'.
RECOMMENDED
S.ELLWOOD-MORELAND
NE GHBOR 000 PLA
Where are we in the Process?·
Oct Nov Dec Jan
• bed e f f I ·h
1998
j
What do the leUers mean?
a Start plan process (1993) g . Planning Commission
Recommended Plan available
( October 6,1997
b Sept~mber Discussion Draft h Heari/flq bdoreCityCouncH
November 5, 1997
c October DiscuSsion Draft i !\doption of Plan
, SMILE- Adopled Plan j Plan becomes ~ffectlve
d 11/6/96 -- Plan
e 3/5/91---- Zoning
'f Hearing before Planning
Commission -- June 24, 1997
and September 9, 1997
..
,
City of Portland
.Bureau of Planning
Portland, Oregon
October 1, 1997
SELLW99D M9RELl\ND
NEIGMB9RM99D
,
Portland City Council
Vera Katz, Mayor
Jim Francesconi, Commissioner
Charlie Hales, Commissioner
Gretchen Kafoury, Commissioner
Eric Sten, Commissioner
Portland Planning Commission
Richard Michaelson, President
Steve Abel, Vice-President
Sarah Hitch
Bruce Fong
Amanda Fritz
Rick Holt
Marcy MeIneUy
Paul Schuback
Ruth Scott
Acknowledgments
SMILE Board of Directors
Lee Leighton, President; Kris Heiberg, VP; Eileen Fitzsimons, Secretary; Matt Hainley,
Treasurer; Kevin Downing; Maureen Quinn; Margaret Branson; Gary Bley; Mark
Perepelitza; Teresa Pucik; Kathleen Stokes; Alice Knudsen.
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan Steering Committee
Kathleen Stokes, Co-Chair
Lee Leighton, SMILE President, Co-Chair
Tim Barnes
Gary Bley
Margaret Branson
Howard Dietrich
Eileen Fitzsimons
John Fyre
Leonard Gard
Tracy and Deb Hanthorn
Alice Knudsen
Merrie (Schneider) Loboy
Joanne McIntyre
Victoria Martin
Mark Perepelitza
Michael Pucik
Teresa Pucik
Leslie Roman
Martha Taylor
Stephanie Tolliver
John Underhill
Gary Waite
Nancy Walsh
Gary Wilson
Mary Beth Wilson
Joe Nordling
Thanks to the following:
Sellwood School (for meeting space)
Portland Bureau of Planning
Charlie Hales, Commissioner-in-Charge
David C. Knowles, Planning Director
Deborah Stein, Principal Planner
Michael S. Harrison, AICP, Chief Planner, Community and Neighborhood Planning
Portland Office of Transportation
Charlie Hales, Commissioner-in-Charge
Felicia Trader, Director
Victor F. Rhodes, City Engineer
Don Gardner, Manager, Streets Systems Management
Project Staff
Mark Bello, Ph.D., AICP, City Planner
Donah Baribeau, Clerical Specialist
Leo D. Williams, AlA, Senior Planner (retired)
Drawings and photos courtesy of Eileen Fitzsimons,
Mark Perepelitza and Kathleen Stokes
Neighborhood Plan Technical Advisory Committee
David Sw~,et, Bureau of Buildings
Steve Kenworthy, Bureau of Environmental Services
James Crawford, Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services
Rachel Jacky, Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services
Patty Rueter, Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services
Bob Weaver, Bureau of Fire and Emergency Services
Diana Holuka, Bureau of General Services
Judy Sanders, Bureau of Housing and Community Development
John Sewell, Bureau of Parks and Recreation
Jim Sjulin, Bureau of Parks and Recreation
David Yamashita, Bureau of Parks and Recreation
Mary Rose Navarro, Bureau of Parks and Recreation, Urban Forestry Division
Roberta Jortner, Bureau of Water
Barbara Duncan, Metro
Mary Weber, Metro
Jo Ann Bowman, Multnomah County
Commissioner Dan Saltzman, Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Lt. Terry Jones, Multnomah County River Patrol
Ben Meyer, National Marine Fisheries Service
Don Gardner, Office of Transportation
Kevin Hottman, Office of Transportation
Monique Wahba, Office of Transportation
Laurel Wentworth, Office of Transportation
Brant Williams, Office of Transportation
Fred Eberlee, Oregon Department of Transportation
Sonya Kazen, Oregon Department of Transportation
Jerry Hedrick, Oregon Division of State Lands
Jim McFerrin, Pacific Power and Light
Tim Hayford, Peninsula Drainage District #2
Capt. Dennis Merrill, Police Bureau
Carol-Linda Cassin, Portland Development Commission
Kerry Hampton, Portland Public Schools
Dave Obern, State Marine Board
Wayne Shuyler, State Marine Board
Phil Colombo, Tri-Met
Judy Linton, U.s. Corps of Engineers
I.
II.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Purpose of the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
Plan Organization
Background
Settlement, Transportation and Architecture
The History of the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
SMILE Neighborhood Association
The Planning Process for Developing the Neighborhood Plan
Relationship to Other Plans, Regulations and Studies
Portland Comprehensive Plan
Willamette Greenway Plan
Johnson Creek Basin Protection Plan
Using the Comprehensive Plan and the Sellwood-Moreland
Neighborhood Plan in Land Use Reviews
Page
1
2
3
6
13
13
18
21
III. Vision for the Neighborhood
Vision Statement
IV. Policies, Objectives & Action Charts
23
Neighborhood Character & Identity 29
Neighborhood Form/Urban Design 31
Community Identity 33
Neighborhood Subareas - - (Challenges & Desired Character) 35
River Edge
Tacoma
Pedestrian-Oriented Commercial Areas
McLoughlin Edge
Crystal Springs
North End
Residential Areas
Environment & Greenspaces 79
Transportation 83
Community Services 85
Public Safety & Crime Prevention 89
V. Appendices
A. Selected Population Information for Sellwood-Moreland
B. Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan -- McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project
List of Maps
1. Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
2. Comprehensive Plan designations prior to adoption of new designations by City
Council
3. Comprehensive Plan designations adopted by City Council, , 1997
Ordinance # _
•
INTRODUCTION
The Purpose of the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
Residents began the neighborhood plan effort because of growing concerns about
quality of life issues and the neighborhood's future. Topics such as regional population
growth, planning efforts for south-north light rail in the McLoughlin corridor, possible
replacement of the Sellwood Bridge, declining housing affordability, and impacts
related to traffic all contributed to a desire to act. Sellwood-Moreland residents made a
commitment to direct change in positive ways by developing a neighborhood plan.
In addition to articulating the neighborhood's preferences for accommodating growth
and redevelopment, this plan represents the neighborhood's position on issues that
will affect its future. The plan's policies and objectives are based on the values that
evolved from our community planning process. These values are:
• To maintain the small-town character of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, by
retaining its historic commercial buildings and houses.
• To increase the vitality of commercial areas, encourage the provision of
neighborhood services, and preserve the neighborhood's pedestrian scale and
character.
• To preserve the natural areas and greenspaces around and within the
neighborhood, and to encourage residents to enjoy and enhance these abundant
resources.
• To ensure that the neighborhood is a safe place for all ages, with attractive public
streets and parks that encourage community interaction.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 1
Plan Organization
The Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan consists of several parts. They are the
introduction; background; vision statement; neighborhood goals; policies, objectives
and action charts; neighborhood advocacy agenda [not endorsed by the City]; and
appendix. The vision statement, policies and objectives will be adopted by ordinance.
