Halsey Street facility to supplant three East County grocery store collectors

Source: The Gresham Outlook (Apr 19, 2010)

Oregon’s first beverage container redemption center will open this summer in Wood Village.

The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) approved an application from the Portland-based Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) for the proposed center at 23345 NE. Halsey St.

When it opens this summer, the facility will redeem beverage containers of all types and brands. It marks the first time since 1971 the state has authorized a redemption-only center separate from local grocery stores.

Once opened, beverage containers will no longer be accepted at Fred Meyer, Wood Village; Safeway, Cherry Park Road; and Wal-Mart, Wood Village. Instead, the containers will be taken at the Halsey Street Redemption Center as well as smaller retailers in the area.

Chief Craig Junginger Gresham Police Department

Calls for police services increased in 2009 Violent crime is down, theft & vandelism rise, response times improve

First Annual Report Issued

Gresham Police Chief Craig Junginger recently released the first annual report for the Gresham Police Department. The report summarizes crime and accident data, police programs, and personnel highlights from 2009.

Highlights of the report include the activities of the three divisions of the police department, the department's community involvement, and 2009 crime statistics.

Did you know there are NO dog parks in Gresham? Join a grassroots effort to create an off-leash area.

Many cities the sizes of Gresham have off-leash dog parks that provide a real convenience and source of enjoyment to dog owners and their pets. These dog parks offer a safe and clean environment by providing an alternative to dog owners who might otherwise let their best friend run loose -- presenting a hazard to their pets and people.

In 2007 the City of Gresham added the only off-leash dog park in the city to Main City Park's master plan, but due to a down economy and budget priorities development remains delayed for the foreseeable future.

Meet Bonnie Mitchell, Gresham resident, dog owner, and community organizer. Bonnie is spearheading an effort in cooperation with Gresham Parks & Recreation to locate funding and grants in an attempt to get thing moving. In addition to funding, Bonnie is also seeking community support and volunteers for this project.

Interested persons are urged to contact Bonnie Mitchell by email at...

Gresham Fire visits Capri Terrace Click to enlarge

Firemen speak to Watch Group about home safety Neighbors enjoy "Daffodil & Springtime" luncheon

Capri Terrace Spring Meeting

Great turn out for their first quarterly meeting of the year. 41 members, 5 firemen along with 1 new household joined the Capri Terrace Neighborhood Watch Group. Several of our families had phoned indicating they were making an early start on Spring Break and were disappointed to miss the event.

Gresham Fire sent a big beautiful truck with their team to talk to us about home safety and were very gracious in answering many questions. They brought plenty of useful and informative materials to hand out including several new home CO detectors which were raffled during their presentation.

Billy & Laurie Simmon’s along with their twin daughters Alex & Andi hosted a lovely Daffodil & Springtime luncheon/dinner. Irish-Swiss Stew was prepared for the occasion along with a huge offering of salads, Shamrock/Easter cakes, pies and cupcakes by group members. Potluck's are a great way to meet neighbors and a lot of fun too!

Share your thoughts and opinions on parking in Downtown Gresham. Take the online survey. Now through June!

Downtown Parking Survey

What’s your opinion of parking in historic Downtown? Is it hard to find a parking space, or just fine? You are invited to share your thoughts and opinions on parking in Downtown Gresham through an online survey.

As part of the Downtown Parking Plan project, the City has developed questions regarding parking availability and preferences among those who use Downtown parking. Answers to questions also will help guide how to manage and provide parking in the future.

The survey will be available through June. Please spread the word. Click here to take the survey!

Graffiti effects everyone!

Graffiti damages our property, and impacts our community Help eliminate graffiti -- report it immediately!

Help with Graffiti Problem

The City of Gresham has reported an explosion in graffiti around town since the Holiday season. Graffiti damages property, and casts a bad light on our community. Don't let vandals take control of your neighborhood. We encourage everyone to help combat this problem!

Within 24 hours of graffiti appearing:

1. Take a picture of the graffiti
   (send it to Cathy Harrington, email Cathy.Harrington@greshamoregon.gov),
2. Report graffiti to the police at 503-618-2463. Do not call 911!
   (there is an officer dedicated to following up right now because the problem's so rampant), and
3. Clean it off or paint over it
   (contact Cathy for graffiti removal kits or help).

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Remember, graffiti effects everyone!

Have a voice in the 'big box' store code development project Attend this Community Forum, April 19th 6:30PM

When: Monday, April 19, 2010 6:30PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
Conference Rooms 2A/2B
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Gresham, OR
Get Map!

The first community forum for this 2010 Council Work Plan project has been scheduled for Monday, April 19 at 6:30PM in Gresham City Hall Conference Rooms 2A/2B. This project is a follow-up to the October 13, 2009, Gresham City Council Policy meeting on "big box" development.

(Everyone concerned about neighborhood big-box stores is urge to attend this important meeting as attendance does make an impact. This is a meeting where folks can make a comment (under 3 minutes). Since the time limit is very set please have your thoughts planned out ahead before attending the meeting. The City Staff will also be making their presentation to the City Council on April 20, 3 to 5pm... another good chance to have a large attendance and to speak (for 3 min). Ed.)

For more information about the 'big box' project and future meeting dates please visit the city's project Web site here.

Gresham Mayor says landlord "did the right thing" "I think he heard the community.”

Mayor Shane T. Bemis announced February 10, 2010 that Jack Medak the owner of the building at l9295 E Burnside and potential landlord for a proposed methadone clinic in the Rockwood area of Gresham has decided not to lease his space for that use.

The decision comes after a contentious two-hour meeting held Thursday, Feb. 4, in the building in question at 19295 E Burnside St.

"This is a big win for the people who have been working so hard to raise the tide in Rockwood," said Bemis. "I am tremendously proud of the community for clearly articulating the potential redevelopment obstacles and law enforcement challenges that could come from an additional methadone clinic in the area." Bemis said “I am glad that Mr. Medak did not lease to them,” adding, “He did the right thing. I think he heard the community.”

"Bye-bye" curbside parking. Much needed upgrades coming. Sidewalks, ADA rampes, bike lanes, and a new crosswalk near 172nd.

Changes coming to Halsey Street

May - September 2010 the City of Gresham’s Transportation Division will enhance Halsey Street between 162nd and 181st Avenues. The project includes construction of new sidewalks where they are missing, new ADA ramps, and an enhanced crosswalk on 172nd or at a nearby intersection to facilitate access to the north side of Halsey Street from H.B. Lee Middle School. Get Map!

The street surface will also be repaved with microseal, a more durable road surface than the existing asphalt. When the street is resurfaced automobile lanes will be realigned and bike lanes will be added to the north and south sides of the street. With the addition of bike lanes some on-street parking will be eliminated.

Volunteers plant Scarlet Oaks at Columbia View Park. Click to view

Oaks will add a nice touch of red fall color to Columbia View Park

Scarlet Oaks added to park

By Kate Farrington, (Friends of Trees)

Friends of Trees, along with volunteers from the Nadaka Nature Park work party, planted three Scarlet Oaks in Columbia View Park (in the SE area of the park) Jan. 9th. They were planted to replace four mature cottonwoods that were recently removed.

The oaks will add a nice touch of red fall color to the park, which is currently dominated by evergreen trees.

Thanks to Lee Dayfield, who put in a lot of work to make this planting happen! Friends of Trees is excited be involved in more planting projects out in Gresham.