Commentary:
Probing letters
Since the last issue I have received two letters (see below) from readers who believe that contributions for lighting up the "Hillsdale" sign on the Watershed is not an appropriate use of community resources. Both writers cite the need for energy conservation and found the story about installing solar panels near the building ironic.
It is easy to see why they would be concerned about this seeming disconnect.
The Watershed's developer, Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) and all of us involved with volunteering on the project agreed that the building should meet LEED energy conservation standards. It does.
The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program certified the building with a "silver" designation, which means, among other things, that its energy use is 30 percent better than what's required by code. The sign lights are highly efficient LEDs (light emitting diodes) and are on a timer. Their energy consumption is part of the LEED calculation.
Incidentally, CPAH contracts with PGE to buy through its "green power" program.
Finally, the sign was a unique and generous opportunity given to the community by CPAH. The developers easily could have put the name "Watershed" on the sign but they chose the "Hillsdale" designation as a contribution to the community.
The sign, with its cylindrical dome light, has become an instant landmark for Hillsdale, not unlike the iconic "Made in Oregon" reindeer sign or the Schnitzer Auditorium's "Portland" marque.
Our "Hillsdale" sign, most importantly, has become a beacon of community pride and spirit.
That said, I want to thank the letter writers for raising their concerns. I hope this addresses most of them. I should have anticipated their questions, and questioning, and included this information long ago. RS
Can't get
behind project
Editor,
I am writing because I just can't get behind the idea of a project to use more electricity at a time when we desperately need to be using less. I find it hard to understand why we need a lighted sign to tell people passing through what area they are driving by. (And it's just passers-through who need the sign - local folks already know that Hillsdale is Hillsdale.)
In the same issue of the Hillsdale News, much is made of the proposed photovoltaic array at Rieke and I think that it is great, although the aesthetic quibbles provoke considerable eye-rolling on my part.
If there were a fund to install a photovoltaic system to power the sign lighting, I'm sure that I would contribute. In fact, if an effort is not made, at the very least, to make the sign's lighting carbon-neutral, I will be very disappointed indeed.
I would much rather see money go towards a photovoltaic array on the roof of the Watershed building, though, than paying for wind turbines out in eastern Oregon or somewhere.
Peace,
Alan Locklear
"Extravaganza"
Editor,
I have waited much too long to comment on this. I am distressed at the thought of a new light display in Hillsdale, when we need to be doing all we can to reduce our energy use.
It is strange to see issue after issue of the Hillsdale News promoting both an energy-saving solar array and an energy-wasting light extravaganza. I don't think that is too strong a word: in our radically changing environment any unnecessary lighting is an extravaganza. And no, advertising a commercial center is not necessary, at least not in Hillsdale in the middle of the night.
I know many civic-minded people have contributed time and money towards this project, but is it too late to start a conversation about how the money will be used? The project already encompasses other things than the sign - perhaps the funds designated for the sign could go to these or to other needed improvements. The Hillsdale News could invite suggestions for improving public accessibility or safety, or for saving energy. Token prizes could be awarded for the best suggestions.
Regards,
Robin Fox
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Hillsdale's new logo
Those attending recent meetings of the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association and the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association have chosen a new logo for Hillsdale.
The voters selected among four possible designs that were among several offered by graphic artist Christine Rains of the City of Portland's bureau of planning. The bureau donated her services as part of its efforts to advance Hillsdale's Town Center plans.
The logo uses the "hills" motif found in the old Hillsdale logo. Part of the old logo is displayed on Hillsdale's signcaps and town center gateway signs.
Initially the new logo will be used on shopping bags and door stickers for Hillsdale Business and Professional Association members. The promotion is being funded through a $1400 City grant administered by the Alliance of Portland Neighborhood Business Associations.
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New crosswalk to be built
before November
 That planned pedestrian crosswalk near The Watershed housing project is a go, even though the fiscal year came to an end on June 30.
City officials say that under a recently awarded contract, the project must be completed by early November.
Community leaders lobbied heavily for a new, fully signalized crosswalk that will allow pedestrians to stop westbound traffic that currently zips onto SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway from SW Capitol Highway.
Leaders like Hillsdale Neighborhood Association president Don Baack were concerned that the end of the City's fiscal year would eliminate funds for the $107,695 project.
But Mark Lear of the Transportation department's pedestrian office said that with the contract signed, the funds have been encumbered so that they can be spent in the new fiscal year.
The contractor, Signal Construction Group of Woodburn, must complete the project by Nov. 7, said Lisa Elbert, project manager for the city.
The construction contract is $90,000 with an additional $17, 695 allocated for traffic signal poles and their installation.
Elbert said that the pedestrian island now in the middle of the busy intersection will be removed along with its signal pole. The new 80-foot crossing will have an on-demand pedestrian signal allowing 20 seconds to cross the convergence of Beaverton Hillsdale Highway and Capitol.
All vehicular traffic will stop at the intersection during the pedestrian crossing period.
The pedestrian signal will have a "chirp" button and a countdown display showing walkers how much time remains to get across the street, Elbert said.
With the removal of the pedestrian island, the crossing will be straighter than it is today, she added. Two new signal poles will be installed over the intersection.