The action charts will be adopted by resolution. Resolutions are advisory to decision-
makers and do not have the force of law. Other portions of the plan will be used by the
Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League (SMILE, the recognized neighborhood
association) as part of its implementation efforts.
The Introduction explains the purpose and organization of the neighborhood plan.
The Background section describes the neighborhood, the neighborhood association and
relationships to other plans or regulations. This material is for the reader's
information. None of it will be adopted or made part of Portland's Comprehensive
Plan.
The Vision Statement contains the aspirations of the current residents of Sellwood-
Moreland for the future. The vision provides a standard against which to measure the
plan's success. Following the vision discussion is the goal. This goal ties the Sellwood-
Moreland Plan to Portland's adopted Comprehensive Plan, making the plan and its
five policies a part of the Comprehensive Plan. The vision and the goal are adopted as
part of the Portland Comprehensive Plan by ordinance.
Policies and Objectives provide guidance to decision-makers. They will be adopted as
part of the Portland Comprehensive Plan by ordinance. This section addresses the
following themes: neighborhood and subarea character and identity; the environment
and greenspaces; transportation; community services; and public safety and crime
prevention.
Action Charts specify projects and programs that carry out Sellwood-Moreland policies
and objectives. They are assigned a time frame and possible champion, or
implementor, to carry them out. Action charts will be adopted by resolution, which
means they do not have the force of law.
The Appendix contains technical information such as abbreviations, historic
inventories, census data, a glossary and a bibliography.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 2
•
BACKGROUND
Settlement, Transportation and Architecture
Geography and transportation were the two factors most responsible for the
development of Sellwood and, later, Westmoreland. The earliest settlement of
Sellwood was adjacent to Willamette River transportation, and at Johnson Creek,
which powered two early sawmills. As street railway transportation became available in
the 1890s, homes and businesses were built in proximity to these routes. In the mid-
1920s, increased ownership of automobiles and the construction of the Ross Island and
Sellwood Bridges boosted the development of Westmoreland.
Golf Junction, Sf 13th Avenue between Linn and Ochoco Streets, circa 1920.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 3
Located three miles south of downtown Portland, the neighborhood is situated on the
east bank of the Willamette River near the southern tip of Ross Island. According to its
1882 plat map, its original boundaries were the river (west), Ochoco (south), 19th
Avenue (east), and Miller Street (north), However, when the City established the
boundaries of the neighborhood in the 1970s, they were expanded to include
Westmoreland, a primarily 1920s area which lies to the northeast of Sellwood. Official
boundaries of this combined neighborhood are the Willamette River, Ochoco Street,
and McLoughlin Boulevard to the north and east. Also included is 45-acre Garthwick, a
1920s era neighborhood, situated just south of Ochoco Street between SE 17th and 13th
Avenues.
Intersection of 13th and Tacoma (looking north on 13th), circa 1946.
The neighborhood is currently pursuing an extension of neighborhood boundaries to
include all of the east bank of the Willamette River and Ross Island.
It should be noted that the small community of Willsburg was located just east of
Sellwood, in the vicinity of present-day Tacoma Street and McLoughlin Boulevard. It
was platted in 1869 and was 16 blocks in size. In 1848 George Wills arrived over the
Oregon Trail and claimed 80 acres at Johnson Creek, on which he operated a saw mill.
Willsburg was eventually a stop on the Oregon & California Railroad (later Southern
Pacific), with its own post office, school and several homes, It was also the location of
the Gabriel Shindler Furniture Company (1872-1896), and later the Oregon Worsted
Company,
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 4
The neighborhood includes four public parks (Westmoreland, Sellwood, Sellwood
Riverfront,. Johnson Creek), an elementary school (Llewellyn), a middle school
(Sellwood), Oaks Amusement Park, the Oregon Yacht Club, Portland Rowing Club
moorages, the Oaks Bottom wildlife area, a community center, Boys & Girls Club, a
branch library, many churches, fratemallodges, a movie theater, and three business
districts.
The 1920s era Westmoreland business district stretches for several blocks along
Milwaukie Avenue, with its center at Bybee Boulevard. It provides a mix of service-
oriented businesses for local residents (grocery, hardware and variety stores, dry
cleaners, sh.oe repair, two banks, medical and dental offices) and visitors (restaurants,
antique shops). The business district in Sellwood, developed between the 1880s and
early 1900s, extends along 13th Avenue with its center at Umatilla Street. Many of the
older storefronts remain on 13th with the exception of a grocery store, laundromat, and
several restaurants. Antique shops account for most of the businesses in the district.
The neighborhood's third business district is situated on 17th Avenue near Tacoma
Street. It includes restaurants and video stores, auto body and repair shops, insurance
and law offices, a car wash, and a wooden fence and building painting business, among
others. At the eastern margin of the district, between Spokane and Ochoco and
McLoughlin and 23rd, there is a small area of light industry. Otherwise, the
neighborhood remains primarily residential in character.
Ferry John Caples crossing the Willamelte River, approaching landing in the
vicinity of present day Staff Jennings. Lumber mill on the east bank is visible
in the background, circa 1900.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
PageS
The History of the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
The earliest white settlers of record in the area arrived over the Oregon Trail in late
1847. In February 1848, Henderson Luelling (Llewellyn), his wife and nine children
settled on five acres of slashed timber along the Willamette River. The land, which
they had purchased from a man named Wilson, is now part of the south end of
Waverley Country Club property. In March the Luellings were joined by their friend
and fellow emigrant William Meek. The two men agreed to establish a commercial
nursery with the stock brought over the Oregon Trail by Luelling. They also dammed
Johnson Creek (at approximately Hwy. 224) and built a sawmill. The Luelling-Meek
nursery business was a success and the partners soon began selling fruit trees.
East side lumber mill, looking north from Sellwood Bridge, circa 1925.
In May 1866, the Rev. John Sellwood purchased 321 acres from the Luelling heirs. Rev.
Sellwood, in turn, sold this land to the Sellwood Real Estate Company in 1882. It was
only after May 28, 1882, when the company filed incorporation papers, that the area
carne to be known as "Sellwood."
Although an Oregonian article of April 1887 stated that the Sellwood tract was "in a
condition of nature" and was "virgin soil," settlement and building was already
underway in the area. Before 1859, Arthur Miller "had charge of a 2 and a half acre
apple orchard on the bluff overlooking The Oaks."
By early 1877 the farm of P.J. Martin on the bluff above Ross Island was producing
apples. There was also a settlement at Willsburg, where employment was available at
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 6
the Shindler Furniture Company. In any case, the Sellwood Real Estate Company began
clearing the trees and selling house lots very quickly; by 1885 the population of
Sellwood was put at 500.
Early Sellwood (1848-1892) developed east from the banks of the Willamette River and
near the Milwaukie Road. Transportation to and from the community was via the
river by ferry, steamboat and launch. Passage was readily available to the Macadam
Road and downtown Portland from landings at the foot of Umatilla and Spokane
Streets. The riverbank was the site of many houseboats as well. Although there was
good transportation in and out of Sellwood, it was a largely self-contained community
for many years.
Store on the sOl/tlleast comer of SE 13th Avenue and Tacoma Street, circa 1915.
By April 1887, Sellwood had three stores, one church, a school and almost 100 homes.
In 1890 it had two hotels, three shoemakers, two grocers, a blacksmith, bookbinder,
bookkeeper, two saloons, a druggist, dressmaker and its own brewery. Many business
owners lived above or behind their shops. Sellwood had no attorneys, architects,
doctors, dentists, clothing stores or banks. Presumably residents took a boat, or later, a
streetcar, to Milwaukie or Portland to obtain these goods and services.
