HAND
By Jill Riebesehl
The Hosford Abernethy Neighborhood District (HAND) Board doesn’t hold a meeting in December unless something urgent comes up. We did, however, enjoy a holiday get-together with friends, at which our state representative, Rob Nosse, stopped by to say hello and share some cheer.
Some of our members continue monitoring the neighborhood on the watch for how we might be being affected by the large temporary shelter at the bottom of Clinton St. Current problems are RVs popping up. Changes to look forward to in the new year are finally establishing a small shelter for women and people with handicaps near New Seasons; setting up speed cameras on SE Powell Blvd.; and planning by the school district for possible major changes for Cleveland High, to which local residents are invited to participate.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 16, 7 pm in the St. Philip Neri campus conference room.
Richmond Neighborhood Association
By Ann Sandvig
The Richmond Neighborhood Association (RNA) held its monthly meeting December 11. Meetings are held the second Monday of the month from 7-9 pm except January. The next meeting will be February 12.
The RNA meetings are held in person at Central Christian Church, 1844 SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd., with a hybrid option so people can participate via Zoom. The link to pre-register for Zoom 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. All are welcome to attend in person or via Zoom.
Portland Police Officer Sarah Kerwin gave a brief presentation about crime and safety issues in the Richmond Neighborhood.
Brett Baylor, Metro Climate Action Team, gave a presentation on making our homes safer, cleaner and greener.
Claude Sakr, RNA Land Use, Transportation and Sustainability Committee, gave a presentation on concerns about the Notice of Findings of No Significant Impact and Notice of Intent to Request a Release of Funds, both issued on November 11, for the Peaceful Villa affordable housing project.
Eric Swehla, Richmond Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET), gave an update on emergency preparedness and noted that applications are still being accepted for NET training being held January 13-February 4. Applications are available at portland.gov/pbem/neighborhood-emergency-teams/volunteer.
Come and check out a meeting and learn about ways to get more involved in your community.
South Tabor Neighborhood Association
By Cathy Kudlick
Join us for our first South Tabor Neighborhood Association meeting of 2024 Thursday, January 18, 7 pm at All City Church, 2700 SE 67th Ave. Come share your ideas about connecting with neighbors and improving safety. Anyone who lives or works in South Tabor (SE 52nd Ave. to SE 82nd Ave. between SE Division St. and SE Powell Blvd.) is welcome at our low-key, convivial gatherings.
Our land use committee will meet on January 16, 7 pm via Zoom for a presentation on a proposed 124-apartment, four-story affordable housing development at the western edge of the PCC SE campus. Visit southtabor.org the day of for a link.
Connect with us by joining our mailing list on southtabor.org and our Facebook group.
Sunnyside Neighborhood Association
By Gloria Jacobs
Happy New Year Sunnyside! Our next General Meeting will be at SE Uplift Thursday, January 11, 7 pm. It will double as a public engagement meeting for the Multnomah County Library system regarding the Belmont Library renovations. This is another opportunity to learn about the coming changes to the local library and provide feedback on design plans.
PBOT has a new Play Streets program that aims to transform neighborhood streets into recurring pop-up community hubs for socializing, play and physical activity. Events might include games, cultural performances, kids demonstrations and more. The city can provide up to $5,000 in funding, training and access to city amenities like the mobile library truck. Learn more at portland.gov/transportation/permitting/learn-about-play-streets-program. If there is community interest in the program, the SNA can help. Through SNA’s relationship with SE Uplift we can act as a non-profit fiscal sponsor and help with coordination and outreach. Please contact the Board ASAP at board@sunnysideportland.org since applications are due January 31.
The 4th Annual Winter Clothing drive was a huge success. Thanks to everyone in the neighborhood who donated warm coats, sweaters, tents, sleeping bags, etc. And, a big thanks to local businesses ¿Por Qué No?, Dove Vivi, Henry Higgins Bagels and New Seasons for donating food and/or gift certificates so we could buy warm food for our houseless friends.
The non-profit Southeast Portland Tool Library at Hinson Church (SE Salmon St. and 20th Ave.) keeps tools close at hand and needs a helping hand from you. Volunteers are needed to help track, lend and repair tools so please consider making sure your neighbors always have access to the tools they need. No experience necessary. Email volunteers@septl.org or visit septl.org for more information.