meeting included a presentation and discussion on a proposed five-unit apartment development near NE 55th Ave. and Flanders St. A representative from the developer provided an overview of the project, status update and fielded questions/concerns from the neighboring community. The Board meeting included routine updates from committees and liaisons.
The next NTNA meeting will be a general membership meeting and will include election of the next NTNA Board. NTNA is seeking neighbors interested in getting involved to join the meeting and learn more about NTNA and how you can participate. If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved in the neighborhood association, please join us Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 pm. Zoom link and more info at northtabor.org.
Richmond Neighborhood Association
By Allen Field
The Richmond Neighborhood Association held its monthly meeting on September 12. Zoom meetings are the second Monday of the month, 7-9 pm. The link to preregister is on the agenda, which is posted to richmondpdx.org and the RNA Announce listserv. To be added to the listserv, email richmondnasecretary@gmail.com.
Most of the meeting was devoted to a lively discussion and Q&A on the Charter Commission proposal. Andrew Speer and Vadim Mozyrsky gave a brief For and Against presentation on the proposal that was followed by a very informative Q&A discussion. You can listen to the discussion via the audio recording on the RNA’s website under the Meetings tab.
The Board voted to support the RNA Houselessness Committee’s request for $300 to supply more hygiene kits for the homeless, following up on the Committee’s earlier project to supply hygiene kits.
The Board also voted to donate $200 to be a sponsor of the International Day of Peace event September 21 at SE Hawthorne Blvd and 50th Ave. that is being organized by the Hawthorne Blvd. Business Association and Sustainable Southeast Community Coalition.
Our next meeting is Monday, October 11. We hope you can attend.
Sunnyside Neighborhood Association
By Gloria Jacobs
At the September 8 SNA general meeting, we had a broad discussion about the charter reform proposal that will be on this year’s November ballot. Past issues of the SNA newsletter have information; details are also available at portland.gov/omf/charter-review-commission. We had two former Charter Commission members present to us. Melanie Billings-Yun represented the Yes side while Vadim Mozyrsky represented the No side. There was a lively debate; in the end the members in attendance decided that SNA would not take an official position since no consensus could be found.
The Board decided to make some changes this year in how Board duties are split up and the schedule for general meetings. General meetings will now occur every other month, with the next general meeting in November. The Board will continue to have monthly meetings and everyone is always welcome to join. Seeking to deepen the knowledge and experience of all members of the Board, we are going to have a rotating slate of presiding officers over the course of the next year.
The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and Sunnyside Shower Project Committee (SNACC) recently hosted an art show featuring works by neighbors living outside. The event was a big success and raised $364 to go toward repairing windows at the Sunnyside Methodist Church, which is the home of the Project. SNACC is working to extend operating hours of the Project and we hope to have it open four days per week by the end of October. If you are interested in attending, next month’s SNACC meeting will be Thursday, October 20, 6:30 pm. Please check the website or email emmccadden@gmail.com for location, hours and information.