In the late 1880s and early 1890s new businesses were developed in Sellwood which
provided employment to community residents. The Sorenson & Young Saw and
Planing mill began operating at the foot of Spokane Street in 1885. It continued until
1900 when it became the East Side Lumber Mill, which lasted until the mid-1930s.
South of the mill was a box factory and the Oregon Door Company, which
manufactured doors, sash and moldings. At the foot of Marion Street was the Bissinger
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 7
& Company wool warehouse. Other jobs were available at Willsburg in the furniture
factory.
The Milwaukie Road (Milwaukie Avenue) laid out by Benjamin Stark and William
Pettygrove in the mid-I840s, was used primarily as a wagon road until the early 1890s.
By 1870 the Oregon & California Railroad (later Southern Pacific) was running steam
trains on its tracks at the easternmost edge of Sellwood, with a stop at Willsburg. This
provided transportation from Portland to Salem and beyond.
•
•
Sellwood furniture store on the southeast corner of SE 13th Avenue and Tacoma
Street, modernized by the Shaw Family (new owners), circa 1948.
Although Sellwood had been well served by water transportation for almost 40 years,
steam and electric street railways were being rapidly developed. One of the primary
reasons for the sudden surge of population in Sellwood (from 800 in 1890 to 1,800 in
1893) was the arrival in 1892 of electric railway service.
The first downtown bridge across the Willamette River opened in 1887. In May 1891,
the City of Sellwood was granted a franchise to bring the East Side Railway Company
line to the neighborhood. In spring of 1892, the company promised to extend its line to
Sellwood if it were granted a "subsidy" by the city. The subsidy was raised and by June 5,
1892, the line was providing service as far as City View Park in time for the horse-racing
season. By late 1892 the cars reached Milwaukie, and by January 1893, there was electric
railway service all the way into Oregon City. A City Atlas, circa 1892, shows the Oregon
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 8
City Electric Motor Line going south on Milwaukie to Bybee, west on Bybee to 13th and
south on 13th to Milwaukie and Oregon City.
Faced with competition from the electric railways, steamboat service began to decline.
However, until the opening of the Sellwood Bridge in 1925, a cable ferry continued to
transport pedestrians and cars from the foot of Spokane Street to the west side of the
Willamette River.
The City of Sellwood was incorporated in early 1887 and its residents elected a five-man
city council shortly thereafter. The all-volunteer, citizen government passed a variety
of ordinances which dealt primarily with law and order issues such as intemperance,
discharge of firearms, regulation of gambling and wandering animals. However, most
of the council's attention was focused on establishing a volunteer fire department,
locating a reliable source of drinking water and improving the public streets.
Looking north on 5£ 13th Avenue, between Hamey and Umatilla 5treets, circa 1910.
The latter task was elementary but time consuming. It required removing stumps and
other obstacles from the streets, determining uniform widths for streets and sidewalks,
grading the roads (east from the river) and building plank crosswalks and sidewalks.
Between 1882 and 1895 the city grew rapidly. The demands for improvements were too
great to be handled piecemeal by a volunteer governing body and in 1893, Sellwood was
annexed to the City of Portland.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 9
Although the 1905 Lewis and Clark Fair was located at the other end of the city,
preparations for that event did affect Sellwood. The Oregon Water Power & Railway
Company (OWPR) established interurban electric railway service along the Willamette
River through Oaks Bottom east to Lents in 1904. To encourage increased ridership
OWPR constructed the Oaks Amusement Park in Sellwood, which opened in 1905.
Another recreational attraction, although open to members only, was the Waverley
Golf Club. Development of the course, just south of the Sellwood city limits at Ochoco
Street, began jm 1899. The remains of the Luellings' fruit orchards were replaced with
putting greens, and at least one, if not several, homes were moved from the golf course
and relocated in Sellwood. The houses were some of the few that had been part of the
Cambridge La.nd Company's attempted development of 1890. A stop on the streetcar
line at SE 13th and Ochoco was known as Golf Links, or Golf Junction.
Looking south on SE 13th Avenue at Tacoma Street, circa 1946.
In 1905 a power substation for the electric railway lines was constructed at SE 13th near
Linn. This intl~rsection marked the end of the electric car line which served Oregon
City, Sellwood, Milwaukie, Mt. Scott, Waverley-Richmond and the Woodstock
branches. On the east side of 13th are the large street-car barns constructed in 1910. In
the same year a two-story brick clubhouse for the workers was built across the street
from the car barns. To the south of these structures are several small rooming houses
which served as housing for employees of the street-car line.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 10
The years immediately following the Lewis and Clark Fair, 1905 to 1913, were years of
rapid expansion and growth in Portland, including Sellwood. Several important
cultural and recreational institutions arrived in 1910: Sellwood Park was acquired by
the City of Portland and its first public swimming pool opened; Portland's first branch
of the YMCA and the first branch of the Portland Library Association opened. In the
same year, the Sellwood Commercial Club built its headquarters, and in 1911 St.
Agatha's Catholic School and chapel were constructed.
The residential development of the area which began in Sellwood in the late 1880s now
expanded to the Westmoreland area. In late 1909, the Westmoreland plat was carved
out of William Ladd's 500-acre Crystal Springs farm. Westmoreland lay between
Milwaukie Avenue and the Southern Pacific Railroad tracks, and Reedway and Miller
Streets. The eastern edge of the farm, with the beginnings of the Reed Institute (Reed
College) was developed as Eastmoreland, beginning in 1910. Because the two
"Morelands" were not then separated by McLoughlin Boulevard, the golf course in
between was used as a promotional device for both subdivisions.
Sales of the 700 lots in Westmoreland began in early 1909 and ended in 1924. Toward
the end of the IS-year sale period, the construction of the Sellwood and Ross Island
Bridges was announced. Automobile owners realized they could reach Westmoreland
quickly over these fixed-span bridges and the final 165 lots sold in less than two
months.
Also developed in the early 1900s along the river edge were the Oregon Yacht Club
moorage, adjacent to and down river from the Oaks Amusement Park, and the
Portland Rowing Club, upriver from the present-day Sellwood Bridge. The moorages
were originally developed for their members to pursue yachting, rowing, and
competitions. But the purpose of the clubs eventually changed to promote houseboat
living (i.e. floating homes) with summer residences evolving quickly to become year-
round residences at each moorage.
The opening of the Sellwood Bridge in late 1925 and the Ross Island Bridge a year later
marked the end of major development in the neighborhood until 1933-37 when
McLoughlin Boulevard (Highway 99E) was constructed. This project encouraged
increased traffic on 99E through Milwaukie and Oregon City, and also had the effect of
completely dividing Westmoreland and Eastmoreland except via the Bybee Boulevard
overpass (':onstructed in 1919). Before 1933, Reedway Street, at the northern end of
Westmoreland, had served as an access street to the Reed College area. This connection
was severed with the completion of McLoughlin Boulevard. The divisive effect of
McLoughlin was increased again in the 1980s when it was widened to accommodate
additional lanes.
The 1925 Sellwood Bridge had been designed to feed traffic into the neighborhood. But
after the 1950s, the bridge served as a conduit for traffic to the growing southeast
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 11
suburbs. Increased traffic on this bridge and Tacoma Street further divided the southern
portion of Sellwood from the northern portion. In the late 1950s street-car service in
the city ended. With the exception of a supermarket at 13th and Tacoma, most of the
businesses that served Sellwood now shifted to Westmoreland, one mile to the north.
