West Gresham

Neighborhood Board Meeting When: Mon Sep 09, 2024 6:30PM-8PM Where: 17104 NE Oregon St Portland, OR Get Map!

Board meetings are now scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

• Oct 14, 2024
• Nov 11, 2024 *
• Dec 09, 2024 (No meeting)
• Jan 13, 2025
• Feb 10, 2025
• Mar 10, 2025*

* Public Meetings

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

It’s great to live in an area with families that truly look out for one another. By Eric El Kay Wilkes East neighbor

This past month marked my family’s first year in the neighborhood. Last May my wife and I (along with our cat Mia and dog Lupita) set out on a 3-day journey from the North side of Chicago to our new home in the Wilkes neighborhood of Gresham (or Portland?). Over the past year, we set out to explore what the neighborhood has to offer. We’ve also taken on quite a lot of projects around the house. These activities along with starting new jobs and making new friends have kept us pretty busy over the last year. They have also led to quite an eventful first year in the PNW. Here’s a peek at what the El Kay’s have been up to during Year 1.

I never saw myself being responsible for 50 full-grown goldfish but after a year of caretaking, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have it any other way. When my wife and I moved in we inherited a 2000-gallon fresh water pond in the backyard. This led to many hours of fresh pond research along with several “How to not let your fish die” books purchased. After a crash course in pond vacuum techniques, pond filter light bulb installation, and a constant battle with a certain neighborhood heron, I can honestly say that our newly expanded backyard family is thriving. This wasn’t always the case. Last year's heat wave took a toll on our community’s population but we have bounced back stronger than ever. We’ve also been able to give names to every single fish. Names include Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, and many other childhood legends that remind me of home.

My wife and I were fortunate enough to inherit a great garden setup. The owners before definitely had a green thumb. After trying our hands at gardening last summer we went into this year with a gameplan. Things grow so much faster compared to what we’re used to in the Midwest. The soil is truly magnificent here - we can grow things without much effort at all. This year we started with re-building 3 raised garden beds in the front yard along with upgrading the sprinkler system. With the amount of gardening on our property, a timer system is a must. Robyn has started the season with kale, chard, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers (hot and sweet), peas, beets, raspberries, blueberries, and a plethora of herbs. Although there is more work to be done in the future, it seems that we have settled into our harvest and watering routines early. Now we begin the endless learning of preservation, and whatever version of “living off the land” we can muster.

In between spending time out back with our Hall of Fame goldfish and greenery, we have done a fair job of exploring what the neighborhood has to offer. Outside of daily check-ins with our neighbors (which is not something you normally get in a Chicago townhouse), we’ve made it a point to find every hidden gem. I’ve made a habit out of running at the H.B. Lee track and (when I’m feeling adventurous) the Glendoveer Golf Course, which from our house to around the course and back typically results in about a 4.5 mile run. While exploring the local culture and community we’ve become very familiar with food trucks, especially our favorite, the Fairview Food Plaza and Food Cart Heaven on Glisan. I’ll also admit, as someone who grew up hiding from weather half the year, easy access to Powell Butte has turned me into an outdoorsman.

This year has brought a lot of change for the El Kay’s. The community has made this transition period a positive experience. I really can’t express how great it is to live in an area with families that stop each other on the street to chat and truly look out for one another. While change can be scary, you have all made this a positive experience with your community and sense of belonging. We know2025 will bring more home improvement projects, goldfish babies, and many many more trips to La Isla Bonita and Migration Brewing. It’ll also bring more changes. I for one can’t wait to see what else it brings.

Hi! My name is Ed Spradlin, I am 77yrs young, and I have lived in Portland/Gresham all my life. I grew up in North Portland across from Columbia Park. I attended grade school in Portsmouth and Highland. I then attended Jefferson Hight School, followed by Oregon State University. I was drafted to Vietnam, and after my return continued my education to graduate from Portland State University.

