After taking a break in August, we kicked off the September meeting with a presentation from Rich Newlands of PBOT to talk about everybody’s favorite subject: Streetscape. The good news is that the city has allocated some more money for Foster Road, especially for the section of the project East of 82nd Ave, which has always been the area with the most construction and the highest need. The other good news is that this means Foster is looking at a fully restored street in our future. Along with this good news comes the reality that our project has yet another funding source, which means more requirements and the potential for delay, HOWEVER, that’s not set in stone. PBOT is looking at ways to double up on work schedules in order to keep things moving smoothly, and we are still looking at a project start date in Spring 2017. If there are delays, the estimated start moves to Summer 2017, but the project is moving forward and is currently on schedule.
“Foster is one of the 10 highest crash streets in Portland.” Newlands said “We’re significantly above average when it comes to fatalities, especially pedestrian fatalities.” The board and visitors all expressed their support for a safer Foster. Past President Kristin from Knock Out Words thanked Rich for his hard work in personally addressing the concerns of some of the businesses on the road. It’s important that our priority for having a safer Foster also includes a prosperous Foster and PBOT has been responsive and attentive to the unique needs of our street. You can click here to see the most current map on the PBOT website.
After the Streetscape report, Joe Tursi from Environmental Services told us about the upcoming Mt. Scott-Arleta and Woodstock Sewer Repair project. We learned lots of interesting things about sewer construction. The project should not impact traffic on Foster Road, but there will be street closures throughout the Mt. Scott-Arleta and Woodstock neighborhoods. Click here to see if your street can expect a new sewer.
President Matthew of Red Castle Games told us about the recently published Airbnb Impact report for Portland, which you can read here. Fun Airbnb fact: The typical Airbnb guest spends more than half their money in the neighborhood they stay in.
Our neighborhood rep Allen from Gray Dog Digital announced that the Foster Powell Neighborhood Association has gifted us their park permit again this year for our Winter Tree Lighting celebration. He also reported that he got a lot of positive feedback about the Foster Road Map, designed by our member Steve Turmell of Turmell Designs. You can find the Foster Road Map in most retailers and dining establishments on Foster.
We also approved the work plan for year two of the East Portland Pilot Project. This project is available thanks to a grant from Venture Portland. Venture Portland also administers our staff person, Marina who you have seen around the district working on behalf of the Business Association since October of 2015. Due to the massive success of year one, we anticipate year two to be even bigger and better. To that end, the board stayed after the meeting had ended and each officer signed on to at least one aspect of the plan. Most of them signed on for at least three aspects. What this means for Foster is more volunteers, better tracking systems, and an even more active and vibrant business community.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE FOSTER AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION:
- Tree Lighting – Nov. 29
- Annual Meeting – Feb 23
- District Rebrand – Spring 2017
- Foster Road Map, 2nd Edition – Spring 2017
- Foster Streetscape – Spring/Summer 2017
- Spirit of Foster Tasting Tour – Summer 2017
President Matthew is looking forward to growing the leadership pipeline and having more volunteers in the coming year. “More people means more energy, more ideas, and even bigger and better events.”
If you would like to be a part of what’s happening on Foster, email Marina at marina@ventureportland.org.