By Brian Hoop
Portland City Council passed a resolution on May 7 to plan and search for funding to improve sidewalks and pavement in outer East Portland (District 1) and SW Portland (District 4). This is a wake-up call to those who care about pedestrian safety to reactivate transportation advocacy for Linnton highway crosswalks to be included in this project.
If interested in helping research this issue and creating an organizing strategy to get Linnton included in this nascent program, come to the Wednesday, October 1 neighborhood meeting. If you personally experience the challenges of crossing Highway 30 as a pedestrian, we want to hear your story.
The Sidewalk Improvement and Paving Program (SIPP) proposal, created by District 1 City Councilor Loretta Smith and District 4 Councilor Mitch Green – one of Linnton’s three councilors – directs the Portland Bureau of Transportation to research ways to add and improve sidewalks in neighborhoods that are the most dangerous for pedestrians in those two districts. District 4’s other two councilors – Olivia Clark and Eric Zimmerman – added their support.
Caption: Intersection of NW Bridge Ave. and Springville Rd. where rush hour traffic backups make for dangerous pedestrian crossing. Photo: Google Maps.
While there is no funding yet, Councilor Green is working on a bonding plan that could raise $200 million over four-five years. Possible funding sources include issuing limited tax revenue bonds; directing money from the Portland Clean Energy Fund tax; obtaining state infrastructure grants; and seeking a federal grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant program.
The opportunity for Linnton is to begin a dialogue with our District 4 councilors to remind them about the challenges our community faces with pedestrians crossing St. Helens Rd./US Highway 30 and advocate for pedestrian crossings to be included as possible projects.
The Linnton Neighborhood Association has made multiple attempts to advocate for pedestrian crosswalk lights at locations near bus stops such as Saltzman Dr., Bridge Ave. at NW Springville Rd., NW 112th Ave., and NW Hoge Ave.
From here, Councilor Green will work on a funding plan as an ordinance to bring to the Council’s Finance Committee. Passage would provide the funding and legal backing to be more than just another plan.
To get involved, contact Brian Hoop at brian.g.hoop@gmail.com or call 503-475-6056.