Bridgeton Neighborhood Association Meetings
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BNA May Minutes
Columbia Pioneer School
9 May 2011
Speaking of rain, it could be worse. Remember that in 1996 we had 72” of rain in Portland!
Leslie Sawyer introduced Mark Wells (503-823-4098) from the Crime Prevention
office. They are big in neighborhood involvement plus they do police outreach. Bridgeton has low crime as seen from the crime report that Mark ran from
PortlandMaps. Let's remember to report all crime as well as camping on public property,
drinking in public, and unsavory activities. Get numbers to call at www.portlandonline.com/oni/cp
The camping discussion segued to Officer Mark Padilla, a 12 year police veteran
of N-NE Portland. Mark cleared out the camp that several people saw at the grassy Delta Park
interchange east of MLK. Call 911 or 503-823-3333 to report crime.
Brian Stipak began his introduction of Dave Hendricks from the drainage district
by reminding us that cutting trees is an old issue that is best left behind us.
BNA and Pen2 are closer and more cooperative than most can remember. That is good since the levee raises actionable issues now and in the future.
Dave clarified terms. The Corps of Engineers has certified the levee but now proposes that it be
re-certified every 10 years even in the absence of any rule changes. FEMA has
accredited our levee and it stays accredited until a rules change. On top of those terms, we have a flood hazard overlay that has caused some of us
to pay increased cost for flood insurance.
The Corps may be over-reacting to bad publicity from Katrina and looking for
ways to minimize their liability for future events. PEN2 can be considered an ally of BNA as we work to minimize the affects of one
size fits all bureaucratic posturing.
Is that all? Nope. It turns out that FEMA has a long term plan for levees that does not include us.
FEMA goals aim to eliminate anything 300 ft on water-side and 500 ft on land
side of any levee. An engineering study will cost $235,000 to identify the impact of utilities,
vegetation, structures, even ramps on the levee. The BNA portion of the PEN2 budget is about $365,000/year. We have a $110,000 balance. Our section of the levee is in good shape and good hands because we have good
representatives. Now check out these sites.
FEMA – NFIP, CPR 44, Chapter , Parts 59-77
www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=2206
City of Portland – Flood Ordinance, Title 24..050.040
www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c+53483
US Army Corps of Engineers – Laws and Regulations
http://www.usace.army.mil/LeveeSafety/KeyDocuments/pages/lev_keydocs.asp#eval
Walter gave a detail filled account of CRC activities. The flat design approved by the two governors is being dissected by all forces. It will take months to see if any effective anti-flat bridge elements emerge to
challenge that decision. In the meantime, Walter, Matt, and Leslie attend meetings and workshops to keep
the interests of Bridgeton on the table. Why? Because how we travel to and from Hayden Island and Kenton matters.
Abigail reported that the BNA Yard Sale produced 12 clusters of sellers so the
good weather and 12 posters set a good stage. She recommended that next year we move the date to more predictable weather.
Matt and Leslie reported that the BNA cleanup was an unqualified success. Three dumpsters were completely filled by 2:00 PM. One drop box filled up with yard debris and the other two were mixed with
household flotsam and jetsam. Paint, electronics, and all metals were recycled by Steve. There were many new participants and the great weather really brought out smiles
on people too long stuck at home. The results are a clean island, lots of less crowded basements, 40 yards less
yard debris, and the friendliest neighborhood most of us have ever enjoyed. City Council member Amanda Fritz pitched in by weeding on the triangle for
three hours. Hooray for city hall.
That's it.
Rich Brown
360-921-5501
14 Feb 2011
February BNA Minutes
Leslie opened the meeting at 7:00 PM and provided an array of much appreciated
sweet treats.
1st up was Mindy Brooks of Portland Planning who described the zoning overlay
review underway, the first since 1989. She can be reached for details at mindy.brooks@portlandoregon.gov.
Flood insurance for townhomes was the subject of an informative presentation by
Dave Hendricks , Deputy Director of Multnomah County Drainage District #1. MCDD
is applying for a variance from enforcement of CFR 44 regarding flood map
modernization prohibiting encroachment on a levee that jeopardizes levee
integrity. If that effort falls short, owners can apply for individual tax
parcel LOMAs. Floating homes will be affected only by required improvements to
ramps and utilities. Dave can be reached at
dhendricks@mcdd.org. Click on links include:
The Portland Plan has held many open house style meetings aimed at garnering
input on the essential direction for the city during the next 20 years. The
series is getting close to completion. Those who wish to be heard can attend
the next session at N Catholic High School on March 10th.
CRC was the subject of an astounding update presented by well-known Bridgeton
citizen Walter Valenta. An international panel of bridge designers and builders
was assembled to review CRC and pronounced the existing CRC design to be
virtually un-buildable. They performed a look back at fundamental assumptions
that backed design decisions and came to some far reaching conclusions on
alternative bridge designs. CRC has foisted off a pitiable, all things to all
people design onto those who are going to pay for it and to whom its impacts
drastically affect. This wake-up call is a needed chance for citizens to take a
stand for a 21st century solution to the most pressing transportation screw up
on the west coast. Write, call, and get in the face of your politicians to make
them listen to the people.
The BNA neighborhood Spring cleanup is scheduled for April 23rd.
Let's have a BNA garage sale the week before on April 16th. Sale will be
collective to encourage a large, well advertised event. However, profits will
be kept by individual sellers. Contact
Don't forget that BNA has its own web page. Rick Page keeps it up to date but
needs to hear from residents for items of interest. Contact Rick at
503-422-8279 or rickpage2@comcast.net.
