King Neighborhood Association’s testimony to the Portland City Council about the Portland Playhouse’s appeal of a staff decision denying them permission to stage theatre productions at 602 NE Prescott, delivered by KNA Co-chair Nora Diver in person on March 1, 2012:

Subject: Portland Playhouse Survival in King Neighborhood

(LU Case # 11-187799; HO Case # 4110034)

Dear Commissioners:

602 NE Prescott is more than just a dot on the zoning map, more than just a structure on the corner. It is a gathering place with deep roots – part of the history of many members of our community. For over a century at this address, neighbors have shared appeals to god, heartfelt interactions, and a commitment to compassion and interracial justice. Meaning has been created at this place. The Portland Playhouse has upheld this tradition through community programming and its performance themes exploring racial experience and social justice. The Playhouse cannot exist without the plays. For this reason, the King Neighborhood Association asks you to allow the Playhouse to continue in our neighborhood by approving all components of their Conditional Use Permit application.

Many current and former neighbors have testified to the integral role the Portland Playhouse plays in our community. The Playhouse has opened their hearts wide enough to create performances that resonate deeply with the people who live here and opened their space to other uses that fill community needs. I have seen former residents returning to the neighborhood to see plays that have touched and inspired them. I have witnessed the neighborhood kids hold impromptu band performances there, and have seen how thrilled they were to be playing up there on the stage. I am sure you will hear many more stories about how the Playhouse serves a vital niche by providing a community driven cultural experience. This is the kind of art that stems from and connects with the people who live here, and that is why it is so important the Portland Playhouse be allowed to continue operating where it has been.

Both the King Neighborhood Plan (from 1993) and the proposed Portland Plan (2012) call for the development of neighborhood based arts and culture programs and facilities. The emphasis in both plans is on supporting artists, promoting cultural programs, creating centers for art, and involving and educating youth. In addition, the Portland Plan calls for “improv(ed) access and outreach to under-represented communities.” (Appendix A.) The Portland Playhouse fulfills all of these community goals that were produced by lengthy public input processes. To deny the neighborhood this Playhouse would be to disregard all of the time, energy, and good intentions that Portland’s citizens have put into creating these plans.

The King Neighborhood Association has had robust discussions about the Playhouse and how it can meet the sometimes conflicting needs of the local residents. The Playhouse has been responsive to questions posed by Neighborhood Association members, and together we have worked out a plan to ensure that parking issues are reasonably addressed. At our last meeting when faced with the question of appealing the decision from the hearings officer, the vote in favor was unanimous 20-0. Everyone agreed that the Playhouse is a very positive organization working for the benefit of our neighborhood.

If zoning laws are intended to preserve the character of a community, then surely issuing a conditional use permit for the Portland Playhouse would be the best way to align the rules with this intention. This site has a history of community activity. Residents in nearby neighborhoods feel that programming at the Playhouse fills an important cultural niche. For decades, community organization have called for the development of this type of facility in our neighborhood. The King Neighborhood Association is confident in our ability to work with the Playhouse to iron out any wrinkles that may arise from the community uses at this site. The City has approved a number of community centers through Conditional Use Permits. (Appendix B) The King Neighborhood Association urges you to do the same for the Portland Playhouse. It is an important part of our neighborhood and we want to see it continue to bring thoughtful and engaging arts to our community.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Nora Diver

Vice Chairperson

King Neighborhood Association