Category Archives: livability

Tips for Staying Cozy this Winter.

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Tips for Staying Cozy this Winter

From Clean Energy Works

After a hot summer, temperatures are finally dropping—and winter is just around the corner. Grab a coffee or a hot apple cider, put on your favorite flannel, and cuddle up to your sweetie because we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best tips for keeping toasty indoors.

Take advantage of winter sun. Yes, there is sun, even in Oregon winter! When it’s shining, be sure to open south-facing window curtains, drapes, and blinds during the day, so the sunlight can naturally heat your home. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.

Cover drafty windows. Tape a do-it-yourself, clear, plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame. Installing window treatments, such as blinds, drapes, or shades, can also help reduce heat loss.

Adjust the temperature. Set the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you’re not home to use less energy and lower utility bills. Lowering the temperature slightly at night and adding an extra blanket to the bed keeps the whole family extra cozy.

Give your home a free check up from Clean Energy Works. Your home does a lot for you—everyone needs a check up every once in a while. We’ll give you a complete look at all the ways you can improve your home: becoming more efficient, creating comfort, providing better air quality, and even being safe during an earthquake. Take an online eValuation, and use HomeScope to see what your neighbors are doing for their homes—with all kinds of information on rebates and financing available when you’re ready for a home upgrade. It’s all available at: www.cleanenergyworksoregon.org

Community process under way for Natural Grocers project at MLK& Alberta.

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Portland Development Commission has issued this announcement about upcoming Vanport working group meetings:

With the late-August announcement that property owned by the Portland Development Commission at Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Alberta Street will be the site for Natural Grocers, the community process related to the project is getting under way.

Majestic Realty, with Colas Construction as the primary contractor and Natural Grocers as the anchor tenant, is proposing to construct an urban retail shopping center consisting of approximately 20,000 square feet of gross leasable area in two separate buildings to include commercial/retail lease space for between four to 10 businesses in addition to Natural Grocers, along with approximately 100 parking spaces.

Natural Grocers, a community-centric grocery store that focuses on free nutrition education and healthy food, is a Colorado-based chain with stores in 14 states. The company currently has eight locations in Oregon, including four in the Portland area.

A Project Working Group (PWG) has formed to provide input on building and site design, and to develop a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). The PWG membership represents a diversity of expertise and experience in the community including N/NE small business owners, long-time property owners, business assistance and workforce training providers, area residents, and community members.

PWG meetings are open to the public and meeting details can be found at www.pdc.us/mlkalberta. The first meeting is this coming Monday.

The proposed development will serve North/Northeast Portland neighbors and businesses. It will increase the foot traffic and profitability of nearby businesses, introduce Portlanders to a high-quality, affordable grocer and revitalize a parcel of land that has sat dormant for 15 years.

PDC’s equity policy will apply and construction opportunities will be available for majority/minority joint ventures as well as subcontracting and workforce.

King NA letter to the state re: oil train tranports

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Governor John Kitzhaber                                        Senator Jeff Merkley

160 State Capitol                                                     121 SW Salmon STreet #1400

Salem, Oregon 97301                                              Portland, Oregon 97204

 

Senator Ron Wyden

911 NE 11th Avenue suite 630

Portland, Oregon 97232

 

July 17, 2014

 

Re: Request for Statewide Moratorium on Oil Train Transport

We are expressing the deep concern of King Neighborhood Association about the threat to life, safety and the environment due to accidents, potential spills and explosions posed by oil trains. We urge the Oregon Governor to recommend against the siting of oil terminals in our state; and urge Congress, the State Legislature, and regulators to adopt laws and regulations to increase the safety of the transportation of crude oil. Continue reading →

Proposed OLCC rules seek to control alcohol, noise outside food carts, restaurants, and bars

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The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has been engaged in Rulemaking for Exterior Areas at licensed establishments. The rules redefine the requirements for licensing exterior areas that are connected to a brick and mortar pub, as well as create rules for exterior areas that are not associated with a brick and mortar location i.e.: Food Carts.