Ed Spradlin

My family ultimately moved out to Gresham 45 years ago, and I have lived there ever since. I am now involved in volunteering for a non-profit that helps under privileged children get access to dental care. The Dental Foundation of Oregon is the non-profit organization that supports and funds the "Tooth Taxi". This is basically a large rolling dental clinic on wheels that travels across Oregon to schools and communities not only educating families but giving actual dental care to children in need.

My family and friends have also joined me in my efforts to help raise money for this cause. What started as me walking the streets in search of cans and bottles to raise money, has now blossomed into an ever growing team of individuals sharing in this effort. Team "Can Do".

Some of the many bottles & cans Ed has collected for the the 'Tooth Taxi'

Every day I am overwhelmed by the beauty of all these individuals who have eagerly stepped up to be a part of something that is growing in support. People want to help. They just, often, don't know how. I have realized something in this process, and it is validated everyday by all the people who have joined this cause. We can do amazing things alone, but even more amazing things together. Together we are team "Can Do".

Outstanding job Ed!

By Greg Hartung
Land Use Co-Chair

Hello members of our Wilkes East Neighborhood Association.
The Wilkes East Neighborhood Association board regularly receives land use plans from the City of Gresham to notify us of land use projects within or proximity to the Wilkes East neighborhood boundaries.

Pre-Application PRE 23-00498: Early Neighborhood Notification of 2751 NE 181st Avenue & 2777-2789 NE 181st Avenue, Gresham, Oregon 97230. The owner is proposing to develop two (2) parcels with a new 7-Eleven 4-pump commercial truck commercial fueling station with a 30-foot by 68-foot canopy (approximately 18 feet tall).  Also included is a small, 13'x11'/135 square foot compressor shed. A pedestrian pathway is proposed from the new fueling island to the existing 7-Eleven store.  Access to the site will be via the existing driveway off NE 181st Avenue which will be widened to the south to accommodate larger trucks.  The northern approach will also be widened to allow for larger turning movements.

An exit-only will be constructed providing access for fueled trucks direct access onto NE 181st Avenue southbound (which has already been discussed and approved by City of Gresham transportation staff). The two existing lots may also be combined. An Early Neighborhood Notification meeting will be tentatively scheduled for the week of July 29, 2024.

Click to enlarge

Design review DR-23-00600, Location 17311 NE Halsey St, Portland Or 97230, proposal: Retroactive review of previous tree removal and approximately 25,000 square feet of outdoor storage area and conversion of parking to outdoor storage, plus new outdoor storage are of approximately 38,000 square feet. Applicant proposed a minor variance to exceed the maximum standard for outdoor storage by 20%. The proposed includes past and future removal of 111 regulated trees.
Wilkes East Neighborhood Association submitted public comments regarding the tree removal. They acknowledged the need for some tree removal to allow for business expansion but described the requested amount of tree removal as “excessive.” They described several benefits which mature trees provide to the urban landscape and noted their importance as a fixture of the Wilkes East Neighborhood.
Staff response Staff agree with the many benefits provided by mature trees as described by the Neighborhood Association. Preservation of mature trees is a goal of the City of Gresham. The City is presently revising the Tree Regulations in the Community Development Code to better reflect community values. While the tree removal associated with this application is significant, the applicant proposes to retain and protect 142 mature trees on site. The applicant does not propose removing more than the necessary number of trees to accommodate the proposed expansion of their outdoor storage area.

Staff find that reasonable efforts have been made to retain mature trees where possible and that the applicant’s proposal meets the standards for Type II Tree Removal in Section 9.1000 All documents are also available online [link: https://greshamor-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/SelfService#/home]. If you have any questions about the decision, please contact Emily Langston at Emily.Langston@GreshamOregon.gov.

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Permit number BLDC-21-05690 Taco Bell New Build 181St. Location 2309 NE 181st Ave, Gresham, Or 97230. Land clearing and construction is underway for a new Taco Bell with drive through. The developer had disputed the Pedestrian ADA access ramp to 181st citing that the property does not have 181st frontage and pedestrian traffic is negligible.

