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September 28, 2007
Debunking Squared
Earlier this year the Cato Institute published a "Debunking Portland" report by Randall O'Toole. The Congress for New Urbanism has now published a "Debunking Cato" report that refutes many of the assertions of O'Toole's report.
While I'm glad someone has our back, I'd rather just keep putting energy into making Portland better.
Posted by Chris Smith at 9:15 AM | Comments (87) | Permalink
Coming Up on the KBOO Bike Show: New Vehicular Homicide Law
Bike lawyer Ray Thomas will answer all your legal questions and talk
about the new Vehicular Homicide law.
9-10AM, Wednesday, October 3rd
KBOO FM 90.7
Streamed live at KBOO.fm
Podcast here later that day
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:12 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
September 27, 2007
At a Crossroads
If you have not already noticed in the local media and blogosphere - you should in the next day or so - I'm embarking on a new project.
I won't talk about it here, as electoral politics are not appropriate for a blog organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
But the upshot is that I'm going to have significantly less time to devote to Portland Transport. So one of two things is going to happen:
1) Other people can step up to fill the gap - Portland Transport was envisioned as a multi-contributor blog from the beginning. Or...
2) Postings will become much less frequent.
Who's ready to step up and become a contributor? No worries, we'll help you get started! Get in touch at webmaster@portlandtransport.com.
Posted by Chris Smith at 8:34 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink
TriMet TV?
Apparently TriMet is going to start video podcasting.
I'll wait and see a few episodes before passing judgement :-)
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (32) | Permalink
September 26, 2007
Sprawl Will Trump Fuel Efficiency
Via Planetizen:
A new report (as reported in the Detroit Free Press) from the Urban Land Institute suggests that increased Vehicle Miles Traveled due to sprawl will increase greenhouse gas production faster than more efficient vehicles will reduce them.
Compare that to our region, where we are keeping VMT constant or reducing it slightly even as our population grows. Land Use planning is going to be critical to dealing with Global Warming.
Posted by Chris Smith at 7:33 AM | Comments (50) | Permalink
Help Make Milwaukie LRT Safe: Task Force Members Sought
From Metro:
Safety and Security Task Force a priority for the Portland Milwaukie Light Rail project
As the planning and evaluation process for the proposed Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail project is underway, there are many opportunities for interested citizens to get involved and offer input on the various impacts and benefits of a new light rail line. Among the factors along the line that would be affected by the project, safety and security has emerged as a significant issue.
As a result, the project team has decided to create a safety and security task force to address community interests and issues during the current study rather than during final design, as is typically done. The task force will give interested community members and professionals in the industry an opportunity to identify and convey safety and security issues and opportunities to the project team.
The project is looking for a balance of perspective from people along the proposed alignment. With members committed to attending each task force meeting, discussion will be lively and productive. Task force meetings are expected to occur between September 2007 and February 2008 and will be open to the public.
For more information, visit www.metro-region.org/southcorridor, send an email to trans@metro.dst.or.us or call (503) 797-1756
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (17) | Permalink
September 25, 2007
Bump Bump Bump
An article in today's Oregonian outlines the debate at the Federal level on using transit funding as a tool for economic development versus just transportation (in my opinion not instead of transportation, but in addition to it).
The article suggests that this may be an issue for the Streetcar Loop project. I don't think that's the case. While we do still have FTA hoops to jump through, the project appears like it will score a 'Medium' on the cost effectiveness metric (TSUB, for those of you who follow the details). That coupled with a 'High' the economic development stuff should see us through. The real fear was that if we scored 'low' on that scale, we'd be in trouble.
But the debate is still important, because it's all about the difference between access and mobility. Urban circulators (whether bus or Streetcar or whatever) provide lots of access, but since they don't move people long distances don't score high on mobility. But when they let people live in high-access environments they avoid lots of long trips which has tremendous environmental benefits (and transportation benefits, as fewer cars are added to highway congestion).
So this is a vital conversation and I hope Congressman DeFazio keeps the heat on FTA to have a broader view of their mission.
Posted by Chris Smith at 11:36 AM | Comments (70) | Permalink
What Can Europe Teach Us About Walking?
The PSU transportation seminars are back for the fall!