Residents were now dependent upon automobiles for shopping and traveling to jobs.
The Depression brought quiet times to the neighborhood. The East Side Lumber Mill
closed in the mid-1930s. The mill in Willsburg, which had begun as a mohair factory in
1902, was rebuilt as the Oregon Worsted Company in 1918. It later expanded and became
the Mill Ends Store (now Goodwill). After World War II, both a Safeway store and a
Kienow's were built on Milwaukie Avenue.
Following World War II, development increased in the neighborhood. Many new
single-family homes were built, primarily in Westmoreland. Sellwood saw the
construction of many one- and two-story, flat-roofed apartment buildings in the 1960s
and 1970s. In 1961 the neighborhood's only National Register building, the Oaks
Pioneer Church, arrived from Milwaukie. In the 1980s, many of Sellwood's colorful
houseboats were forced to leave as new condominiums were constructed on the
riverbank, south of the Sellwood Bridge. Remaining houseboats (floating homes) are at
the neighborhood's original moorage, Oregon Yacht Club, with its gated enclave just
north of Oaks Amusement Park; and at the Portland Rowing Club just south of the
Sellwood Bridge, which includes houseboats, covered boats, and rowing facilities.
The riverbank, formerly an area of industry and transportation, is now used for river
view housing and public recreation. Situated south of the Sellwood Bridge are several
apartment/condominium complexes, and the Portland Rowing Club moorage. North
of the bridge are a restaurant, a boat launching area, an office building, a public park and
dock, a stretch of public beach, the Oaks Amusement Park and the Oregon Yacht Club
moorage.
The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood continues to have an interesting mix of
houseboats, tiny worker's cottages, boarding houses, two-story multiplexes, late
Victorian vernacular farmhouses, four-squares, English Arts & Crafts houses,
bungalows, and houses from the 1920s to 1940s in a variety of styles, as well as
contemporary ranch-style houses, apartment buildings, and rowhouses. It also contains
two high-rise buildings: Westmoreland's Union Manor near Bybee and McLoughlin
Boulevard, and the Sellwood Center at SE 17th and Tenino. Until quite recently, many
homes have been single-owner occupied since their original construction. Due to its
proximity to downtown Portland and improved bus service in the 1970s, the
neighborhood has seen increased popularity as a residential area. Many homeowners
are adding on to or remodeling their older houses. Residential infill development is
also occurring. Some of the newer structures tend to be "suburban" in character and
exhibit little architectural compatibility with their older neighbors.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 12
SMILE Neighborhood Association
Early Days
In the early 1960s, Dent Thomas, a Sellwood businessman, became concerned about the
lack of citizen involvement in the community. Mr. Thomas felt that the neighborhood
spirit was lacking. Letters were sent to the Sellwood Community Club, Westmoreland
Community Club, the Masonic Lodge and others. At the resulting meeting, Howard
Traver suggested naming the new organization the Sellwood-Moreland Improvement
League (SMILE).
1980 Comprehensive Plan
In 1980 the City of Portland looked at zoning citywide as part of a new Comprehensive
Plan. Three alternatives were proposed by city planners. A fourth alternative was
proposed by citizens. The zoning has remained generally unchanged from that era.
The Planning Process for Developing the Neighborhood Plan
The SMILE Neighborhood Association began the planning process early in 1993, with a
call for volunteers to serve on the steering committee. After several meetings to discuss
the way to proceed with creating a plan, the group decided to create a short
questionnaire that would let neighbors describe what they valued about the
neighborhood, that needed improvement, and what issues should be addressed in the
planning process. A three-part questionnaire was used, over a six to eight month
period, in a series of opportunities for visioning. A total of roughly 200 residents and
property or business owners responded. There was little variation in response.
The first part of the questionnaire asked, "What places or things best represent your
image of the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood?" The most frequent responses were:
• small town character
• pedestrian orientation
• old houses and commercial buildings (historic)
• parks/green spaces/natural areas/the river
• friendly character/safe & walkable
• vitality / diversity of business districts
The second part asked, "What do you like the least about Sellwood-Moreland?"
The most frequent responses were:
• traffic (speeding/cut through/congestion)
• crime/ graffiti
• rundown houses/infill houses
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 13
The third question was, "What are the most important things to include in a
neighborhood plan for Sellwood-Moreland?" The most frequent responses were:
• how to preserve small town character / good things about Sellwood-
Moreland
• traffic problems and pedestrian safety
• Sellwood Bridge
• high-capacity transit (light rail is anticipated in the McLoughlin corridor)
• how to deal with population growth
• how to protect green spaces
In the fall of 1993, the neighborhood decided to organize a workshop and enlisted help
from the City of Portland Planning Bureau. Bureau planners helped the neighborhood
to organize it~; first workshop. Colleen Acres worked with the steering committee in an
unofficial capacity. Six policy areas were identified from the visioning results and the
workshop was structured around these areas:
• history
• land use/zoning/design
• environment and greenspaces
• traffic and transportation
• community services
• pub:lic safety and crime prevention
At the same time, an individual recruiting effort was launched. The steering
committee membership was boosted to about 20, including several members of the
business community, and subcommittees were formed around the policy areas. Over 50
people attended the February 1994 workshop and expanded on issues in the policy
areas.
Following the workshop, the subcommittees investigated the issues in each policy area
and then submitted drafts to the steering committee for comment and review. These
drafts were compiled and edited to create the discussion draft that was reviewed in
follow-up workshops in January and February of 1995.
In July of 1995, the Bureau of Planning assigned a staff planner to work half-time with
the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood to help with completion of the plan. The
Bureau's staff has helped with technical advice in preparing the discussion draft,
organizing workshops and providing an evaluation to the Planning Commission.
The comments received during the workshop were used to edit the discussion draft. At
the same time, the Neighborhood Plan Steering Committee worked to prepare a
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 14
neighborhood rezoning proposal to accompany the plan in the hope of seeing aspects of
the plan implemented quickly.
January/February 1996 Workshop
Beginning July 20, 1996, the committee held a series of eight open house workshops:
July 20
July 24
August 4
August 17
August 24
August 28
September 7
September 11
Westmoreland Union Manor
Sellwood Community Center
Sellwood Park ("Sundae in the Park")
Sellwood Baptist Church
Tenth Church of Christ, Scientist
Moreland Presbyterian Church
Sellwood Center
SMILE Station
Also, a presentation was made to the Sellwood-Moreland Business Association (SMBA)
at their regular membership meeting on September 26, 1996.
Postcards were mailed to all postal addresses in the neighborhood on the following
dates:
September 1996
February 1997
June 1997
October 2,1996 Town Hall Meeting Announcement
Zoning Proposal Vote Announcement
Planning Commission Hearing Announcement
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 15
Janllary/Febrllary 1996 Workshop
The proposed draft plan and rezoning proposal were presented at the SMILE general
membership meeting on October 2, 1996. The proposed plan and rezoning were
discussed in an open, "town hall" meeting format. The draft plan was approved at the
next SMILE general meeting on November 6, 1996. Following further workshops at the
SMILE Station on February 15 and February 22, 1997, the rezoning map was approved at
the SMILE general meeting on March 5, 1997.
