News

Jim Clark / Gresham Outlook Disc golfer Jerry Miller, right, helped spearhead a drive to raise funds for Park Place Coffee when owner Dina DiNucci, left, was ready to close up shop.

Unexpected help keeps cafe owner from closing her heart and doors Park Place Coffee will continue serving the community

Source: The Gresham Outlook, Jan 7, 2011, Updated Jan 11, 2011
By Mara Stine

Dina DiNucci opened her coffee and crepe shop Park Place Coffee in Rockwood four years ago, not only to operate a small business, but to give the community a gathering place.

But as the economy tanked it became harder and harder for DiNucci to stay afloat. She squeaked by every month. Yet as 2011 neared, she wondered if it made sense to invest another $1,000 in her annual business licenses, permit and other yearly expenses

GRDC Advisory Committee agenda: Election of Officers, Rockwood Code Compliance Staff Report, 2011 Revenue Projections, Rockwood in Motion Update, Annual Report to GRDC, Plaza del Sol Programming Work Group Update

When: Wednesday Jan 12, 2011 7PM-9PM
Where: Gresham City Hall
Oregon Trail Conference Center
1333 NW Eastman Pky
Gresham OR
Get Map!

On the agenda

Click here for Wednesday night's Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) Advisory Committee meeting agenda. This link takes you to the City of Gresham webpage that has the attachments and further meeting information.

East County Courts, Rockwood Click for enlarge

Formal ground breaking to begin construction of $19.6 million courthouse Courthouse opens in spring 2012

When: Friday, Jan 7, 2011 11:00AM
Where: East County Courthouse site
SE 185th Avenue & Stark St
Gresham OR
Get Map!

Source: Multnomah County, East County Courts website

Public Affairs Office, News Release

Multnomah County is slated to break ground on a new courts facility in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham.

On Friday, Jan. 7 at 11 a.m., project stakeholders will make remarks and formally break ground to begin construction on the $19.6 million courthouse on a 4.2 acre lot at Southeast 185th Avenue and Stark Street in Gresham. The Courthouse opens in spring 2012.

Speakers will include Oregon State District 25 Senator Laurie Monnes Anderson, Multnomah County Presiding Judge Jean Maurer; Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen; Multnomah County Commissioners Diane McKeel and Judy Shiprack; and project manager Doug Obletz with Shiels Obletz Johnsen.

The expanded court facilities will serve people being adjudicated for misdemeanors, violations, small claims, landlord and tenant actions, ex parte hearings and document filing for all civil and domestic relations actions. Many of these functions historically have been filed at the downtown courthouse.

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue

• Holiday Schedule for Garbage and Recycling Service
• Living Christmas Trees Good for Environment
• Red Sunset Park Construction Project Starts
• Giving Gifts that Create Less Waste
• Property Crime Maps
• We’re Updating Gresham's Transportation System Plan
• Help Volunteer to Survey Amphibians This Winter
• New MAX Station at Gresham Station
• Did You Know? Wipes Clog Pipes
• Volunteer as a Severe Events Driver

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

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Gresham Neighborhoods listing

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.

188/187 realignment begins

Start Street Boulevard completes. 188th/187th Ave realign begins, open house Nov 17th 6PM. Plaza del Sol holiday event, Dec 11.

One project completes

One major Urban Renewal-funded project is successfully wrapping up and another is about to get under way in Central Rockwood. The Stark Street Boulevard project is finishing up work to Stark between 190th and 199th, with the final round of concrete work and landscape planting to be completed any day now. The project improved sidewalks, bike lanes and crosswalks along this important arterial street, and added new street lights and landscaping.

Another project begins

At the same time, the 187th Avenue project is about to begin, with demolition of the north part of the Rockwood Community Office building leading off work that will build a new street connection from 187th and Stark to 188th and Burnside across the east end of former Fred Meyer site (the southern portion of the building used by Gresham Police will remain as is). When it’s complete, this new street will provide a much safer direct connection between the Rockwood MAX station and the neighborhood to the south of Stark, complete with a new signal at 187th and Stark, which should reduce much of the current conflict between vehicles and pedestrians on that stretch of Stark. Construction area map.

What are these things? Click to enlarge

Beauty meets functionality Born in Portland, Stormwater planters are being replicated nationwide for their 'green' stormwater management

Let The Rains Begin

With the rainy season upon us it seems appropriate to explore some recent roadside changes in our area.

Q. Have you noticed the new curbside planters popping-up everywhere and wondered what they are, and what's their purpose?

A. They're Stormwater planters. And are being installed to manage street stormwater runoff and improve the water quality of area rivers and streams.

Managing Stormwater, Naturally

Stormwater planters are a natural stormwater management approach that uses plants and soil to slow, filter, and cleanse stormwater from streets. Traditional stormwater management directs runoff into pipes. Stormwater planters disconnect street stormwater runoff from a storm sewer and manages it at its source, where rain falls, using a landscape approach.