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Farmers' Market bans dogs
until fall
Starting August 3, if you are planning on taking your dog to the Hillsdale Farmers Market, curb the idea.
Following a number of dog incidents at the bustling market, the Farmer's Market board recently voted to ban dogs through October.
The incidents have taken a number of forms, said Assistant Market Manager LeeLa Coleman. While most dogs are well-behaved and under control, there have been a number of nipping incidents. With market attendance running at 25 percent more than last year, the crowded market has seen patrons becoming tangled in dog leases.
Coleman recounted how recently a dog owner tied her dog to a vendor's table and then went off to shop. When the dog spotted another dog, he bounded toward it, hauling the table behind him.
The ban will be lifted at the end of the summer market. From November to April, when the market is less crowded, dogs will be welcomed back.
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Food Front still set
for August opening
Food Front remains on schedule to open its store in the Hillsdale Shopping Center in late August, say its managers.
And the cooperative is more than half the way to meeting its goal of raising $60,000 in new co-op memberships.
Mike Roach, president of the Hillsdale Business and Professional Association, has been helping at Food Front's recruitment booth in the Hillsdale Farmers Market. He calls the opening "a huge step forward in the continuing evolution of our community" and is urging neighbors to purchase $150 owner/memberships before the store opens rather than after.
Early sign-up will reduce Food Front's need to borrow from other sources to stock the new store, he says.
Roach, who is co-owner of Paloma Clothing, notes that the farmers' market booth accepts checks and credit cards for the one-time memberships, which are fully refundable on request and cover households. He adds that membership isn't required to shop at Food Front.
At the July HBPA meeting, Food Front General Manager Holly Jarvis said that three-fourths of the staff has been hired for the new store and that nearly all the new employees are from Southwest Portland.
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Town Center planning
meetings set for fall
Consultants helping plan the future of the Hillsdale Town Center will hold two community meetings this fall to gather community ideas. A third meeting will present findings that can be used to interest developers in the Town Center.
Sera Design, in conjunction with the City's planning bureau, will hold the meetings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10; Tuesday, Oct 21, and Wednesday, Nov. 12. Meeting organizers hope to hold the meetings at Wilson High School, although they were unable to confirm the location at press time.
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Business:
Moving Moxie studio opens
Mckenzie Petterson, a 2001 Wilson High School graduate, is teaching Pilates at her newly opened studio, Moving Moxie, in her native Hillsdale.
Mckenzie is a graduate of Santa Fe's Core Dynamics Pilates program. Her studio is at 1515 SW Sunset Boulevard, next to Salon Dirk and just two doors from Salvador Molly's.
Pilates is a program to help clients gain postural strength, over-all tone and healthy body mechanics.
Mckenzie, a former clerk at both Hillsdale's Natures (now Food Front) and Paloma Clothing, went to Mary Rieke Elementary School and Robert Gray Middle School.
Her late grandfather, developer contractor Pete Petterson, built many homes in Hillsdale during its period of growth after the war.
For more information about Moving Moxie, visit movingmoxie.com or phone Mckenzie at (503) 244-1240.
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Briefly:
"Relay for Life" at Wilson track,
Aug. 9-10
Organizers of the 2008 Hillsdale/Multnomah Village "Relay for Life" are expecting hundreds to be on hand for the event on August 9 and 10 at the Wilson High School track.
Teams of 8-10 people will walk the track in a 24-hour vigil to raise awareness about cancer, to remember those lost to the disease, to celebrate those who survived it and to raise money for American Cancer Society programs.
The event includes bands, games for kids, a camp-out and food. At night there's a "luminaria" tribute to remember those lost to the disease. Survivors are invited to walk together at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Team registration is $50. Register online here or here. (All team members do not need to be present the entire 24 hours to participate.)
For more information contact: Tricia Sears, three3sisters@juno.com (503) 984-7654.
Multnomah Village
Centennial celebration
Aug. 8 - 17
Multnomah Village is holding a big 100th birthday bash during 10 days in August. For a complete listing of events go to the Multnomah Historical Association's web site.
Organizers have put together exhibits, a dedication, a bridge lighting, walking tours, a carnival, a time-capsule opening, an ice cream social — sing-along and rose plantings.
This year's Multnomah Days, on Saturday, August 16, also will echo the centennial theme.
Organizers say it will be the biggest celebration in years. They expect more than 10,000 to attend.
The Multnomah Days celebration will kick off at 10 a.m. with a parade including March Fourth Marching Band, Lions of Batucada, and Get a Life Marching Band.
Throughout the day, Brothers of the Baladi, The Well Swung Gypsies, and Bob Shoemaker and the Revelators will also perform.
Food begins with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, which will kick off the village street fair featuring local vendors, street entertainers, a kids' play area and food.
Sip D'Vine will host a 21-and-over Outdoor Wine and Beer Blues Garden from 12 p.m. until 10 p.m. with the award-winning Fiona Boyes Trio performing from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
An arts and crafts sale will be held on the front lawn of the Multnomah Arts Center.
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Rick Seifert
Editor, Hillsdale News
(503) 245-7821
editor@hillsdalenews.org
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