In addition to the police survey that was recently announced on this blog, there is another Citywide Budget Survey going on right now. Why is this important for King residents to participate in? So we have a voice in where- and how- our tax dollars are spent! Is there a pothole near your house that needs attention? How about that intersection at MLK and Failing- ever wished for a crosswalk? Wish there was a bench in Two Plum Park? Sick of seeing graffiti along Alberta? Every home should by now have received a hard copy of the Citywide Budget Survey in the mail. No need for a stamp to return it, just fill it out, fold it up and pop it back in the mail. Alternatively, go to www.portlandonline.com/omf/budgetsurvey and share your thoughts- it’ll only take a few minutes. Thank you!
KNA Urges City to Protect Livability on Last Thursdays
The King Neighborhood Association has delivered a letter to the mayor and city council urging that the Last Thursday events be managed by a responsible entity that is accountable to the neighborhoods along Alberta. As many as 10,000 visitors come to Alberta Street on some summer months. The impact of such a large street fair occuring monthly in a dense residential neighborhood had brought chronic complaints of noise, disruptive behavior, and illegal parking. KNA believes that the benefits to the Alberta business community should not come at a cost to residents’ livability.
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NECN Opposes Rose Quarter’s Inclusion in ICURA
Reflecting the dissatisfaction many North and Northeast residents feel with the incomplete urban renewal that has resulted from the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area, the NECN Board of Directors has taken the position that the inclusion of the Rose Quarter district in the URA would siphon off remaining funds to projects that would have little benefit to N/NE residents.
“The NECN Board feels strongly that Rose Quarter projects, which are large and discontinuous with the North/Northeast community, will pull resources away from more community-based projects within the ICURA boundaries. For the first ten years of ICURA, the majority of the funding went to two large projects, the Interstate Light Rail project and the New Columbia project. Now that there is additional funding available, it should be spent on neighborhood level projects that benefit existing North and Northeast residents.”
Read the full letter here: NECN Position on ICURA-RoseQuarterJan 2011
PPS launches Parent Academy
From Portland Public Schools:
Portland Public Schools today launches the PPS Parent Academy, free workshops covering a host of topics in locations across Portland. Presenters cover everything from high school readiness to adolescent brain development to healthy cooking on a budget.
The Parent Academy is a collaboration of Portland Public Schools and community partners. Workshops are diverse but share a common purpose: promoting student achievement.
The academy leverages community resources. The Portland Police Bureau, for example, is helping with a workshop on redirecting kids to make positive decisions. PPS chooses topics based on current parent needs.
Families will receive a schedule of workshop dates and times in the mail. All events are free, and many include dinner and child care. Most are scheduled in the evening.
Pre-registration is encouraged for PPS-sponsored events. Call 503-916-3080 or print and complete this form and fax or mail it to the address listed.
SEI Supports the New Jefferson Middle College
From Self Enhancement Inc:
Over the years, the struggles of Jefferson High School have been a major concern for the local community – but finally a solution has been reached. Beginning in Fall 2011, students entering Jefferson High School as freshmen, will be automatically enrolled in the new Middle College program, and will also become a part of the SEI family. Students will attend both Jefferson and Portland Community College (PCC) to earn dual credits essentially starting college for free. And through their partnership with SEI, Jefferson students will also have an abundance of opportunities, including: tutorial homework support, after school programs, and a one-on-one relationship with a school coordinator. Help SEI expand our services to all Jefferson students.