On June 24, 1997, the Planning Commission heard public testimony on the
neighborhood's proposed plan. On September 9, 1997, the Planning Commission
reviewed an Amendments Report and held a work session on the proposed plan. At
that meeting the Planning Commission approved the Proposed Sellwood-Moreland
Plan with few changes and forwarded it to the City Council. The Planning Commission
unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the plan as part of Portland's
Comprehensive Plan and implement the plan through the rezoning of the
neighborhood.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 16
January/Febrllary 1996 Workshop
This document is the Planning Commission's Recommended Sellwood-Moreland
Neighborhood Plan. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Recommended
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan on Wednesday, November 5 at 2:00 p.m. The
hearing will be held in the Portland Building Auditorium, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue.
Copies of the Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan will be available
on October 6, 1997, at the Bureau of Planning, 1120 SW Fifth Avenue, 10th floor.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 17
Relationship to Other Plans, Regulations, and Studies
Portland Comprehensive Plan
The Portland Comprehensive Plan provides the citywide policy framework for the
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan. The Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
provisions focus on neighborhood-specific concerns, issues and opportunities.
Policy 3.6 of the Portland Comprehensive Plan calls for the City to:
Maintain and enforce neighborhood plans that are consistent with the Comprehensive
Plan and that have been adopted by City Council.
The Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan goal, vision statement, policies, and
objectives will be adopted as part of the City of Portland's Comprehensive Plan under
Policy 3. (Neighborhood Plan). As part of the Comprehensive Plan, it is assured that the
policies and objectives of the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan will be
considered when Comprehensive Plan designations and conditional use proposals are
reviewed by the City.
The Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan is made part of the Portland
Comprehensive Plan by the addition of this linking statement and addition of the
Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan to the list of adopted neighborhood plans in
Policy 3.6 (Neighborhood Plan):
Goal
Retain and enhance Sellwood-Moreland's neighborhood character as an urban
village, with a rich mixture of land uses, a variety of housing types with a range of
affordable housing, recreational opportunities, and transportation alternatives.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 18
Willamette River Greenway and Willamette River Greenway Plan
The Willamette River serves as an important fish production and harvest area. The
river and adjacent riparian habitat provide food, shelter, and cover for a wide variety of
wildlife. They also are a significant recreational resource providing the citizens of
Oregon with a range of recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating,
sailing, fishing, and scenic enjoyment. The river and riverbank are also extremely
valuable economic resources. The Willamette River plays a critical role in the state's
economy, in terms of supporting agriculture, major shipping activities, aggregate
mining, and other river-dependent and river-related industries.
The Oregon Legislature developed Statewide Planning Goal 15, "Willamette River
Greenway," which requires local governments to develop plans for the lands adjacent
to the river which address a number of elements. To implement this statewide goal
locally, the City of Portland adopted a Willamette Greenway Plan in 1979 and updated
this in 198'7. The Willamette Greenway Plan is intended to guide the protection,
conservation, maintenance, and enhancement of scenic, natural, historical, economic,
and recreational qualities of lands along the Willamette River.
The Wil/amette Greenway Plan includes a concept map which indicates several use
emphases along Sellwood-Moreland's banks, corresponding approximately to the uses
found along the river today:
•
•
•
Natural area emphasis along Oaks Bottom
Recreational use emphasis at the locations of existing moorages
Mixed use development emphasis in several locations south of Oaks Bottom
The plan indicates a greenway trail along the edge of the bank through Sellwood-
Moreland along with several access paths and river viewpoints. The plan also includes
a set of de5ign guidelines for development occurring within Willamette Greenway
boundaries.
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Coordinated Resource Management Plan
The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is located within Sellwood-Moreland's portion of the
Willamette River Greenway. The refuge is a 160-acre City of Portland park, and is
predominantly a floodplain wetland system consisting of several vegetation
communities.
The City of Portland acquired most of the park in the late 1950s. In 1968, Portland placed
a number of restrictions on the development of the site and purchased the remainder
of Oaks Bottom. In 1988 the City of Portland adopted the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Coordinated Resource Management Plan.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 19
Johnson Creek Basin Protection Plan and Johnson Creek Plan District
The Johnson Creek Basin is an expansive watershed including significant fish and
wildlife habitats, ecologically and scientifically significant natural areas, open spaces,
water bodies, and wetlands. The watershed includes most of Sellwood-Moreland east of
13th Avenue and stretches east to Gresham, north beyond Burnside, and south into
Clackamas County.
Johnson Creek is the primary waterway of the basin, flowing westward nearly 20 miles,
through the cities of Gresham; Portland, and Milwaukie. In Sellwood-Moreland,
Johnson Creek flows southwest along McLoughlin Boulevard. Crystal Springs emerges
from the spring-fed Reed Lake on the Reed College Campus and follows a
southwesterly path through Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and Westmoreland
Park. Crystal Springs meets Johnson Creek at the southeast corner of Sellwood-
Moreland just south of Tacoma.
The inhabitants of much of Portland's eastside are dependent on the basin's waterways
for drainage of stormwater run-off; and plants, animals, and humans are dependent on
the quality of the water and the surrounding riparian areas for their health.
The lands adjacent to Johnson Creek and Crystal Springs are prone to seasonal flooding,
a condition exacerbated by an increase in impervious surface, coupled with the removal
of native vegetation. Sellwood-Moreland east of 21st Avenue is within the 100-year
floodplain as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Much of
Sellwood-Moreland inside the floodplain is currently held publicly as open space
(Westmoreland Park); however, between Nehalem and Sherrett, the land within the
Johnson Creek Basin Plan District is in current residential, employment and
commercial use.
In order to protect the important resources of the basin, the City of Portland adopted the
Johnson Creek Basin Protection Plan in 1991. The Johnson Creek Basin Plan District
was created to regulate the development of individual sites within the basin.
The Johnson Creek Basin Plan District includes most of Sellwood-Moreland east of SE
21st. All general development standards of the plan district apply to this portion of
Sellwood-Moreland. These standards prohibit structures within the Johnson Creek
floodway and regulate the amount of run-off to the creek. The Johnson Creek Basin
Plan District development standards also allow for transfer of development rights
within the plan district and for density bonuses in certain locations. Because no part of
Sellwood-Moreland is contained within either the Johnson Creek floodplain subdistrict
or the south subdistrict, portions of Sellwood-Moreland sites within the Johnson Creek
Basin Plan District that are outside of "c" and "p" overlay zones would be eligible to
receive transferred development rights as well as density bonuses.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 20
Using the Comprehensive Plan and the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
Plan in Lmd Use Reviews
The Comprehensive Plan and neighborhood plans serve several purposes. Each plan is
a statement of desired character. In addition, the plans may be used in certain land use
reviews. Some land use reviews-such as conditional uses for institutions in
residential zones-require that the proposal be consistent with neighborhood plans.
Some land use reviews also require that the proposal be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Where a land use review requires a proposal to be consistent with a plan, we look at
certain aspects. Each plan contains a set of elements that should be considered and
balanced, some requirements that must be met, and some that are guidelines but not
required. Each goal and policy of the Comprehensive Plan and of this plan are
designated as mandatory, balancing, or aspirational. All of the goals and policies of the
Sellwood-A1oreland Neighborhood Plan are balancing goals and policies.
Mandatory policies are required elements. They must be followed and met, and
exceptions are not allowed. Mandatory policies are usually specific statements that
include a dear directive. There are only a few mandatory policies in the Portland
Comprehensive Plan.
Balancing policies must be considered, but, rather than being rigid requirements, they
are carefully weighed and balanced with other balancing policies. Decisions are made
based on the cumulative weight of policy language and direction. A specific action may
be approved even if it is not consistent with every applicable policy; the action may be
approved if it is supported, on balance, by the greatest body of balancing policies.
Most policies in the Comprehensive Plan, and all of those in neighborhood plans, are
balancing policies. They must be considered, but do not have to be individually met.
