BWNA Demolition/Development Resolution

(approved at Special Board Meeting on July 7, 2014)

Whereas, the preservation of a neighborhood’s historical heritage and architectural character are of prime concern to residents; and

Whereas, access to affordable housing is a citywide objective; and

Whereas, city building code regulations as currently stated do not address the preservation of architectural character or protection of existing affordable homes;  

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association supports the following action plan:

1.) revision of the building code to limit the size, lot coverage,setbacks, height, and floor area ratio of house construction to that of the average of existing homes within 200 feet.

2.) revision of building code to incorporate the requirement that local residents be        notified of proposed demolitions 45 days in advance of applying for a building permit   

3.) imposing of a moratorium on home demolitions or major remodels prior to code revision implementation

4.) encouraging the signing of a (non-binding) “Neighbor Pledge by homeowners to not allow their home to be sold to developers for demolition

       

5.) collaborating with other neighborhood associations in the drafting and presentation of a joint action plan to the Mayor and City Commissioners to address demolition/development concerns

6.) collaboration between neighborhood associations and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability in recommending specific changes to the zoning code with respect to demolition/development concerns as part of a Comprehensive Plan update.

Neighbor Pledge

One of Portland’s greatest treasures is the distinct character of its neighborhoods. Few cities offer such diversity of homes for all tastes.

However, older affordable homes in neighborhoods well-served by established city infrastructure such as schools and transportation increasingly are demolished and replaced, often with houses many times the size of the original and sold for twice the value. New construction should not tower above existing homes, impinge on neighbors’ privacy, or limit others’ access to light or solar power.

City planners and city government have failed to protect the character and range of affordability of homes in the city’s neighborhoods. A city that prides itself on its commitment to sustainable practices and the environment has done little to stem the tide of demolitions. Homes are torn down with little regard to quality of materials and craftsmanship. As local preservationist Cathy Galbraith says, We try to recycle everything in Portland, yet throw whole houses away.

The stakes are high, and neighborhoods are at risk. Homeowners have the power to change this destructive trend. Even if homes are in need of maintenance or a remodel, many potential buyers would embrace the chance to buy into the neighborhood and restore a piece of Portland’s “first-growth architecture.” Demolition, on the other hand, removes a more affordable home, usually built of higher-quality materials, from the neighborhood forever.

With this pledge, homeowners show support for the history and value of such character architecture by envisioning a future for their homes, and providing criteria for potential buyers. If the number of sales to builders can be slowed, so can the wave of demolitions, and developers will be motivated to take advantage of vacant lots within the urban growth boundary instead of tearing down unique housing that’s stood for generations.

Even though the homeowner may be selling his or her home, no one else has more power in the face of that transaction to protect that home—and the neighborhood—for generations to come.

PLEDGE

If I sell my home, I will seek buyers committed to preservation. In addition:

• I will notify neighbors of my intent to sell before looking for a seller or listing my home.

• If I sign with a real estate agent, the agent also will be asked to honor this pledge.

• I will ask prospective buyers about plans to remodel or add to the home.

• I will not sell to a buyer who plans to increase the height or footprint of the home if I feel it adversely affects the character or livability of the neighborhood.
• I will sign and attach this pledge to my will if I have one, as a statement to my heirs of my preferences for the disposition of my home.

Signed: _________________________________________________Date: _______________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________

Demolition/Development Survey Questions

Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association

July, 2014

House demolitions, replacements, and infill are increasing trends in Portland neighborhoods. As a coalition of neighborhood associations we seek your opinions about this trend. Please complete this short questionnaire. We will let your coalition of neighborhood associations know the results of this survey. THANK YOU.

1)    Demolition of houses and replacement with new houses is a good trend for our neighborhood. (Choose one answer.)

a.    Strongly agree.

b.    Agree.

c.    Disagree.

d.    Strongly disagree.

