Announcement

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.

The long-running effort to obtain decent court facilities for East Multnomah County is once again coming to a critical decision point

Source: The Gresham Outlook (Mar 31, 2010)

And that means East County citizens and leaders must maintain a sense of urgency about finally pushing this project over the top.

On Tuesday night, Multnomah County officials – including Commissioners Diane McKeel and Judy Shiprack – held a meeting in outer East Portland to update the community on the preliminary design for a courthouse that would be built in Rockwood, at Southeast 185th Avenue and Stark Street. That session will be followed on April 22 with a presentation to the full board of county commissioners, who then will decide how to proceed with the courthouse project.

(Everyone in the greater East County area (especially Gresham & West Gresham) is urged to attend the April 22 meeting (501 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214). If you cannot attend please submit written statements by email to the County Commissioners here (http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/cc/) prior to April 22 to be added to the record and show your support for this important project! Ed.)

(UPDATE: View preliminary design photos below. Ed.)

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...

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!

Public meeting on East County Courts Project team to offer updates and information on proposed Courthouse in Gresham’s Rockwood neighborhood

When: Tuesday, March 30, 2010 6:30 – 8:30PM
Where: Parklane Christian Reformed Church
16001 SE Main
Portland, OR
Get Map!

On Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Multnomah County will hold an informational public meeting on the status of the proposed East County Courts project. This will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Parklane Christian Reformed Church, 16001 Southeast Main Street, in East Portland. (Meeting details below)

(Everyone in the greater East County (especially Gresham & West Gresham) area is urge to attend this important meeting! Ed.)

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.

The Center for the Art Foundation presents St Patrick's Day the Plaza Wednesday March 17th 4-7PM

A Free Celebration of All Things Irish!

When: Wednesday March 17, 2010 4:00PM-7:00PM
Where: The Center for the Arts Plaza
between NE 2nd & 3rd on NE Hood St
Gresham OR
Get Map!

Activities

• Irish Lass Ms. Lynn Kelly Mistress of Ceremonies
• The Shamrocks featuring Julie & Shannon McCarl
• Beer Garden, sponsored by 4th Street Brewing Company
• Irish Dancers from An Daire Academy of Celtic Arts
• Irish Food courtesy of Busy Bee Catering
• A "Shamrock" Walk for fun & prizes
• Face Painting
• Airbrush Art courtesy of Lee Lauritzen
• Photos with Mr. Leprechaun
  (bring your camera)

Free activities!!! Minimal charge for food and beverages.

Metro candidate Shirley Craddick

Stop by Park Place Coffee Visit with Metro position #1 candidate Shirley Craddick

When: Saturday Mar 20, 2010 4:00PM-6:00PM
Where: Park Place Coffee
1288 SE 182nd (next to Vance Park)
Gresham OR
Get Map!

Please come to Park Place Coffee to visit with Shirley Craddick, candidate for Metro Council District position #1, on Saturday March 20th from 4PM to 6PM.

This is a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with Shirley and hear why she is running for the Metro Council. Shirley is dedicated to researching the issues, listening to citizens and working to make our community better. She has been elected twice to the Gresham City Council, and now she's running to make Metro a more responsive and effective organization.

Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations Board Meeting Tuesday Mar 9, 2010 7:00PM

When: Tuesday Mar 9, 2010 7:00PM
Where: Gresham City Hall, Springwater Trail Room
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Get Map!

Public welcome

The Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations was formed to provide structure and support for the leadership of Gresham's neighborhood associations, enabling more effective cooperation among neighborhood associations in order to achieve desired outcomes. Goals of the Coalition include providing a public forum for the review and evaluation of issues and problems, providing education and information on specific areas such as land use, and providing a unified voice for the neighborhood associations.

The Coalition meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:00PM

Gresham’s 2010 Tree Forum “People Need Trees and Gresham’s Trees Need People” Take the survey here!

When: Saturday Mar 13, 2010 9AM - 12PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
Oregon Trail Conference Room
1333 NW Eastman Pwy
Gresham, OR 97030
Get Map!

The second Community Workshop for the Urban Forestry Management Plan project will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from 9AM to 12PM at City Hall.

Participate in the "Significant Tree Hunt" commemorating Gresham’s 100th birthday. Information available here!

Forum speakers & participants

• Jim Gersbach, Friends of Trees member
• Keith Warren, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery
• Nancy Buley, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Nursery
• Lynn Snodgrass, Drake’s 7 Dees
• Anne Rutherford, Storyteller

Events

• 9:00AM - Open house on the benefits of trees.
• 9:30AM - Tree treasure hunt prizes awarded. Clues on the City of Gresham Facebook page and via Twitter - hunt starts March 1. (See "Geocache Treasure Hunt" below)
• 10:00AM - Storyteller Anne Rutherford - What is your tree story?
• 10:20AM - Presentation on the value of trees.
• 11:00AM - Street Tree Arboretum community design activity. Bring your creative arboretum ideas for Gradin Sports Park.

Come enjoy a Tree Art Show presented by East Gresham Elementary and Mt. Hood Montessori!

Refreshments provided!

Tree Survey

Share your thoughts and opinions on trees in Gresham.