Aspirational policies express a public desire, but are guidelines only. They do not have
to be considered, but may be used to help understand an area or issue, to develop more
detailed policy, or to guide a neighborhood in creating an action plan. They are not
binding on the City, property owners, or neighbors.
Because all of the goals and policies of Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan are
balancing policies, they must all be considered against each other and weighed with the
balancing policies of the Comprehensive Plan. They must all be considered, but do not
have to be individually met.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 21
•VISION FOR THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
Vision Statement
The following is a statement of what the Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
intends the neighborhood to be like in the future, based on the concepts and policies set
forth in this plan.
Sellwood-Moreland is a significant part of the City of Portland, with one of the oldest
and strongest neighborhood associations (SMILE) and a prominent position as a
southern gateway into the city. Still, residents also see themselves as a distinct
community whole unto itself. The sense of community is demonstrated by the care that
people have taken to preserve the neighborhood's unique green spaces, its vintage
business centers, and quality housing stock.
While there is easy access to downtown Portland, OMSI, Lloyd Center and the suburban
east side, many prefer to telecommute from their homes. The pedestrian and bicycle-
friendly streets make it inviting to tend to shopping and errands in the neighborhood.
Recreational opportunities are available for everyone, from grandparents to toddlers. A
quick escape to nature is only moments away or often just outside the window.
The river edge is an active corridor for a mix of residential, commercial and
recreational uses, all co-existing with an improved habitat for fish, waterfowl and other
wildlife. Tacoma Street, formerly a gritty and dismal barrier that divided the
neighborhood, now is like a seam that draws it together. The higher density (two- to
three-story) housing, interspersed with small-scale retail commercial development has
re-energized the area .. The street trees, planting strips, on-street parking and wider
sidewalks create a safe and vital pedestrian atmosphere. The restaurant, pub and retail
outlets at the bridgehead link Tacoma Street to riverfront activity. The new two-lane
bridge with its bicycle and pedestrian walks and viewing turnouts is a favorite place for
weekend strolls or morning bicycle commuters.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 23
The neighborhood has retained three pedestrian-oriented commercial centers, each
with a unique identity. Milwaukie Avenue has retained an interesting mix of
businesses, many of them serving the needs of local residents, so that it functions as a
small town main street. Seventeenth Avenue properties have been renovated and
more businesses have located there. The street edge has been redefined at a pedestrian
scale of development. Shops that serve various remodeling and decorating needs are
mixed with stores that serve the needs of local residents in the south end of the
neighborhood and the north end of the City of Milwaukie. Thirteenth Avenue's
Antique Row is still going strong and its reputation continues to grow. The street's
appearance has been improved by compatible infill and by the addition of street
furniture, decorative paving, and the placement of baskets of annual flowers.
McLoughlin's role as a transportation corridor has been expanded with the addition of
local high-capacity transit and high-speed rail between San Francisco and Seattle. The
development along the edge is now a mix of general commercial retail with some high-
density residential development. Long-time neighborhood commercial outlets, such as
Bob's Rental, still serve the neighborhood's needs. The edge gives strong definition to
the neighborhood, but links over the roadway allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to
cross to the high-capacity transit stations, Crystal Springs Lake and the Springwater
Corridor.
Crystal Springs district is a highly sought-after residential area. Crystal Springs Creek is
an amenity that is treasured by the whole neighborhood. The 21st Avenue bikeway is a
favorite walk or ride for both children and adults. The restored health of the Crystal
Springs and Johnson Creek streambeds and the links to the Springwater Corridor and
Willamette Greenway have invited more wildlife into the corridor. Even in the high
density residential portion of Willsburg, the creek is shared with ducks, frogs and other
wildlife.
The North End has redeveloped with new amenities that make it an inviting urban
scale mini-neighborhood. The pocket park, community garden and the north edge of
Oaks Bottom, with access to the Willamette Greenway trail, provide natural getaways at
the doorstep of the four- to five-story residential buildings. Landscaping and courtyards
make these units attractive to residents, many who ride high-capacity transit, available
nearby. Shops along Milwaukie Avenue and McLoughlin, as well as the complex at the
old Vocational Village site, offer convenient services for residents in the area.
Westmoreland, City View, Sellwood and Garthwick remain much the same with the
historic housing stock constantly improved through restoration and renovation. The
occasional infill housing is compatible with the older housing that surrounds it,
blending in comfortably with the neighborhood. Many residents have added accessory
rental units in their basements or above their garages, to augment their retirement
income or provide a place for aging parents.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighbor/wad Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 24
As before, the SMILE Station serves as a community hub for all types of civic activities.
The local newspaper, The Bee, has relocated its offices in the neighborhood and serves
as a popular communication vehicle. The community policing station, neighborhood
watch program, and neighborhood foot and bicycle patrols have all worked together to
curb property crimes and to keep the streets safe. Neighbors are proud of their active
community and conscious of its identity. They work hard to support neighborhood
efforts and. to maintain their community's image.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 25
•POLICIES, OBJECTIVES &
ACTIONS
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 27
:NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER &
IDENTITY
The separate eras represented by the different parts of the neighborhood reflect the
development patterns that occurred from the 1880s to the 1940s. Sellwood and the
Willsburg area, in the southeast corner of the neighborhood, and parts of the North
End, are the oldest areas. These areas were developed before the turn of the century.
Garthwick and Westmoreland were developed much later, primarily in the 1920s.
Overall, 61 percent of the housing in the neighborhood was built prior to World War II.
The scale and variety of architecture is considered a positive characteristic of the
neighborhood that residents wish to preserve.
Policy I: Historic Preservation
Protect historic resources. Preserve the historic character of neighborhood areas
recognized in this plan.
Objectives:
1. Increas'2 public awareness of neighborhood history
2. Recognize and conserve historic resources and structures
3. Respect the character of Sellwood-Moreland by sensitively integrating new
development with the historic elements of the community
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 29
Action Chart: Historical Character
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/ PROGRAMS
Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
HC 1
HC 2
HC3
HC4
HC5
HC6
HC 7
HC&
Identify the structures and sites that are of the
greatest historic significance to the neighborhood.
Consider creating historic conservat.ion districts in
the North End. Sellwood. and Garthwlck.
Adopt deSign guidelines to protect the spwal
character of each of the three districts.
Commemorate sites of historic interest wlLh signs.
Develop historic walking tours of the North End.
Sellwood, and Garthwick.
Organize SMILE's historic photo collection.
Display photos from the SMILE collection in public
places.
Commemorau: the town of Willsburg by creating a
Wdlsburg Station on the south/north high-capaCity
tranSit comdor, south of racoma on McLoughlin
Blvd. ProVide historiC infonmation on Willsburg.
SMILE
Planning
SMILE
Planning
Planning
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution, They are a starting place. All actions have
an Identified Implementor. They were adopted With the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an actwn is.an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that circumstances will affect the implernent.ation le.ader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 30
NEIGHBORHOOD FORM/
URBAN DESIGN
The neighborhood is formed, as an entity, from various physical elements. These
elements help to create the image that people carry of the area as a distinct place. The
elements include edges, gateways, paths, nodes, and landmarks or focal points.
The Willamette River forms one edge to the neighborhood; McLoughlin Boulevard
forms another. An example of a gateway is the Sellwood Bridge. Paths may be natural
such as those in Oaks Bottom, or a path may be a well-traveled sidewalk, perhaps along
SE Milwaukie in Westmoreland. The intersection of SE Milwaukie and SE Bybee in
Westmoreland is an example of a node; that is, the activity center of the Milwaukie
Avenue business district. Buildings or objects such as the clock in Westmoreland are
landmarks.
