“Foster Road Improvements: from mean street to main street”

fosterpowellpdx — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:32:46 +0000

While we’ve all be lamenting about the current state of traffic/pedestrian safety on Foster Road, as well as the city’s seemingly slow response to a long overdue need for change, the NA’s and transportation chairs in the respective neighborhoods straddling Foster have been organizing a meeting to promote local citizen involvement in the eventual implementation of the Foster Streetscape Plan.

What does this mean for you?

It’s time to participate in the process. Many good ideas, thoughts, and opinions have been shared here about the future of Foster Road, and it is that input that will ultimately shape our main thoroughfare into what we want it to be. So be heard and share your vision and ideas. Get together with your neighbors from Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, and Lents, to discuss what will impact us all: traffic and pedestrian safety on Foster, as well a friendly and livable, neighborhood-scale commercial corridor that’s inviting and accessible to all. Be there, Wednesday, June 20, at the Mt. Scott Community Center. Meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. (see flyer below for more info).

Happenings and Goings On in and Around FoPo…Happy Weekend

fosterpowellpdx — Fri, 25 May 2012 16:48:49 +0000

There’s a lot of energy swirling around the neighborhood, and it’s almost been difficult to keep track of all the goings in our little corner of the city. Thanks to everyone who’s been sharing news and participating in conversation about life along Foster. Let’s keep it going.

Now on to your weekend tidbits….

- First, make sure you’ve marked your calendars for the Bob White Reconstruction, a summer series of events that kicks off next Friday, June 1, at….naturally, the Bob White Theatre. Secondly, get your tickets in advance. You can buy weekend-long passes (wristbands), which will give you access to morning and daytime history speaks, craft shows, and other entertainment, as well as nighttime concerts. Or, you can buy individual passes. Please remember that the Reconstruction is a campaign to help the theatre pay for itself. Support your local theatre, the arts, and your community. Tickets can be bought/picked up at the Crafty Underdog shop at 6004 SE Foster.

- PBOT and the PPB conducted a crosswalk enforcement on Foster two days ago, netting 13 citations and 9 warnings in just over an hour. The numbers only reinforce the need for traffic safety improvements. Cross your fingers there won’t be any more delays in getting the streetscape implemented.

- Volunteer day and potluck at the Arleta Triangle, or “Dig-n-Dish,” as the monthly work party is called. Bring some food and get your hands dirty in an effort to maintain the Arleta Triangle at SE 72nd and Woodstock. Meetup is at 10 a.m.

- The word’s already out, but due to my taste for beer, as well as excitement for new business in the ‘hood, another mention should be made about a possible bottle shop filling the (sadly) vacant, former Guapo space.

- Get your fill of tortas and margaritas this weekend, as Torta-landia will be closed for the week of 5/28-6/4. Kyle needs a vacation, too. Word is, he’ll be opening for lunch upon his return.

- The Portland Mercado is one step closer to calling Foster Road home, specifically at the vacant lot on SE 72nd. Filling one of two empty and fenced lots at the important crossing of two neighborhoods, Hacienda CDC and the PDC have completed a letter of intent giving site control to the group hoping to locate the Portland Mercado in outer SE. Plans for the site will be unveiled at the June 6 Mt. Scott-Arleta NA meeting.

- If you missed their big party last weekend, Gemini Lounge should be pretty live this Saturday, with five dj’s spinning through the evening. As always, drinks will be tasty and strong.

Happy weekend, y’all.

If you know of an event or have news to share, feel free to drop us an email or leave a comment.

Crosswalk Enforcement on Foster Reveals What We Already Know: Safety Improvements Are Much Needed

fosterpowellpdx — Fri, 25 May 2012 05:18:20 +0000

As noted on Bike Portland blog this morning, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) gave out 13 citations in their crosswalk enforcement mission yesterday on Foster. With a pedestrian decoy on the street, between SE 68th and 69th, eight drivers failed to yield at a crosswalk in just over an hour’s time. There were five other citations given for various unsafe driving, as well as nine warnings. Again, this was in just over an hour of enforcement, so these numbers are revealing…and a little scary.

But it’s not demonstrating anything we don’t already know.

Thanks to BikePortland for bringing an even greater focus to this issue, as it’s often ignored outside of our own neighborhood. You can find the article here.

Bottle Shop on Foster? Rumor has it…

fosterpowellpdx — Thu, 24 May 2012 18:59:07 +0000

Could it be that Foster Road is able to absorb yet another alcohol-related establishment? Someone thinks so, and I’m not so sure he’d be wrong. What appears to be plans for a bottleshop and tasting room, an OLCC application confirms that a permit for off-premises and limited on-premises sales is being sought for the former Guapo Comics and Coffee Space (you’re still missed, Guapo).

If this is all true, we’re not talking about another bar. Rather, you may now have easier access to those craft brews that are hard to find at Fred Meyer, and can haul them off for consumption later. More plans may be in the works, and it’s unknown whether this establishment will serve beer on site. If they do, however, I believe Oregon state law would require food to be served as well.

Hopefully we’ll learn more soon. Let’s just hope it’s not another convenience mart.