2)     Demolition and replacement of houses is GOOD for our neighborhood because: (Choose none, some or all options).

a.    Removes houses in disrepair. 

b.    Builds more energy efficient houses, though most replacement houses are much larger.

c.    Increases the value of houses in our neighborhood.

d.    Creates jobs in our area.

e.    Enlarges the property tax base for the City of Portland.

f.      Other (please describe) ________________

3)     Demolition and replacement of houses is BAD for our neighborhood because: (Choose none, some, or all options).

a.    Wastes energy and material resources.

b.    Destroys good buildings.

c.    Prices first time buyers out of our neighborhood market.

d.    Destroys the character of established neighborhoods.

e.    Demolition process affects the health of immediate neighbors.

f.      Other (please describe) _______________

4)    Should there be any change in current City of Portland policy/code regarding demolition and replacement of houses?

a.    Yes (See question 5)

b.    No (Skip to question 6)

5)    If you agree that City of Portland policies should be changed to limit house demolitions and replacements, what changes in City code do you support? (Choose none, some, or all options).

a.    Automatic 120-day delay of all house demolitions.

b.    Neighborhood notification of proposed demolitions and replacements.

c.    Neighborhood review of proposed demolitions and replacements.

d.    Establish new code regulations such as: increased set backs, restrict height of new houses to correspond to surrounding houses, limit footprint of new houses to correspond to the neighborhood.

e.    Substantially increase landfill fees and permit costs to economically discourage demolitions and replacements.

f.      Other (please describe) _____________________

6)    What area of the City do you live in?

a.    North Portland

b.    Northeast Portland

c.    Southeast Portland

d.    Northwest Portland

e.    Southwest Portland

7)    How long have you lived in your neighborhood?

a.    More than 30 years

b.    20-30 years

c.    10-19 years

d.    5-9 years

e.    0-4 years

      8.) Do you have any other comments about demolition/development in

           your neighborhood?

Julianne Johnson and Michael Allen Harrison Headline

L’Arche Portland’s 4^th Annual Benefit Concert

October 18, 2014

Portland, OR, – L’Arche Portland announced today it will host its fourth annual benefit concert featuring renowned Northwest artists Julianne Johnson and Michael Allen Harrison. The concert, on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 7:30pm at the Madeleine Parish at 3123 NE 24^th Avenue, will directly support L’Arche Portland’s work of creating home and building community for people with and without intellectual disabilities. The concert will celebrate L’Arche International’s 50^th Anniversary, joining festivities in 146 communities around the world to honor this golden “Jubilee.”

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The event will also feature a raffle for a 7-day stay at a condo in Las Vegas, including airfare.

The concert will showcase a new song by Johnson in honor of the 50^th Anniversary of L’Arche, as well as guest performances by the Portland Community College choir Voices of Soul.

 

 

About the Artists

Julianne R. Johnson has astonished Northwest audiences for more than 25 years. This past year Johnson continued to amaze with her performance in “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” reprising the role she played on the national tour. She performs a wide range of musical genres including jazz, R & B, Motown, Broadway, Gospel and Blues. What sets Johnson apart is not only her enormous talent, but also her ability to connect deeply with her audience.

Michael Allen Harrison touches his audience with his passionate renderings of jazz and classical piano. Harrison is the founder of the Snowman Foundation, which has raised more than two million dollars for music education.

About L’Arche

The Portland L’Arche community is a part of an international federation, with 146 communities in 35 countries, L’Arche International, founded in 1964 in France, is a global leader in engaging, honoring, and celebrating people with intellectual disabilities. L’Arche differs from conventional group homes in that caregivers live as family with adults with intellectual disabilities. The community creates a culture of equality, founded on a belief in the unique value of every person and our need for one another.

There are many ways to support the work of L’Arche Portland – purchase tickets and attend the annual benefit concert; make a financial contribution; provide an in-kind donation (please see online Wish List); invite a member of the Speakers Bureau to present at your community group, church or school; volunteer. For more information, please visit www.larche-portland.org or call L’Arche Portland at 503.251.6901.

Contacts: Tamara Yates, Director of Development and Communications, L’Arche-Portland

503.381.4281 | tamara@larche-portland.org

Sean Ducey, Event Coordinator, L’Arche-Portland

971.303.8239 | seand@larche-portland.org

 

Jaime Smith