Portland State University
Center for Transportation Studies
Fall 2007 Transportation Seminar Series
Speaker: Dr. John Pucher, Rutgers University
Topic: Promoting Safe Walking and Cycling to Improve Public Health: Lessons from Europe
When: Friday, September 28, 2007, 12:00-1:30 pm
Where: 204 Urban Center
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:53 AM | Comments (6) | Permalink
Congestion Pricing for Transit?
Apparently they're thinking about it in NYC.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (38) | Permalink
September 24, 2007
Creeping Up To Dunthorpe
Update: 9/24/07
Here's the full report (PDF, 67K) of the steering committee recommendation.
Here's the critical language around the trail piece:
a. Metro, with assistance from project partners through the TAC and PMG, should develop a process to undertake the Trail Refinement Next Steps listed above. The result of this process would be to resolve key issues and determine the relationship of the trail and the transit project during the DEIS phase. Of particular importance are:i. Involvement of the public and advocacy groups in improving the trail concept
ii. Definition of the lead agency for advancement of a trail
iii. Development of an approach to reduce capital costs
iv. Analysis of possible phasing of trail segments
v. Identification of potential trail capital funding sources
Original Post: 9/11/07
The steering committee discussion around the Willamette Shoreline transit Alternatives Analysis was fascinating as much for what wasn't said as what was.
To end the suspense, the recommendation is to have both Streetcar and an "enhanced bus" option (defined as less capital intensive than a full BRT approach) proceed into a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The recommendation also keeps a full set of options alive at either end: operating in either Macadam or the rail right-of-way through John's Landing will be studied, as will terminus options at both Albertsons and Safeway in LO.
This contrasts with the project committee which recommended taking the Johns Landing rail and Safeway options off the table. The other major difference from the project committee recommendation was the adamant refusal of the steering committee to look at project terminus at Nevada St. (just north of the Sellwood Bridge). The EIS process will look at Nevada as a potential MOS (minimum operable segment - i.e., a potential phase in the larger project). This is about whether the project will get through Dunthorpe or not, and while the project committee could not get consensus on this (they split 10-9), the steering committee didn't want to go anywhere near the idea of a shorter project. As Metro Councilor Brian Newman noted "these projects are about connecting Regional and Town Centers, if the project stops short of that I can think of lots of other projects to look at instead" (that's a slight paraphrase, I'm not a stenographer).
Interestingly, it appears that the good folks of Dunthorpe now have a professional lobbyist on the job, who was there for the meeting.
This is an interesting contrast to the Streetcar Loop project, where the project advisory committee got to unanimous consensus, and no significantly different recommendations from the staff group. This is going to be harder...
One interesting big picture note: the committee took some pains to clarify that the suggested financial timing in the background materials did not imply that this was necessarily the next priority project after Milwaukie LRT, but rather a project that should be developed "so it's ready for an opportunity" for Federal funding in the words of TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. However, it would appear that all the planners available to do the EIS work for the project are tied up until 2008 - that should allow some time to find the funding for the next round of study.
Hopefully it's also enough time to line up sponsorship for the trail portion of the project. The steering committee approved all the right words about continuing to study getting a trail through the corridor (as a separate project planned at the same time), but that's also going to need funding.
Oregonian coverage of the meeting here.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:22 AM | Comments (31) | Permalink
September 21, 2007
Density's Impacts on Transportation
Via the Overhead Wire:
Here's a fun tool from the San Francisco League of Conservation Voters that inter-relates urban density with other factors including VMT, vehicle ownership and the air quality consequences of those choices.
It gives examples of neighborhood types at each level of density and lets you plug in your owner numbers to see what they mean.
Posted by Chris Smith at 8:27 AM | Comments (5) | Permalink
Cycle Tracks in NYC
One of the issues being looked at for the update to Portland's Bicycle Master Plan is the issue of 'cycle tracks', bike lanes that enjoy some physical separation from auto traffic.
Streetsblog has a post on just such a proposal for a corridor in New York. Could it work here? If so, where?
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink
September 20, 2007
Relative Misery
A couple of years ago, the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI) released their annual commuting study, and ranked Portland worse than Seattle, to the disbelief and consternation of many folks here.
This led TTI to revise their methodology, and this year's report, as reported in the Oregonian, flips that back around.
Indeed it goes on to point out that transit and land use planning (which has shortened our average commute distance) make our commutes 'less miserable' than other cities.
Let's hear it for being 'less miserable'...
Posted by Chris Smith at 6:23 AM | Comments (35) | Permalink
Mafioso
Yesterday's Willamette Week identified my as part of the local transportation mafia. So be it. I'll be happy to take some small credit for the wonderful alternative transportation options we have here in the region.
But it went on to paint the following picture:
- Local transit industry makes contributions to Earl Blumenaur's PAC
- Earl's PAC makes contributions to members of Transportation Committee
- Transportation Committee earmarks funds for Portland
- Local industry gets rich on Federal Funds
If that were true, why would I playing? I must be monumentally stupid, since I'm not getting any money out of this!
The above analysis breaks down on a couple of points:
- The transportation committee does not pass judgment directly on much of the funding that Portland gets.
- The funding Portland gets is generally in competitive programs, and we have to get our projects scored. The people who do the scoring work for George Bush.
So let me paint an alternate picture:
- Earl promotes sound national policy on transportation
- We support Earl and his PAC because we believe in sound transportation policy
- Portland designs projects that fit well with the Federal programs (because we've gotten good at this, and because our policy values are in alignment with the sound policy)
- We use the funding to build good projects that have great value to the community, and yes, some of us make our livings doing that (but I'm not one of them, I'm in it for the value to the community).
Guilty, guilty, guilty. And proud of it.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (74) | Permalink
September 19, 2007
Car Free Day in China
Via the SHIFT list, where this has engendered much discussion...
Sept. 17 (Bloomberg) -- China plans to ban cars from streets in 108 cities in its first 'No Car Day' on Sept. 22, part of an effort to promote environmental protection and ease congestion in the world's second-largest auto market.
Streets in areas of Beijing, Shanghai and other cities will be open only to pedestrians, bicycles, taxis and buses from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to the Ministry of Construction. Sept. 22 is World Carfree Day, a United Nations-backed global campaign.
About 4.37 million new vehicles began using China's roads in the first half as economic growth makes cars and trucks affordable to more people. Growth in traffic helped China surpass the U.S. as the world's largest carbon-dioxide emitter last year.
'No Car Day' will cut 3,000 tons of emissions and save 33 million liters of gasoline, according to the ministry.
more at:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601080&sid=a4At1d6CHoJg&refer=asia
Posted by Chris Smith at 8:25 AM | Comments (9) | Permalink
Report from Project Homeless Connect
Yesterday was Project Homeless Connect, where I was transportation team leader. I appreciate the help of several readers of this blog, as well as folks from the SHIFT list to deliver a great set of transportation services for the homeless families that attended the event. Services included:
- Transportation Options info from PDOT and Metro
- The "Ways to Work" low-cost auto loan program
- Community Cycling Center's Create-a-Commuter program
- Bike repair with help from community volunteers (and CCC's tools)
- Distribution of helmets by Trauma Nurses Talk Tough
A great time was had by all the providers and was much appreciated by the clients!
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Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (12) | Permalink
September 18, 2007
Heads Up - RTP Comment Period Scheduled
Metro has indicated that the 30-day comment period on the Regional Transportation Plan update will begin on October 15. They have also announced the dates of a series of hearings:
Regional Transportation Plan seeks public review
Metro is preparing to release a draft of the updated federal component of the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for a 30-day public review and comment period. The comment period will begin on October 15, and end on November 15, 2007.The RTP is the long-range blueprint to guide major transportation investments in the Portland metropolitan region. The federal component of the RTP was prepared in response to changes to federal law and regulations contained in Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).
During the 30-day comment period, residents and businesses are encouraged to study the draft document and other information from the 2035 RTP project web page (www.metro-region.org/rtp), and provide feedback on the recommended direction of the RTP as reflected in the policy framework and goals, major transportation investments, and proposed strategies.
Comments may be submitted via a comment form on the project web page, by email to rtp@metro-region.org, or by US mail to RTP Comments, Metro Planning Department, 600 NE Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97232. Hard copies of the draft plan will also be available from the Planning Department upon request
Four public open houses and hearings are scheduled to provide information, answer questions and offer an opportunity to submit testimony in person.
Oct 25
Clackamas County Chamber
Public Service Building
2051 Kaen Road
Oregon City 97045
Open house starts at 4; hearing starts at 5 pmNov 1
Metro Regional Center
600 NE Grand Avenue
Portland 97232
Open house starts at 1; hearing starts at 2 pmNov 8
Hillsboro Civic Center Auditorium
150 E. Main Street
Hillsboro 97123
Open house starts at 4; hearing starts at 5 pmNov 15
Metro Central Open house
600 NE Grand Avenue
Portland 97232
Open house starts at 1; hearing starts at 2 pmThe public comments will be compiled into a report and considered by the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) and the Metro Council before taking action on the updated federal component on December 13, 2007.
With approval of the updated federal component, Metro will begin work on the state component of the RTP to address state and regional goals. The state component will be integrated with the federal component to create a final 2035 RTP later in 2008. A second public comment period will precede consideration of the final RTP.
For technical questions about the transportation priorities process, programs or projects, call Kim Ellis, RTP project manager, 503-797-1617. For questions about public involvement, call Pat Emmerson, 503-797-1551.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (73) | Permalink
September 17, 2007
Govs Appeal to Automakers on Climate Change
From the Daily Journal of Commerce:
Gov. Ted Kulongoski and 12 other governors Thursday sent a letter to carmakers asking the industry to support the governors’ commitment to address climate change.
Posted by Chris Smith at 8:07 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Streetcar Planning Open Houses Scheduled
From the PDOT press release:
Get Involved in Portland's Streetcar Future!
City launches planning for Portland's streetcar system
with three public open housesOuter East
Parkrose High School Community Room
12003 NE Shaver St
(at NE 122nd)
4:30 to 7:00 pm
October 29Downtown
Lincoln High School Cafeteria
1600 SW Salmon St.
4:30 to 7:00 pm
November 13Eastside
Grant High School Library
2245 NE 36th Ave
(at NE Tillamook)
4:30 to 7:00 pm
November 15(PORTLAND, OR) - The City of Portland has a national reputation for an innovative transportation system. We have excellent bus service, a popular and expanding light rail system, an envied network of bike routes, and the beginnings of a world-class streetcar system.
In October, the City of Portland Office of Transportation will kick off a ten-month planning process to create a Streetcar System Plan, which will identify corridors for future streetcar development.
Join the Office of Transportation at three Open Houses to kick off the planning process for the Streetcar System Plan and see Transportation's new Primary Transit Network map (PTN). The PTN study identifies current transit corridors (bus, light rail, streetcar) as well as corridors that may require future transit and land use infrastructure investments. This study is one of the initial planning tools for the Streetcar System Plan.
Get involved in Portland's streetcar future!
For more information, contact Patrick Sweeney at 503-823-5611 or email patrick.sweeney@pdxtrans.org.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
September 14, 2007
Congressional Leaders Love Streetcar
According to Willamette Week, Nancy Pelosi loves our Streetcar, and this morning's O has Jim Oberstar waxing poetic about our transit.
Can we translate this love into cash?
Posted by Chris Smith at 9:19 AM | Comments (54) | Permalink
European Traffic Photos
Geek Alert!
Portland Transport reader (and PDOT safety guru) Greg Raisman just returned from a European vacation, where his wife was tolerant enough to let him take a LOT of pictures of traffic patterns in different cities. Check it out on Flickr.
Posted by Greg Raisman, Portland Office of Transportation at 7:23 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
September 13, 2007
Fall PSU Transportation Courses
Portland State University
Transportation Courses – Fall 2007
We are pleased to announce the following transportation courses for Fall 2007 (September 24 – December 7, 2007). You are welcome to enroll in these courses even if you are not a PSU student--use the quick entry program:
http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/ugrad_qkentry_apply.html
We offer master's degree programs in urban & regional planning and civil & environmental engineering, and a graduate certificate in transportation (see http://www.cts.pdx.edu/grad_cert.htm). In addition, these courses can provide important continuing education credits for your professional licensure or certification. Fall 2007 courses are:
Transportation Seminar
USP 407/507 or CE 407/507, 1 cr
CRNs 14281/44492 (USP) or 10455/10465 (CE) Fridays, 12:00-1:30 p.m., Instructors:
Dill/Bertini/Monsere
http://www.cts.pdx.edu/seminars.htm
Urban Studies and Planning
Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning
USP 465/565, 3 cr, CRN 14292/14327
W 4:00-6:30 p.m., Instructor: Birk
Transportation Finance
USP 510, 3 cr, CRN 14563
M 1:00-3:40 p.m., Instructor: Rufolo
Sustainable Transportation
USP 510, 3 cr, CRN 14306
Tues 6:40-9:20 p.m., Instructor: Strathman
Urban Transportation Planning
USP 544, 3 cr, CRN 14318
W 6:40-9:20 p.m., Instructor: Gliebe
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Introduction to Transportation Systems
CE 351, 1 cr, CRN 10454
Tues/Thurs 2:00-3:50 p.m., Instructor: Figliozzi
Urban Transportation Systems
CE 454, 4 cr, CRN 10461
MW 2:00-3:50 p.m., Instructor: Monsere
Intelligent Transportation Systems
CE 455/555, 4 cr, CRNs 10462/10471
Tues/Thurs 10:00-11:50 a.m., Instructor: Bertini
Access Management Transportation Systems CE 460/560, 4 cr, CRNs 14613/14614 MW 2:00-3:50 p.m., Instructor: Lall
Further details are available in the PSU schedule of classes at:
https://sa.pdx.edu/soc/. We look forward to seeing you in class! Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can provide any additional information. Best wishes for a wonderful fall!
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Robert L. Bertini, Ph.D., P.E.
Portland State University
503.725.4249 www.bertini.org
Posted by Chris Smith at 7:13 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Bridge To Be
Yesterday I had the pleasure of spending two hours out on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers on a jet board tour of the 'working waterfront' (it included the fastest trip I have ever made between the Hawthorne and Steel bridges).
The purpose was to remind regional decision makers (I got on by virtue of my MPAC seat) that much of our region's (indeed, our state's) economy depends on things that happen on the waterfront, so we don't go rezone it all for view condos. Message received :-)
But on the way back as we passed one of the Port of Portland terminals I saw what looked like a bridge. And in fact it was - it's the center span of the new Sauvie Island Bridge, which will be hoisted into place soon in a miniature re-creation of the way the Fremont Bridge was completed.
Of course, the center span of the OLD bridge will hopefully make the reverse trip up-river and eventually become a bike/ped bridge over I-405.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (8) | Permalink
September 12, 2007
Corridor of the Future?
This morning's O brings with it the news that the Columbia River Crossing Project has successfully competed for a "Corridor of the Future" designation by the Feds. This comes with $15M to help continue the planning for the project.
Apparently our future is more lanes and more cars.
Posted by Chris Smith at 7:56 AM | Comments (45) | Permalink
Another SMS Option
Just as we had one reader complaining that the text messages from our SMS arrival service are too verbose (not because of us) another reader clued me in to an alternative service called TextMarks.
Since we had already developed the terse output for 411sync, it was pretty simple to get an interface to TextMarks going. You can try it out by sending a text message to 41411 with a message body of:
trimet <stop_id>
That's exactly the same format of message as the 411sync interface.
Try it out and let me know what you think.
Why choose one over the other? There are a few pros and cons:
TextMarks: shorter address (5 digit vs. 10 digit) and terser response, but, it's also limited to 125 characters max, so you'll lose some info at stops that have multiple lines serving them.
411sync: more junk in response message, but will send longer responses by splitting across multiple txt messages. Also offers the same interface via e-mail (not sure how important that is).
Vote with your thumbs :-)
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (1) | Permalink
September 11, 2007
Transit Surfer(tm) Updates
We've just finished updating the Transit Surfer™ to use TriMet's new REST interface - it certainly makes things simpler under the hood. There are some further performance optimizations we can get out of the new interface - but one thing at a time.
Users should not notice any difference, but they will notice another change that is being rolled out simultaneously. Previously we didn't distinguish between split routes. So a #15 for example could be bound for either Thurman St. or Montgomery Park, and we would not identify which arrival went where. We had an interim change that made the distinction, but put the data on multiple lines, which was too verbose. The latest change makes the point, but keeps the data on one line, like so:
15 Montgomery Pk: 8 min; To Thurman: 19 min
This also affects the SMS (text message) interface in a similar way.
As always let us know what you think, or if you see any issues!
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (4) | Permalink
September 10, 2007
The I-5 Slog
Hat tip to the reader who forwarded a link to the "I-5 Slog" web site set up by Horizon Air.
The site describes the trip from Portland to Seattle on I-5 as the "the longest 3-hour drive in American History".
What a great ad for high-speed rail :-)
Posted by Chris Smith at 7:51 AM | Comments (51) | Permalink
Lake Oswego Transit Decision Teed Up
This afternoon the Steering Committee composed of local electeds and representatives of two citizen advisory committees will meet to make a recommendation on a locally preferred alternative (LPA) for the Willamette Shoreline Transit project. The Steering Committee recommendation will set the framework for local governments around the region to adopt the LPA.
An LPA recommendation consists of a mode, route and terminus. In this case the recommendation is for those options to carry into an Environmental Impact Statement process, so multiple options can still be selected.
The documents for this meeting are now out:
- Agenda (PDF, 24K)
- Staff Overview Memorandum (PDF, 35K)
- LOPAC Recommendation (PDF, 18K)
- Project Management Group (staff) Recommendation (PDF, 79K)
- Financial Analysis (PDF, 32K)
- Project Schedule (PDF, 397K)
There will be two critical decisions: reconciling the differences between the LOPAC and staff recommendations, and figuring out how to advance the trail component of the project.
On the transit component, this table from the staff memo summarizes the differences in recommendations (note that LOPAC split closing 10-9 on whether to extend Streetcar south of Nevada St.). Besides deciding whether to screw up their courage to get through Dunthorpe, they'll need to sort out other differences in the recommendation: whether to look at using the trolley right-of-way in Johns Landing and whether to continue study of the Safeway terminus in LO.
On the Trail side of the project, trail advocates will be looking for a commitment to keep the trail project moving forward. Here's the language from the project management group recommendation on that point. It's not clear yet if this language will satisfy the trail advocates:
a) Metro, with assistance from project partners through the TAC and PMG, should develop a process to undertake the Trail Refinement Next Steps listed above. The result of this process would be to resolve key issues and determine the relationship of the trail and the transit project during the DEIS phase. Of particular importance are:
i. Involvement of the public and advocacy groups in improving the trail concept
ii. Definition of the lead agency for advancement of a trail
iii. Development of an approach to reduce capital costs
iv. Analysis of possible phasing of trail segments
v. Identification of potential trail capital funding sources
Finally, the financial analysis reveals some interesting insights:
- In the best case we might build this with as little as $25M or so in local funding, due to the high value of the right-of-way.
- The staff assumptions about flows of Federal capital dollars to various rail projects in the region in next decade.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
September 7, 2007
Corridors versus Centers
When's the last time you went to an Urban Planning smackdown? From Metro's planning newsletter:
The 2040 Match of the Century: Corridors versus Centers
7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26
Council chamber
Metro Regional Center
600 NE Grand Avenue, PortlandGet a ringside seat for a lively debate of different strategies for implementing the 2040 growth concept, our region s plan for the future - featuring heavy-weight professors Patrick ( Corridors ) Condon, University of British Columbia, and Gordon ( Centers ) Price, Simon Fraser University and refereed by Metro Councilor Robert Liberty.
Condon, professor of landscape architecture at UBC, favors low and mid-rise development along transit corridors three and four story mixtures of housing, stores, restaurants, professional services and offices. Price, director of the City Program at SFU and former Vancouver BC city councilor, is a strong supporter of the strategy emphasizing growth in high-energy, high-density centers.
Both contenders are internationally recognized experts in their fields and extremely familiar with the Portland metropolitan region. Both approaches are consistent with our region s 2040 plan for growth. Will either strategy be victorious or will it be a draw? Can both sides win? You be the judge.
We'll provide the popcorn.
This event is free and no reservations are required. For more information, check Metro's online calendar at http://calendar.metro-region.org/
Posted by Chris Smith at 9:31 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
Electric Vehicle Dealer Opens in Portland
Update: 9/7/07
The Daily Journal of Commerce has some coverage on the new dealership.
Original Post: 8/21/07
Via portland ground.
I wonder if they have the Zap electric scooters as well?
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (7) | Permalink
September 6, 2007
Another Way to Measure Congestion
An interesting article from Computerworld about a system in Bangalore that uses cell phones to track where traffic congestion is occurring. The idea is that if you see cell phones clustering somewhere, there's probably a traffic jam forming.
I just hope they can tell a freeway tie-up from a rock concert.
Posted by Chris Smith at 6:34 AM | Comments (2) | Permalink
More Safe and Sound Streets Meetings Scheduled
While we covered the first set of meetings previously, it's worth a review. Sam Adams has scheduled two more rounds of meetings to discuss his "Safe & Sound Streets" funding proposal. He will continue to gather input at a series of open houses in September, and then will discuss his proposal with the community at a series of Town Hall meetings in October. Both sets are listed below. You can find more info at:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=45231
Open Houses:
Monday, September 10, 7-9 pm
Central Northeast Neighborhoods
Community Room
4415 NE 87th AvenueMonday, September 17, 7-9 pm
Southwest Portland
Multnomah Center
7688 SW Capitol HighwayTuesday, September 18, 7-9 pm
Northwest Portland
Friendly House, Keeston Lowery Room
1737 NW 26th AvenueThursday, September 20, 7-9 pm
East Portland
East Precinct Community Room
737 SE 106th AvenueMonday, September 24, 7-9 pm
Southeast Portland
St. Philip Neri Church, Carvlin Hall
2408 SE 16th AvenueTuesday, September 25, 7-9 pm
Northeast Portland
King Neighborhood Facility
4815 NE 7th AvenueThursday, September 27, 7-9 pm
North Portland
Kenton Firehouse
8105 N Brandon Avenue
Town Hall Meetings
Tuesday, October 16, 7-9 pm
Central Northeast Portland
Madison High School
2735 NE 82nd AvenueThursday, October 18, 7-9 pm
Northeast Portland
Jefferson High School
5210 N Kerby AvenueMonday, October 22, 7-9 pm
East Portland
Menlo Park Elementary School
12900 NE GlisanTuesday, October 23, 7-9 pm
North Portland
Rosa Parks Elementary School
8960 N WoolseyWednesday, October 24, 7-9 pm
Northwest Portland
Metropolitan Learning Center
2033 NW GlisanMonday, October 29, 7-9 pm
Southwest Portland
Wilson High School
1151 SW VermontTuesday, October 30, 7-9 pm
Southeast Portland
Sellwood Middle School
8300 SE 15th Avenue
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
September 5, 2007
Development Charge Issues Emerge
Updated: 9/5/07
I watched the hearing (no vote, it's going back to Sam's office for tweaking) on cable today and have two observations.
1) The TOD discount that benefited downtown is going away, probably faster that then 4-year phaseout recommended by the committee.
2) I was disappointed that another discount, one that can be earned by demonstrating that you have proven trip reductions, was not recommended. This one seems like a genuine "green" policy. It would have meant slightly raising the base rate, which appears to be what caused the committee to recommend against it.
Original Post: 9/4/07
A stakeholder committee has been working on recommendations for the next 10 years of projects and fees for Transportation System Development Charges.
As the Council Hearing on Wednesday approaches, the key issue that is emerging appears to be whether the discount for downtown properties will continue. A particularly cogent interview with Rick Williams (chair of the stakeholder committee) in the Daily Journal of Commerce lays out the issues.
There is also coverage in the Tribune.
Posted by Chris Smith at 6:10 PM | Comments (7) | Permalink
KBOO Bike Show: Bike Commute Challenge and Cyclo-Cross
Listen to the show (mp3, 13.0M)
Hosts Sara and Tori talk to Michelle Poyourow, the coordinator of the BTA's Bike Commute Challenge, an annual competition that promotes cycling to work. An additional guest tells us about the upcoming cycle-cross race season.
Posted by Chris Smith at 10:23 AM | Comments (0) | Permalink
Vancouver in Metro?
Yesterday's O had an interesting editorial suggesting that Metro's scope should expand to include both sides of the river.
I'm not sure that's going to happen soon. I once asked a Clark County Commissioner why it hadn't happened yet. He opined that suggesting it would be the fastest way for him to get thrown out of office :-)
But let's imagine that it did. How would transportation plans in the region be different if the scope were REALLY regional?
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (28) | Permalink
September 4, 2007
Gov Stakes Claim on Transportation
On the heals of announcing that Oregon's bridges are safe, on Friday Governor Kulongoski announced that he will push for a major transportation funding package in the 2009 legislative session.
From the Oregonian coverage:
"There is no greater issue in this next legislative session than developing a long-term plan that addresses the needs of all of Oregon, urban and rural, and at the same time provides stable funding to achieve that plan," Kulongoski said.
Posted by Chris Smith at 12:00 AM | Comments (25) | Permalink
