All liquor licenses North of Burnside within the Portland City Limits (East &West) will expire on January 1st, 2011, unless renewed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). As part of the renewal process, the City of Portland makes recommendations to the OLCC on renewal applications using information gathered from neighbors, community organizations, and public safety officials. The City of Portland is home to approximately 2,500 liquor license establishments, about half of which are coming up for renewal. Neighbors, Neighborhood and Business Associations, and Community Organizations have a very important role in this process.
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Poisonous Pokeweed Invades Portland
Portland property owners are reporting more sightings of pokeweed, an invasive plant relatively new to the area. Pokeweed is native to the southeastern United States, and is also found in the Midwest and all along the East Coast. Now it’s popping up around the Pacific Northwest.
Free Ecoroof Seminars
Two Upcoming Seminars Target Homeowners, Professionals
Ecoroofs replace conventional roofing with a living, breathing vegetated roof system. An ecoroof consists of a layer of vegetation over a growing medium on top of a synthetic, waterproof membrane. An ecoroof significantly decreases stormwater runoff, saves energy, reduces pollution and erosion, and helps preserve fish habitat. Ecoroofs also absorb carbon dioxide, cool urban heat islands, and filter air pollutants. Ecoroofs increase habitat for birds and insects and provide much needed greenspace for urban dwellers.
The City of Portland is continuing to offer an incentive for ecoroofs on private property. Applicants can receive up to $5 per square foot for approved ecoroof projects. The next round for the Ecoroof Incentive began Oct. 1, and the deadline for application will be Dec. 1. If you have a project in the works, or are considering an ecoroof on your property, now might be the perfect time to apply.
Learn more about ecoroof incentives
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Grants for Green Stormwater Projects
The City of Portland is now accepting applications for their 1% for Green program. This program provides money for green infrastructure facilities that manage stormwater, preserve or mimic the natural hydrologic cycle, control flow, improve water quality, enhance livability and provide other environmental benefits. Projects such as green Street swales, curb extensions, planters, vegetated infiltration basins and porous paving are eligible.
Density to Increase on Garfield
A new development planned for the Walnut Park portion of the King Neighborhood will see dutch colonial style renovated with the yard to either side built out with new construction detached row homes or “skinny houses.” The houses will have attached garages accessed from the alley in the rear. Max Ritchie, the developer has built four homes nearby that are examples of his building style. They are located in pairs at 4724 N Commercial & 4131 N Albina. Mr. Ritchie says the homes are constructed with great care and sensitivity to direct 
neighbors and the neighborhood at large, and are Green certified through Earth Advantage.
The homes at NE Garfield may have a slightly different front elevation, so as to more conform to the neighborhood, and paint colors will be selected based on the surrounding homes. Extensive renovations are underway on the existing home on NE Garfield, and Mr. Ritchie says he plans to make it his personal residence.
A land use review concerning the partition of the lot is pending. You can read the notice here: http://www.portlandonline.com/bds/index.cfm?c=42260&a=321970
You can contact Max Ritchie if you have further questions at: oregonocean@gmail.com