What are these things? Click to enlarge

Beauty meets functionality Born in Portland, Stormwater planters are being replicated nationwide for their 'green' stormwater management

Let The Rains Begin

With the rainy season upon us it seems appropriate to explore some recent roadside changes in our area.

Q. Have you noticed the new curbside planters popping-up everywhere and wondered what they are, and what's their purpose?

A. They're Stormwater planters. And are being installed to manage street stormwater runoff and improve the water quality of area rivers and streams.

Managing Stormwater, Naturally

Stormwater planters are a natural stormwater management approach that uses plants and soil to slow, filter, and cleanse stormwater from streets. Traditional stormwater management directs runoff into pipes. Stormwater planters disconnect street stormwater runoff from a storm sewer and manages it at its source, where rain falls, using a landscape approach.

Nationally Recognized Program Pioneered in 2005 by the City of Portland's "12th Avenue Green Street Project," stormwater planters are now used extensively throughout Portland neighborhoods and urban areas. In fact, stormwater planters are so effective at managing stormwater runoff that cities all across the nation are following Portland's footsteps.

12th Ave Green Streets Project Click to enlarge

Since 2005 the City of Portland has received many awards for its innovative designs and has become the recognized leader in green stormwater management.

Stormwater planters protect water quality in rivers and streams by removing up to 90% of pollutants. They replenish groundwater supplies, absorb carbon, improve air quality and improve neighborhood aesthetics.

Suzan Wells, Pres. SWNA outside abandoned QFC store 182nd/Powell. Gresham Outlook

City of Gresham "Big Box" Code nears completion UPDATE: Gresham approves big-box standards, Nov. 16

Years in the making

Five years ago the Southwest Neighborhood Association (SWNA) appealed to Gresham city leaders to create a code regulating big-box stores. Susan Wells, President of SWNA says "This is not about keeping businesses out. This is about responsible development in the City of Gresham."

Background
A few years ago the City of Gresham became mired in a three year battle when Walmart's proposed supercenter (182nd & Powell) met with fierce opposition from the local neighborhood association over issues with traffic, safety and livability. Gresham approved the 212,000 sq ft project (complete with two levels of underground parking for 900 cars) but the neighborhood, worried about traffic problems, appealed the city’s decision to the state Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) and won. A year later, Walmart proposed a store half the size; this time the city rejected the proposal, citing traffic issues. Walmart appealed to LUBA, but the application was eventually denied in part due to strong citizen opposition.

UPDATE: Gresham approves big-box standards
(Source: The Gresham Outlook, Nov 16, 2010)
Gresham city councilors unanimously approved a package of code changes, new zones and a host of design standards to a round of applause on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Read more.

An important message to our neighbors

Susan Wells, President of the Southwest Neighborhood Association has helped shape the City's new "Big Box" Retail Design and Development Standards with her continued involvement. Throughout this project Susan has emailed valuable information and insight to share with our neighbors about this important community issue.

Below is Susan's latest email:

East County Courts, Rockwood Click for MultCo website

It's official. East County Courts will be built! New three-story facility will house courts and county data center

After more than 40-years the East County Courts will be built in Rockwood. Ground breaking on the new court facility will begin before year's end

Unanimous Approval

The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously October 28, 2010 to approve final plans for construction and financing of a new East County Courthouse in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham. Approval to build the facility culminates years of effort to replace the current leased courthouse space in Gresham, which is leaky, cramped and inadequate.

“As a long-time East Multnomah County resident, I am very excited to see this courthouse finally become a reality,” said District 4 Commissioner Diane McKeel. “This project will create new jobs and provide a catalyst for economic growth and development in Rockwood and East County. I would like to acknowledge the partnership, perseverance and support shown throughout this process from my peers on the Board, the courts, law enforcement, East County cities, neighbors and the business community.”

City of Gresham Police

New service saves the City time & money Residents can now report nonemergency crimes online

Online reporting system offered by Gresham Police

Gresham Police Department is launching a new crime reporting service that will allow residents to file police reports online beginning Oct. 11. The new service will allow people to file certain reports at their convenience. These reports include:

• Vandalism (including graffiti)
• Lost property (excluding firearms and prescription medications)
• Theft from vehicles
• Theft (excluding firearms or prescription medications)
• Vandalism to a motor vehicle
• Additional property Information (supplemental information to a prior report)

Click here to File a Police Report

City of Gresham News, Community Activities, Workshops & More

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue

• Filing a Police Report Just Got Easier
• Learn Conflict Styles and Communication – October 20
• Pumpkin Tip
• Fall Leaves 101
• $200 Rain Garden Grants Available
• Neighborhood Safety Forum - November 20
• Volunteer to Watch Wildlife
• A Huge Success: Prescription Drug Turn In Event
• SmartTrips Neighborhood Marketing Campaign Begins
• Last Chance to Comment on Gresham’s Bike System (Take Our Online Survey)
• Experience is the Best Teacher, and You Have a Lifetime’s Worth
• Upcoming Workshop on Negotiation Skills – November 10
• Winter Weather Safety Tips
• Multnomah County RSVP, a Program of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS)

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

Facebook - Read more
Twitter - Read more
Subscribe to City media releases - Read more

Gresham Neighborhoods listing

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.