Nationally Recognized Program Pioneered in 2005 by the City of Portland's "12th Avenue Green Street Project," stormwater planters are now used extensively throughout Portland neighborhoods and urban areas. In fact, stormwater planters are so effective at managing stormwater runoff that cities all across the nation are following Portland's footsteps.

12th Ave Green Streets Project Click to enlarge

Since 2005 the City of Portland has received many awards for its innovative designs and has become the recognized leader in green stormwater management.

Stormwater planters protect water quality in rivers and streams by removing up to 90% of pollutants. They replenish groundwater supplies, absorb carbon, improve air quality and improve neighborhood aesthetics.

Suzan Wells, Pres. SWNA outside abandoned QFC store 182nd/Powell. Gresham Outlook

City of Gresham "Big Box" Code nears completion UPDATE: Gresham approves big-box standards, Nov. 16

Years in the making

Five years ago the Southwest Neighborhood Association (SWNA) appealed to Gresham city leaders to create a code regulating big-box stores. Susan Wells, President of SWNA says "This is not about keeping businesses out. This is about responsible development in the City of Gresham."

Background
A few years ago the City of Gresham became mired in a three year battle when Walmart's proposed supercenter (182nd & Powell) met with fierce opposition from the local neighborhood association over issues with traffic, safety and livability. Gresham approved the 212,000 sq ft project (complete with two levels of underground parking for 900 cars) but the neighborhood, worried about traffic problems, appealed the city’s decision to the state Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) and won. A year later, Walmart proposed a store half the size; this time the city rejected the proposal, citing traffic issues. Walmart appealed to LUBA, but the application was eventually denied in part due to strong citizen opposition.

UPDATE: Gresham approves big-box standards
(Source: The Gresham Outlook, Nov 16, 2010)
Gresham city councilors unanimously approved a package of code changes, new zones and a host of design standards to a round of applause on Tuesday, Nov. 16. Read more.

An important message to our neighbors

Susan Wells, President of the Southwest Neighborhood Association has helped shape the City's new "Big Box" Retail Design and Development Standards with her continued involvement. Throughout this project Susan has emailed valuable information and insight to share with our neighbors about this important community issue.

Below is Susan's latest email:

East County Courts, Rockwood Click for MultCo website

It's official. East County Courts will be built! New three-story facility will house courts and county data center

After more than 40-years the East County Courts will be built in Rockwood. Ground breaking on the new court facility will begin before year's end

Unanimous Approval

The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously October 28, 2010 to approve final plans for construction and financing of a new East County Courthouse in the Rockwood neighborhood of Gresham. Approval to build the facility culminates years of effort to replace the current leased courthouse space in Gresham, which is leaky, cramped and inadequate.

“As a long-time East Multnomah County resident, I am very excited to see this courthouse finally become a reality,” said District 4 Commissioner Diane McKeel. “This project will create new jobs and provide a catalyst for economic growth and development in Rockwood and East County. I would like to acknowledge the partnership, perseverance and support shown throughout this process from my peers on the Board, the courts, law enforcement, East County cities, neighbors and the business community.”

City of Gresham Police

New service saves the City time & money Residents can now report nonemergency crimes online

Online reporting system offered by Gresham Police

Gresham Police Department is launching a new crime reporting service that will allow residents to file police reports online beginning Oct. 11. The new service will allow people to file certain reports at their convenience. These reports include:

• Vandalism (including graffiti)
• Lost property (excluding firearms and prescription medications)
• Theft from vehicles
• Theft (excluding firearms or prescription medications)
• Vandalism to a motor vehicle
• Additional property Information (supplemental information to a prior report)

Click here to File a Police Report

City of Gresham News, Community Activities, Workshops & More

Neighborhood Connections is a publication from the City of Gresham Communications & Community Outreach offering City of Gresham news, Public Safety information, Community Activities & Events, Training & Workshops, Volunteer Opportunities, and more.

Inside this Issue

• Filing a Police Report Just Got Easier
• Learn Conflict Styles and Communication – October 20
• Pumpkin Tip
• Fall Leaves 101
• $200 Rain Garden Grants Available
• Neighborhood Safety Forum - November 20
• Volunteer to Watch Wildlife
• A Huge Success: Prescription Drug Turn In Event
• SmartTrips Neighborhood Marketing Campaign Begins
• Last Chance to Comment on Gresham’s Bike System (Take Our Online Survey)
• Experience is the Best Teacher, and You Have a Lifetime’s Worth
• Upcoming Workshop on Negotiation Skills – November 10
• Winter Weather Safety Tips
• Multnomah County RSVP, a Program of Metropolitan Family Service (MFS)

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

Facebook - Read more
Twitter - Read more
Subscribe to City media releases - Read more

Gresham Neighborhoods listing

For more information, visit the Neighborhood Associations page at GreshamOregon.gov or contact Cathy Harrington at 503-618-2482, or email Cathy.Harrington@GreshamOregon.gov.