All of these aspects contribute to a "sense of place." Good use of urban design principles
makes all the pieces of the urban scene fit together in a way that is comfortable, but
interesting. People want to come back again and again.
Policy II: Sense of Place
Reinforce a distinctive sense of place by emphasizing neighborhood boundaries,
connections, business districts, public open spaces, and focal points.
Objectives:
1. Make neighborhood edges an integral part of the community
2. Identify and strengthen neighborhood gateways
3. Promote development at key nodes that reinforces the Sellwood-Moreland
neighborhood as a pedestrian-oriented, self-sufficient "village"
4. Establish focal points within each business district
5. Enhance the neighborhood's established character as a mixed-use village,
emphasizing residential areas surrounding a number of business districts,
orientation to public transit and a healthy pedestrian environment
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October I, 1997
Page 31
Action Chart: Neighborhood Form/Urban Design
Time
# Actions
FROJECfS/ FROGRAMS
Adopt; On-
it;h Plan going
Next; 6 w Implemenwrs
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
NF 1 Consider linking high-capacit;y uan"it; W t;he
neighborhood and SpringwaurCor-idor at;
Willsburg/Sellwood swp by means d a
pedesUian/bike crossing over McLoughlin Blvd.
NF 2 Ident;lfy rouus for pedest;"an and bicycle
pathways
NF 3 Attract new nelghborhood-oriente.~ service
businesses and housing at; ident;ifled nodes (13t;h
and Tacoma, lhh and Tacoma. Milwaukie and Bybee,
new Mcloughlin uansit; st;at;ion loc.,t;ions).
NF4 Require new consuuct;ion In t;he RH and Rl zones W
be subject to design reView,
NF5 On an interim basis. require neo.v cor,struction in the
R2 and R2.5 zones to be subject to deSign review.
Reconsid~~r appolicabili-cy of c.:tesign review overlay
zoning after the City adopts new d!~slgn-onented
base zone regulations.
ODOT
Met;ro
Parks
PDOT
Met;ro
SMILE
5MBA
BOP
BOP
NOTE: Act;ion Charts were approved by Porland C,t;y Council by resolut;ion. They are a st;arting place. All act;ions have
an ident;ified Implemenwr. They were adopud with the understanding that; some will need W be adJusud and others
replaced with more feaSible proposals. Identlfrcatlon of an Implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that cjrcurnstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plall
October 1, 1997
Page 32
COMMUNITY IDENTITY
Fostering a sense of community identity ensures that residents will take pride in their
neighborhood and recognize that they are a part of a greater whole. Sellwood-
Moreland's vision statement describes the neighborhood's identity.
Sellwood-Moreland's neighborhood character is best described as an urban village, with
a rich mixture of land uses; a variety of housing types with a range of affordable
housing; recreational opportunities; and transportation alternatives.
Policy 1II: Community Livability
Strengthen the sense of community and neighborhood identity.
Objectives:
1. Acknowledge and celebrate the heritage of the neighborhood
2. Communicate news of neighborhood activities and get more people involved in the
SMILE Neighborhood Association
3. Build on the potential of parks, open spaces and streets as shared public spaces to
strengthen the coherence and unity of the neighborhood
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 33
Action Chart: Community Identity
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/ PROGRAMS
Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
Cll
CI 2
CI3
Adopt a symbol and use it at gateways. on street
signs. commercial areas, historic homes. etc.
Continue to sponsor community activities.
Develop an urban design plan to provide
neighborhood continuity on the major streets
including elements such as street Signs. light
standards. paving patterns. canopy street trees.
hanging flower baskets and other plantings.
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an identified Implementor. They were adopted with the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that circumstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 34
NEIGHBORHOOD SUBAREAS
The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood is comprised of unique areas, each of which is
described in the pages that follow. Challenges and opportunities are highlighted for the
reader. The plan's proposed policies and action items respond to these challenges and
opportunities.
Policy IV: Subareas
Recognize and reinforce distinct neighborhood subareas, considering their unique
strengths, character, challenges, and opportunities.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 35
RIVER EDGE
The parks and natural resource areas that are so abundant in the neighborhood help to
shape the community and to define its character. The Willamette River and greenway
zone form the western boundary of the neighborhood. Layered in along the river are
Sellwood Riverfront Park, Sellwood Park, the park-like areas of Oaks Amusement Park,
moorages on the river, and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Adjacent to the north end of
the neighborhood in the Willamette River lie Ross Island, Hardtack Island, and East
Island.
The Willame!te River - looking southwest from Sellwood Riverfront Park.
Sellwood-Moreland has a unique relationship with the Willamette River edge. Only in
St. Johns and in downtown Portland is there equivalent opportunity for access to the
water at the same grade level. In Sellwood-Moreland, a large portion of the river shore
is dedicated to public open space. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is home to beaver,
otters, great blue herons and bald eagles. Residential uses, including houseboats
(floating homes), extend up to these open spaces north of Tacoma Street and the
Sellwood Bridge, and occur again at the Oregon Yacht Club moorage north of Oaks
Amusement Park. On the south, condominiums and private moorages occupy the edge
all the way to Waverley Golf Course.
South of the bridge, public access is physically limited. The Willamette Greenway
designation protects the right to public access and is intended to lead to eventual
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 37
development of a pedestrian trail along the river, connecting Sellwood to Milwaukie
and to downtown Portland. The Samtrack passenger train service currently connects
from a terminus near the Sellwood Bridge to OMSI on weekends during the summer
months.
Existing partial Willamelte Greenway Trail, looking north from the former
Anchorage Restaurant.
The challenges facing the neighborhood in the river edge district are:
• Creating physical and visual links between the residential and commercial portions
of the neighborhood and the riverfront
• Finding ways to implement the Greenway Trail
• Protecting natural areas from pressures for development
• Creating greater appreciation for the natural processes of the river and riparian areas
• Recognizing residential moorages (with floating homes, i.e. houseboats) as unique
pocket communities that contribute to the historical and unique character of the
neighborhood
Desired Character
The river edge should have a variety of public spaces which accommodate active and
passive recreational opportunities and commercial enterprises that respect the unique
attribute offered by the river. The wildlife habitat values should be preserved and
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 38
enhanced, with the Oaks Bottom, Hardtack, Ross Island and related islands treated as
one ecosystem with strict environmental regulations to protect its fragile condition.
Housing and business along the river edge should be compatible with the natural
character of the area, in use, in form and in style. They should avoid negative impacts
to the environment, reinforce community access to the river edge, and contribute to
development of the greenway trail. They should preserve views of the river from
vantage points such as Sellwood Riverfront Park, Sellwood Park, Sellwood Boulevard,
the Sellwood Bridge, Oaks Bottom, the north entrance to the neighborhood on SE
Milwaukie Avenue, and Oaks Park.
Condominiums and floating homes south of the Sellwood Bridge.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 39
Policy V: The River's Edge
Make the river edges integral to the community.
Objectives:
1. Strengthen and create connections between the neighborhood and the river
2. Protect Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge from any development which threatens to
diminish its capacity to support a variety of native species
3. Preserve views from the Sellwood Bridge to the river, the hills to the west, and
downtown Portland in any Sellwood Bridge renovation or replacement
4. Strengthen the role of the Sellwood Bridge as a neighborhood gateway
5. Use the public areas near the river's edge to help unify and create an identity for the
neighborhood
6. Pursue and support commercial activity at the bridgehead that is compatible with
river edge resources, and will link commercial and residential areas on Tacoma
with the residential and recreational areas below at the water's edge
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 40
Action Chart: River's Edge
Time
# Actions Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
PROJECTS/PROGRAM S
Increase access to the river edge ...
