About the Pilot Project

This project will explore land use, transportation and connectivity, and development design issues in multi dwelling residential and commercial zones in the area generally within 1/4 mile of SE 122nd Avenue from SE Division Street to SE Foster Road. SE 122nd Avenue is designated as a "main street" and "corridor" in the Metro 2040 Concept plan.

The effort will explore ways to help create a "20-minute neighborhood" as envisioned by the Portland Plan for this portion of SE 122nd Avenue. The study will explore these issues from the perspective of creating a built environment that promotes community health and is both viable and sustainable in the future.

Until the mid-1990s, much of outer Southeast Portland east of I-205 was unincorporated Multnomah County. The portion of the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood encompassed by the study area was annexed to Portland in 1995.

Prior to annexation, development in the area was suburban and semi-rural in character, characterized by relatively low-density single dwelling development on large lots, apartment complexes in some locations, and commercial retail and services located at major street intersections.

In 1996 Portland adopted the Outer Southeast Community Plan, which evaluated conditions in the area, and resulted in application of new zoning designations in the study area. As a result, much of the residential land adjacent to and within 1/4 mile of SE 122nd Avenue was zoned for multi dwelling development (apartments, condos, and attached houses).

Sanitary and stormwater systems were developed around this time to serve the newly annexed area, however some other components of urban infrastructure (streets with curbs, sidewalks, etc.) remain substandard. There is also a lack of a connected street system and pedestrian network serving the area.

The study area and vicinity has accommodated a significant amount of new residential development - in both multi dwelling and single-dwelling zones. However, many community members have expressed a desire to improve the design and compatibility of the site and building design features of new development.

Housing is being developed and creating a stronger market for local goods and services, but there has been a lack of commercial development and investment in the area. A limited amount of land is currently zoned for commercial or mixed use development; this may not be adequate to serve the community's future needs.

Approach and Participation

The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is conducting this study. Some of the questions that the study will explore are:

• How can 122nd Avenue evolve over time to create a better sense of community and identity?
• How can the design of new housing in the 122nd Avenue corridor be improved to make it more compatible and attractive and still accommodate growth?
• Is there a way for the neighborhood and 122nd Avenue to support a wider array of local retail and services and help create a convenient "20-minute neighborhood" as envisioned by the Portland Plan?
• What types of changes would create a more "healthy" and "sustainable" neighborhood?

The study will engage a variety of community stakeholders in developing and evaluating options. Public participation will include local neighbors and the neighborhood association, community health partners, non-profit organizations, business community representatives, school districts, and others. Technical participation will include Portland Bureau of Transportation, Portland Development Commission, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Bureau of Environmental Services, TriMet, and others.

122nd Avenue Pilot Study Timeline

Task 1: Background/Project start-Up (Feb 2009-July 2009)

Task 2: Existing Conditions, Health Parameters (April 2009 - August 2009)

Task 3: Explore Vision and Alternatives (September 2009 - December 2009)

Task 4: Refine Study Alternatives (January 2010 - April 2010)

Task 5: Develop Recommendations (May 2010 - June 2010)

The following steps are dependent on outcomes on previous tasks, - direction of the Portland Plan, and funding issues:

Task 6: Develop Implementation Measures (July 2010 - September 2010)

Task 7: Adoption Process (October 2010 and beyond)