Fwd: FPNA Support Letter for Burnside Overcrossing

[Peter Stark]

Hillside board, I am planning to write a letter of support based on the request below.  Unless there is major concern from the board, the letter will go out before 4:00pm.  There will be an opportunity to ratify the letter at the next board should the need arise.

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Mark Sieber" <ma...@nwnw.org>

Date: October 19, 2011 10:09:18 AM PDT

To: "'Jeffrey Boly'" <je...@jeffandlinda.org>, "'Peter Stark'" <pts...@gmail.com>

Subject: FW: FPNA Support Letter for Burnside Overcrossing

Jeff Boly, Arlington Heights Neighborhood Association

Peter Stark, Hillside Neighborhood Association

 

FYI.  I don’t know if your two neighborhoods got the request, but apparently PP&R is asking for support for applying for a grant to build a crossing over Burnside at the Wildwood Trail.  I’ve attached the draft which Forest Park Neighborhood Association approved last night.

 

I believe the deadline for a letter of support is today.

 

I know this has been of interest to Arlington Heights for some years.

 

Apologies if you’re ahead of me on this,

 

Mark

 

Mark Sieber

Executive Director

Neighbors West-Northwest

503 823-4212

ma...@nwnw.org

 

See our website for upcoming events, calendars and more http://www.nwnw.org/

 

From: Jerry [mailto:jerr...@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2011 9:26 PM
To: Mark Sieber
Subject: FPNA Support Letter for Burnside Overcrossing

 

Hi Mark,

 

I am attaching an unsigned version of the letter (not the pdf), so you can cut and paste if you want.

 

Jerry

[Elizabeth Aaby]

What type of crossing. Can you explain where the crossing is? Why is there a need? Are there pictures? Is there a draft letter for us to review? I am not seeing anything attached. Are you planning on sending a letter of support on behalf of the board? Are you allowed to do that without board approval? Thanks.

<Burnside Overcrossing.docx>

[Peter Stark]

Elizabeth, there was an attachment.  It's possible google groups kicked it out.  To answer your questions.  Parks is requesting we support a grant application for the design of a pedestrian bridge at Wildwood Trail where it intersects Burnside.  I know the intersection - it's very dangerous.  The neighbors have been asking for a bridge for many years.

I just learned about this request on Friday and then yesterday was told they need a support letter by today.  The grant is to pay for the design - so there are no images.  They want a letter from the board.  I feel comfortable that the bridge is in the best interest of our neighborhood and believe I'd get board support at our next meeting.  But given the limited about of time - I wouldn't be able to present to the board and meet the application deadline.  Other boards I've presided over allow a certain amount of discretion with the understanding that the letter will be ratified at the next board meeting.  I've copied what I plan to send (as text in this email).  If you have strong opposition to the request - I won't send it.  Thanks  Peter.

October 18, 2011

DRAFT             

Kellie Torres-Walker

Strategy and Planning, Grants

Portland Parks and Recreation

1120 SW 5^th Ave., Suite 1302

Portland, OR  97204-1933

 

Dear Ms. Torres-Walker:

 

Representing the board of directors of Hillside Neighborhood Association, we support the grant application being submitted by Portland Parks and Recreation for the pedestrian overcrossing at West Burnside and the Wildwood Trail.

 

There are many people in our neighborhood who enjoy hiking the Wildwood Trail.  There is a gap in the trail at West Burnside where pedestrian traffic from the trail is forced to cross a busy and increasingly dangerous location on West Burnside.  There are limited sight distances in both westbound and eastbound at this location, and with the volume and speed of vehicular traffic, the installation of a signalized crosswalk is impractical and may even increase the hazard to both pedestrians and motorists.

 

Construction of a pedestrian bridge makes sense at this location.  It would certainly make the crossing at Burnside much safer for hikers, and it would serve to better tie the Forest Park segment of the trail to the more urban segments of the trail, with access to Hoyt Arboretum, Washington Park, the Vietnam War Memorial and the Portland Zoo.

Thank you.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Peter Stark

President

[Barb Schwartz]

I would at least start by saying, "pending board approval on Nov.?"

Where are these funds coming from?

Sent from my iPad

[Mark Kaminski]

I really really really support this and it’s long overdue. I don’t use that path much at all, but it’s needed… and, frankly, I’m not worried about where the funds come from (me or the City in general).  J

 

Thanks.

-      Mark Kaminski (2855 NW Monte Vista)

[Peter Stark]

Thanks Barb great suggestion.

[Mark Sieber]

Hi All,

 

FYI—

 

The Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) grant writer is at a workshop today, but I will speak with her tomorrow.
I did speak with another PP&R staffer this afternoon, and learned the following:

 

The grant application from PP&R would put together with other bureau’s requests to a flexi fund grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation. The Wildwood Crossing is one of two projects that PP&R will be asking for. It is for $300,000 for design and construction plans; materials and construction would need to come from a different source once the plans were developed.

 

The deadline for PP&R to submit is tomorrow, Thursday, at 5:00 p.m.

 

He also mentioned that he has been aware of community interest in this project for close to ten years (he previously worked at Hoyt Arboretum.) I have been present at meetings in the Arlington Heights neighborhood several times during that period when they discussed a need for improvements at the crossing, and a bridge specifically.

 

 

Thanks,

Mark

 

Mark Sieber

Executive Director

Neighbors West-Northwest

503 823-4212

ma...@nwnw.org

 

Neighbors West-Northwest is a coaliton of twelve westside neighborhoods, including the Hillside Neighborhood Association. Our staff provide support to these neighborhoods’ volunteers and to community members in our service area.   http://www.nwnw.org/

[Elizabeth Aaby]

I agree with Barbara too. I think that upon first hearing about the concept, it sounds like it may be a good idea but it really has been properly vetted. It would seem to me that they knew about the grant application for some time and if they want our support, they should have asked for it sooner. It is okay with me if you want to send the letter.

[Peter Stark]

I've added Barbara's suggestion and I agree with everything Elizabeth said.  They should have contacted us sooner.  Since the deadline is tomorrow - I'll wait for additional comments before I send in the morning.  Peter.

[Elizabeth Aaby]

Thank you, Peter.