PUBLIC HEARING: Commission staff will hold a public hearing on this proposed action:
Date: March 21, 2013
Time : 10am
Location: Oregon Liquor Control Commission
9079 SE McLoughlin
Portland, OR 97222
within Oregon 1‐800‐452‐6522)
Phone: (503) 872‐5131 (toll free
Fax: (503) 872‐5110
Presiding Officer: Jesse Sweet – jesse.sweet@state.or.us
Comments will be taken until April 4th at 5pm

The Final Draft for the recommended rules is attached.
In a nutshell…
Exterior Areas of Taverns and Restaurants
1) If on Public Property, the sale, service, and consumption of alcohol must be a permitted use.
2) If on private property, the applicant must have legal access to the real property
3) The applicant must define boundary, and demonstrate control.
4) If the property abuts residential, amplified music is not allowed from 10pm to 7am
5) If the property abuts residential, sale and service of alcohol is restricted as follows;
a. 11pm –Sunday through Thursday
b. 1am – Friday and Saturday
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO TEMPORARY SALES LICENSES OR TO ESTABLISHMENTS WITH ESTERIOR AREAS THAT HAVE GREATER THAN A 500 PERSON CAPACITY.

Exterior Areas NOT associated with a Structure i.e.: Food Carts
1)If on Public Property, the sale, service, or consumption is not authorized under applicable rules of the governing body
2) If on Private party, must have written proof of legal access
3) Property owner (public property) must expressly allow the sale of alcohol.
4) Must qualify for Minor 3 posting (not be a drinking environment)
5) Must define boundaries and demonstrate control of the area
6) Must designate an area for consumption and confine the designated area with a physical boundary
7) Must demonstrate supervision of the area.
8) Limit patrons to possession of no more than 2 alcoholic beverages at a time
9) Must adhere to specific beverage requirements
10) Cannot bring alcohol into or out of the designated area
11)Amplified entertainment and sale and service of alcohol are not allowed between 10pm and 7am.
THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO TEMPORARY SALES LICENSES

Theresa Marchetti
Liquor Licensing Specialist
503-823-3092
theresa.marchetti@portlandoregon.gov
Fax: 503-823-3050

KNA Opposes Unrestricted OLCC License for 7-Eleven

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The following is a letter submitted to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission at yesterday’s hearing on the 7-Eleven license application. The license was granted with no restrictions but KNA is committed to continuing negotiations with 7-Eleven to preserve neighborhood livability through a good neighbor agreement.

Oregon Liquor Control Commission
9079 SE McLoughlin Blvd. Portland, OR 97222

RE: 7-11 5150 NE MLK Blvd, Portland – Liquor License Request for Restriction

The King Neighborhood Association (KNA) has previously submitted opposition to an unrestricted OLCC license being issues to the 7-11 now located at 5150 NE MLK Blvd, Portland. At that time the King Neighborhood Association requested that the license be restricted based on size and alcohol content of beverages, as well as the time of sale be restricted to no later than 1:00 am.
On February 7th, Ryan Kroll, on behalf of 7-11 engaged with the King Neighborhood Association and has entered into negotiations to find suitable accommodations for the concerns of the KNA. We believe that 7-11 is acting in good faith as is the KNA and we would like to formally request an extension of one month on your deliberation of this matter. While we have made excellent progress on a draft agreement, there are items that warrant further discussion.
The King Neighborhood has in the past and does currently struggle with street drinking amongst other public safety concerns. Great strides have been made over the past 10 years within the neighborhood to make significant improvements, but there is much work yet to be done. As new businesses move into our neighborhood it is incumbent both on those businesses and the neighbors to work together to ensure that the positive momentum that has carried us this far continues.
We urge you to grant this request and allow us the opportunity to work with our new neighbor to continue to make positive change in the King Neighborhood a reality.
Sincerely,

Russ Eisenberg
Co-Chair KNA on behalf of the King Neighborhood Association