News

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.”

Proposed facility to be located in Rockwood's Germantowne Square, 192nd between Stark and Burnside

When: Tuesday Feb 2, 2010 6:30PM
Where: 19295 E Burnside
Gresham Oregon
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Meeting Notice

"RETREAC" and a contractor based out of San Francisco have applied to open and operate a Methadone Maintenance Treatment Facility for the treatment and counseling of narcotic addiction. [Methadone is a Schedule II Narcotic not to be confused with "Meth"(Methamphetamine)].

This informational meeting is being held at the request of applicant to:

1. facilitate discussion between neighbors and the applicant
2. identify any perceived issues regarding the proposal, and
3. make modifications to the proposal where reasonable.

It is part of Gresham's Planning Application process for Community Service Use – Type III. Please visit https://egov.greshamoregon.gov/Click2GovPZ/Index.jsp and input Project Number 09-26000311 to review Project Documents/Comments.

Concerned citizens of Rockwood and Wilkes East are urged to attend this meeting.

"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.

Meet the Candidates for Metro Council District #1 Everyone is invited to attend.

When: Monday Mar 15, 2010 7PM
Where: Gresham Salvation Army
Youth Center
473 SE 194th St
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Canidates Forum

The Rockwood Neighborhood Association (RNA) is providing a forum for District #1 candidates to introduce themselves, describe Metro and address issues relevant to East County and their respective campaigns. This position is currently held by Rod Park.

Candidates running for Council Position #1 are:

• Shirley Craddick
  [Currently Council Position #3, City of Gresham]
• Christopher Gorsek
  [Currently Professor, Mt. Hood Comm. College]
• Duke Shepard
  [Currently Political Director, Oregon AFL-CIO]

The RNA will provide updates on Neighborhood issues (parks, County Courts, TriMet improvements) prior to the forum.

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

• Learn Communication Skills for Conflicts
• Volunteer for Recycling Knock & Talks
• Neighborhood Safety Forum - February 17
• Serve on the City’s Transportation Subcommittee
• Deadline Approaching to Sign Up for Kelly Creek Neighborhood Tree Planting
• Help Develop a Design Vision for Multi-Family Housing
• Kelly Creek Volunteer Event - January 16
• Stark Street Road Project Starting in Rockwood
• GREAT Business Campaign Kick-Off - January 29
• $100 Rain Garden Grants Available in 2010
• Help Volunteer to Survey Frogs This Winter
• February Outdoor Volunteer Event - February 20
• Stormwater Annual Reports Available Online
• Road Work on Hogan Drive Starting in February

Keep up with what’s Happening in your City!

Facebook - Read more
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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.

New methadone clinic in Rockwood? Maybe. (katu.com)

"Allowing this type of business" says Gresham mayor, "would be a step in the wrong direction."

Source: katu.com (Jan. 7, 2010)

A Gresham landlord wants to fill a vacancy with a methadone clinic, but the mayor said Wednesday the area has enough clinics already.

The site is in Gresham’s Rockwood area at 192nd and East Burnside and has been vacant for more than a year. Owner Jack Medak said he just wants a business that will help pay the bills.

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

City identifies 181st & Halsey as one of four potential Gresham locations. Five years later, still no 'Big Box' building code for responsible development.

According to a recent City Council report the possibility is real.

At the October 13th 2009 City Council meeting city planners presented a report that acknowledges Gresham's (Oregon's fourth largest city) need for a big-box policy. The report outlined areas of concern; a summary of how similar sized cities address those issues; and how Gresham compares.

Report recommends delay

The report recommends delaying code development saying the retail market has slowed, making another big-box development unlikely anytime soon. Besides, "A big-box store requires eight acres to accommodate parking," said John Pettis, associate comprehensive planner, "there are no vacant properties (in Gresham) that meet that requirement".

Planners did however identify four sites big enough to be redeveloped to accommodate a big-box (bigger than 100,000 sq. ft.); including 181st & Halsey. (See map below for location)

Joyce Henstrand Jim Clark/Gresham Outlook

The Reynolds School District Board appoints acting superintendent, replacing Dr Robert Fisher

Joyce Henstrand named acting superintendent

Source: The Gresham Outlook, Dec 22, 2009
By Rob Cullivan, The Gresham Outlook

The Reynolds School District Board appointed Joyce Henstrand, 62, acting superintendent on Monday, Dec 21, 2009.

Henstrand, the district’s executive director of instruction since 2007, has worked in the district since 2003. She succeeds Robert Fisher, who resigned Dec 18th.

Since fall 2008, Fisher had led the district, and was credited by board members for straightening out the district’s financial mess. He was supposed to serve until June 30, 2010, but he quit early, citing differences with the board over policies and other issues.

Henstrand will serve in her position until the district hires a permanent superintendent. A search is under way for a permanent district leader, and Henstrand noted she plans to apply for the job.

Community-based urban living in West Gresham's Rockwood triangle. Click to enlarge

Sustainable Cities Year project redefines Rockwood potential. Proximity to Portland and MAX huge factors.

"Rockwood Boulevard combines social and community goals to transform an isolated and distressed site into a vibrant neighborhood. At the heart of the six arce site is a street lined with local business creating an atmosphere bursting with activity and unique flavor."

Six new designs for Rockwood

University of Oregon graduate students involved in the year-long Sustainable Cities Year program presented six new designs for the Rockwood triangle to an enthusiastic audience at the Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRC) meeting on Dec 9, 2009. The crowd, which divided into three groups for two presentations and a short Q&A every 20 minutes, liked what they saw.

"Community-based urban living supported by a micro economy of local business" dominated the design themes. Students cited the close proximity to downtown Portland and the importance of the adjacent MAX Blue Line as huge factors in their designs, saying Rockwood is positioned to become a vital and thriving area in West Gresham.