De La Salle students at the 2010 SOLV event, Nadaka Park Click to enlarge

A beautiful Autumn day for the 2010 SOLV "Beach and Riverside Cleanup" at Nadaka Nature Park

2010 SOLV "Beach and Riverside Cleanup" Event

De La Salle students lend a hand

On Saturday, September 25th the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association held a cleanup with SOLV at Nadaka Nature Park. There were 24 people who participated in the cleanup including a group from De La Salle North Catholic High School (pictured by the sign). We had a total of 66 3/4 volunteer hours to use as a match for our Metro Nature in Neighborhood grant.

The primary focus of the cleanup was to remove the invasive blackberry and ivy from the park. Jazzy Bagel donated delicious bagels and Starbucks (181st & Glisan) donated coffee for the volunteers. SOLV also provided great cloth tote bags for everyone who volunteered.

Volunteers register for 2010 SOLV event at Nadaka Nature Park Click to enlarge

Next cleanup:
Sunday, October 10th 9AM-2PM. Hope to see you there!

See website calendar for more Nadaka Nature Park events and activities!

Nadaka Nature Park Click to enlarge

Nadaka Nature Park Vegetation Management Plan nears completion, disease threatens firs

Protecting a Natual Resource

In 2009 Wilkes East Neighborhood Association (WENA) applied for and received a Metro Parks & Greenspaces Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant and a grant from the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) to be used towards the purchase of the adjacent 2-acre Nelson Property for use as a public park. Both Metro and EMSWCD had requirements for the master planning of the Nelson property one of which was to do a vegetation management plan.

At the WENA annual meeting in August 2010, Ric Catron, City of Gresham Parks Planner provided information about this Plan for Nadaka Nature Park. Its purpose is a balance of protection of natural areas and future park development, restoration of the site and creating diversity for native wildlife and providing passive recreation.

Western Screech Owl Click to enlarge

News from Nadaka Nature Park Western Screech Owls reintroduced, Dogipot® added, SOLV volunteers pitch-in, and much more!

Back to the Wild

On September 8, 2010 the Audubon Society of Portland released two juvenile Western Screech Owls at the meadow in Nadaka Nature Park. About a dozen people from the neighborhood watched as the two owls took flight. Both owls came into the Portland Audubon’s Wildlife Care Center as fledglings. Unfortunately they had signs of head injury, probably from being hit by cars while learning to fly. After recovering from the initial injuries, the owls were in a flight cage building up strength and learning to hunt. The Audubon Society decided they were ready to be wild once more and agreed to do the release in Nadaka.

Recycle Your Plastic Bags Here

A Dogipot® has been installed near the north entrance to Nadaka Nature Park which contains litter bags to be used for dog waste. This was provided with grant funds from the Metro Nature in Neighborhoods grant. If you are looking for a place to recycle your plastic garbage bags you could take a few and put them in the Dogipot® for others on your next walk thru the park. This will save considerable money purchasing the litter bags.

Capri Terrace neighbors Click to enlarge

Gresham Code Enforcement speaks to neighbors about recognizing & reporting violations Food, friends and celebrations cap a sunny Fall afternoon

Capri Terrace Fall Meeting

The 25th of September was a beautiful day for the gathering of the Capri Terrace Neighborhood Watch group. Good turn out considering the distractions of family activities of football, soccer, birthday parties and other family get-togethers. 20 plus members were in attendance, which represented 13 households, plus 1 guest speaker, Rita Humphrey’s from the Gresham City Code Enforcement Division.

Ms Humphrey’s brought along some handouts to help the group in recognizing violations and how to report them. Naturally strange cars in the neighborhood and messy yards come to mind, but she also emphasized keeping traffic signs clear of tree limbs and other hazards. Residents are responsible for keeping vision fields up to 30 feet clear. Be especially aware of what transpires in and around vacant properties such as graffiti, broken windows and transients loitering around the premises.

Stark Street Project nearing completion Overnight paving 8PM to 6AM Drivers advised to seek alternate routes

Expect delays overnight

Starting today, crews will grind and place new pavement overlay on Stark Street in Rockwood between 190th and 199th avenues, including the approaches to Stark on Burnside Road. This work is part of Rockwood in Motion and the second phase of safety and boulevard improvements to Stark Street. The work is being conducted at night to minimize delays to the public.

Night work is anticipated from 8PM to 6AM Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 29-30, and will include flagging of the Stark/Burnside intersection, which may delay traffic in the area. Drivers are encouraged to seek alternate routes.

Paving will continue the first week in October to the east of Burnside on Stark Street down to 199th Avenue; Monday or Tuesday night, weather permitting. This work is anticipated to be finished in one night between 8PM. and 6AM. This pavement work will take one lane at a time and may require minor, periodic detours from side streets as the crews work around cooling asphalt.