Landscaping requirement exceptions for 6 new trees that conflicted with overhead utilities was considered in lieu of a Tree Fund Contribution of $600 per tree. ODOT would not allow trees to be planted on the adjacent ODOT owned property.

Click to enlarge

For these and other public records, you can visit the City of Gresham, OR
website: https://greshamor-energovweb.tylerhost.net. You do not need to create or register an account with online services to access project files.

To search for project files and public records: Click on the search icon.
In the screen that loads, type in the Plan case number in the search field and click on the search button. The page will reload with the results of the search, including highlighted direct links to cases. Click on the highlighted link for the Plan case. In the page that loads, click on the Attachments tab to view project files.

You can also view detailed instructions on how to search for public records at: https://greshamoregon.gov/workarea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=13448M.

If you have any questions about accessing the files online or any projects, please contact PlanningTech@GreshamOregon.gov

Neighborhood Board Meeting Zoom Online Meeting When: Mon Jul 08, 2024 6:30PM-8:00PM Click here to join Zoom Meeting

Board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM via Zoom
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

* General Meeting. Everyone's invited. Please attend.

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

Neighborhood Board Meeting Zoom Online Meeting RECHEDULED When: Mon Jun 17, 2024 6:30PM-8:00PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82533819212?pwd=V21WNVFHYXJENzNYV3FhbDFCbVpsQT09 Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285 One tap mobile +13462487799,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US (Houston) +16694449171,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285

Board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM via Zoom
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

* General Meeting. Everyone's invited. Please attend.

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

Neighborhood Board Meeting Zoom Online Meeting CANCELLED When: Mon Jun 10, 2024 6:30PM-8:00PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82533819212?pwd=V21WNVFHYXJENzNYV3FhbDFCbVpsQT09 Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285 One tap mobile +13462487799,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US (Houston) +16694449171,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285

Board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM via Zoom
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

* General Meeting. Everyone's invited. Please attend.

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

Neighborhood Board Meeting Zoom Online Meeting When: Mon Apr 08, 2024 6:30PM-8:00PM Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87677132938?pwd=Nm9kYWIyV1gxNTlJQXBPQmVxSWRPZz09 Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285 One tap mobile +13462487799,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US (Houston) +16694449171,,87677132938#,,,,*648285# US Meeting ID: 876 7713 2938 Passcode: 648285

Board meetings are scheduled for the 2nd Monday each month 6:30PM via Zoom
For more information please contact: info@wilkeseastna.org

Upcoming Meetings

* General Meeting. Everyone's invited. Please attend.

Wilkes East Neighborhood
17104 NE Oregon St
Portland OR 97230

Spring Meeting Notice When: Mon Mar 11, 2024 7PM-9PM Where: Moose Lodge 16411 NE Halsey St Get Map!

Everyone's Invited

Join Your Neighbors. Get involved. Make a difference!

Save the date
Be sure to save Monday Mar 11th at 7PM for the Wilkes East Neighborhood 2024 Spring Meeting being held at the Moose Lodge, 16411 NE Halsey St

Agenda

• Chief Scott Lewis, Gresham Fire Department
• Janet Unruh, Rockwood Greensoace Now
• Neighborhood news and more!

Download the Fall 2023 meeting minutes here!

Who should attend?
Participation is open to all residents who live, own property or a business, organization, church or government agency within our boundaries

Be Part Of Your Community. Plan To Attend.

Watch for these red & white Meeting Signs the week before our meeting. The signs were purchased with assistance of the City of Gresham Neighborhood Grant Program, and with volunteer hours to set them out and retrieve them. Signs Now NW also made a generous contribution to this project.

Mark your calendar. See you there!

Questions or comments?
Contact Wilkes East Neighborhood by email at info@wilkeseastna.org, or by postal mail to: Wilkes East Neighborhood, 17104 NE Oregon St, Portland Oregon 97230