On the one hand, the city of Portland is facing pressure to add new housing and development to meet the needs of a growing population and an expensive real estate market. On the other hand, change is never easy.
"Portland's past and future collided at the City Council last Wednesday," reports Jim Redden.
"At issue was the proposed construction of new six-story apartment building in a part of town where the council has encouraged growth, inner Southeast Portland," according to Redden.
The development proposal ran into trouble because of its proximity to two historic Victorian homes on the same block. The ensuing controversy led to five hearings by the city's Design Review Commission, compromises by the developer, and, finally, a failed appeal to the City Council. Those process setbacks have occurred despite the developers insistence that the proposal meets the city's land use policies.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler summed up the difficulties raised by this development project during the council hearing on the appeal. In his own words: "This is almost the perfect storm of old Portland and the future….Two worlds are colliding. It's a historic neighborhood, but in a city that's in high transition."
The article includes more of the political dynamics of the development process in Portland, both generally and with regard to this specific project.
FULL STORY: Council kicks Ankeny Apartments back to developer, PDC
Louisiana City Halts Multi-Family Housing Construction Due to Infrastructure Concerns
The Hammond City Council has paused multi-family development approvals while it studies ways to improve the city's infrastructure.
Portland: Homes for Everyone, or Not in My Neighborhood
Even progressive Portland wrestles with conservatism when it comes to housing in single-family neighborhoods
Buslash in Salt Lake City
New bus routes planned for Salt Lake City have provoked a vocal political opposition.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.
Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip
Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.
San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion
The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont