Matthew Wolpert
Thought folks might also like to know about this one...
Original article is here (see original article for map of described area):
http://tinyurl.com/eddb9
Springwater development may nix trail improvement
SK Northwest, a seller of boats and personal watercraft currently
located on NE Sandy Blvd, has filed an application to construct a new
building on the Willamette just south of OMSI between SE Caruthers and
SE 4th Ave. (see map). In their application to the Bureau of
Development Services the company has requested an exemption from an
existing greenway trail easement that runs across the property on the
riverfront.
According to a representative from Portland Parks and Recreation, SK
Northwest has "several concerns with the trail and trail users." These
concerns likely stem from the fact that they want to build a new dock
to store their boats and they don't want to deal with trail users
coming onto their property.
Currently, this section of the Eastbank Esplanade trail (SE Caruthers
to SE 4th Ave), as it transitions into the Springwater Corridor Trail,
forces bicycles and pedestrians onto poorly maintained surface streets
and into dangerous interactions with industrial businesses (including
Ross Island Concrete).
Because of this substandard route, trail advocates have been
negotiating with the City of Portland and Portland Parks and
Recreation to build a new trail on the existing easement that would
stay along the waterfront and go from SE Caruthers to SE Woodward
(labeled "recreational trail" on the map), making a seamless
connection from the Steel Bridge south onto the Springwater Corridor.
But if SK Northwest gets their way, this trail will never be built.
It's no surprise that their application has already drawn fire from
bicycle advocates and the Hosford Abernathy Neighborhood Assocation.
Here's the opinion of one concerned trail user and neighborhood
resident:
"In my opinion, the current trail detour (Caruthers / SE Fourth) is
not an acceptable long-term solution. The current path detour is
frequently blocked by delivery trucks and other vehiclesÂ…and these
roads have not been maintained by either the city or the local
businesses, especially the segment on SE 4th. I don't think the City
should issue the greenway variance as requested, but rather, should
require the greenway trail to be constructed on the lot as planned.
I'm pretty sure the HAND neighborhood association will submit comments
on the plan, opposing the greenway variance."
Because this is such an important section of trail that could be lost
forever, I strongly urge you to call, write a letter, fax, or email
Kate Green at the Bureau of Development Services. Please indicate case
number LU 05-178171 GW in all correspondence. Comments must be
received by 5:00PM on April 27th. Her contact information is below:
Kate Green
kgreen@ci.portland.or.us
ph. (503) 823-5868
fax (503) 823-5630
Bureau of Development Services
1900 SW Fourth Ave., Suite 5000
Portland, OR 97201