RE 1 ... by I:: re.:1tlng a stronger physical connection Parks
between upper Sellwood Park and Riverfront Park.
RE 2 ... by creating a link between the Springwater Parks
Corridor and the Willamette River Greenway, PDOT
possibly using the proposed bikeways along Spokane
and Umatilla Streets.
RE3 .,. by connecting the Springwater Corridor to.a Parks
pedestrian and bicycle trail running parallel to the
Portland Traction Company railway.
RE4 ... by Installing uniform signs to denote pathways. Parks
RE 5 ... by Implementing the Willamette River Greenway SMILE
Plan. 5MBA
RE6 ... by oooperating with bUSiness and property SMILE
owner-s to develop a waterfront loop trail from the 5MBA
foot of Linn to Spokane, to 13th. to Ochoco Streets.
RE 7 ... by placing interpretive signs and benches at view SMILE
point.s along the waterfront trail. 5MBA
RE8 Attr,:;lct more pedestnan-orlented uses at "the river SMILE
edge south of Spokane Street.
RE 9 Crealoe linkages between the Willamette River and Parks
other natural resource areas such as the histonc Metro
Portland Traction Co. Corridor with natural
plan1;ings.
RE10 Encourage development of compatible commercial SMILE
activity in the residential area south of the bridge.
RE 11 Draw river edge residents into the larger SMILE
neighborhood. Pursue reSidential development that 5MBA
links existing residential areas on the river edge to
the "djacent neighborhood.
RE12 Deve'Op a master plan for conserving significant- Parks
views Within Parks' jurisdiction. Planning
RE13 PrOVide viewing areas and benches along the river's SMILE
edge. 5MBA
RE 14 Increase awareness and stewardship of natural SMILE
areas by sponsoring field trips to Oaks Bottom.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October I, 1997
Page 41
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
Increase awareness and stewardship of natural
areas...
Adopt On-
ith Plan ~oin~
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yes
RE 15 ... by seekin~ sponsors and organizers to create a
youth corps to help maintain trails
RE 16 ... by organizing efforts to remove litter and
discourage dumping.
RE 17 ... by encouraging neighborhood foot patrols to
include parks and natural areas during months of
heavy usage.
RE 18 ... by using signs in public spaces to explain plants
and ot.her features of native habitats.
RE 19 Update the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Management Plan which includes management
poliCies for Oaks Bottom and other adjacent
riverfront habitat areas. Include a wildlife
interpretive center.
RE 20 AcqUire woodland between Riverfront Park and Oaks
Pank for a publiC green space.
RE 21 Promote the use of native plants and elements of
wildlife habitat in future development and
reh.abilitatlon projects.
RE 22 Use trees and landscaping to Incorporate natural
elements into pedestrian zones and bike paths.
"SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
Parks
BES
Metro
Panks
BES
Panks
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a st;artlng place. All actions have
an identified Implementor. They were adopted with the understanding that some Will need to be adjusted and others
replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support With the understanding that CIrcumstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 42
TACOMA STREET
Tacoma Street plays an important role by connecting the neighborhood to the river and
other parts of the city and region. The two ends of Tacoma Street are major entrances to
the neighborhood that could be developed as gateways.
Western gateway to the neighborhood--the bridgehead looking east on Tacoma
Street.
Unfortunately, Tacoma Street currently serves as a regional thoroughfare which carries
traffic from Clackamas County through the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood, and
across the river to points in Clackamas and Washington Counties or southwest
Portland. Parking has been largely eliminated, creating four narrow traffic lanes, which
narrow to two, creating a bottleneck at the Sellwood Bridge. Sidewalks are narrow and
lack a parking strip or parked cars to serve as a buffer. The environment is hostile, and
unsafe for pedestrians of all ages. Crossing the street is difficult due to the high traffic
volumes and speeds. No signalized crosswalks exist west of 13th Avenue or east of
17th. Tacoma Street has been identified by residents as the number one problem in the
neighborhood.
Land use along Tacoma Street remains predominantly residential, with commercial
uses only at the major intersections of McLoughlin, 17th, 13th, and the bridgehead.
Many of the properties have deteriorated and problems continue to increase as the
population in Clackamas County grows and traffic volumes rise.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 43
Tacoma Street has the potential to become a very pleasant public part of the
neighborhood. Deteriorated properties could be redeveloped with a mix of two- to
three-story buildings with some commercial uses at street level and residential uses
above, creating a lively pedestrian atmosphere. The proximity of the river, parks,
shopping, and bus service would make dwellings desirable to those who do not want a
yard to maintain.
Vision drawing showing bridgehead gateway with restaurant/pub development.
(Watercolor by Mark Perepelitza.!
However, until Tacoma Street and the Sellwood Bridge are relieved of the burden of
regional traffic, the vision for the street and new bridge cannot be fully realized. Studies
are currently under way by Metro, as well as city and county agencies, to find the best
solution for a river crossing south of downtown Portland to serve regional traffic. The
Sellwood Bridge and Tacoma Street location is inappropriate for the regional traffic due
to capacity limitations and inefficient routing.
The challenges facing the neighborhood on Tacoma Street are:
• Improving the residential and commercial environment of the street
• Bringing the street back into the neighborhood fabric
• Reducing impacts from traffic
• Reducing the role of the street as a barrier
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 44
Desired Character
Tacoma Street should be returned to its intended role as a district collector, with
reduced traffic loads, reduced speed limits and an increase in pedestrian access and on-
street parking. Planting strips should be incorporated in areas interspersed with parking
spaces and turning lanes. Mixed-use development and redevelopment should be
encouraged, allowing shops to locate among the residential uses in old houses and on
the first floor of residential buildings in the CM zoned areas. Commercial nodes should
be dedicated to pedestrian-oriented storefront shopping. The area at the bridgehead
should have commercial activity that offers public activity with a focus on the views up
and down the river, such as restaurants, pubs or other community gathering spots.
Architectural styles should complement the historic homes and commercial building
that exist on the street. The eastern portion of the street should accommodate
development that ties into the mass-transit corridor along McLoughlin. The
Tacoma/McLoughlin node should balance the accommodation of higher densities with
the environmental concerns for the Johnson Creek and Crystal Springs watersheds.
Tacoma Street plnll study showing two through lalles of traffic, cellter tum lalles,
and plantillg strips with street trees altematillg with oil-street parkillg.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 45
Policy VI: Tacoma Street
Improve access to and from the neighborhood across the Willamette River for transit,
bicycles, and pedestrians.
Objectives:
1. Create gateways to the neighborhood at the Sellwood Bridge and at the McLoughlin
overpass
2. Enhance the safety of the Sellwood Bridge for pedestrians and bicyclists
3. Reduce regional traffic on the Sellwood Bridge and Tacoma Street
4. Manage traffic on Tacoma Street consistent with the classifications for transit,
bikeway, and pedestrian ways in the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive
Plan
5. Improve the safety and character of pedestrian crossings across Tacoma Street
6. Encourage mixed-use (commercial/residential) development on Tacoma Street that
enhances the character of the area
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 46
Tacoma Street looking west from the McLoughlin
overpass.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 47
Action Chart: Tacoma Street
Time
# Actions
PROJECTSIPROGRAMS
Adopt On~
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
TSl
TS2
TS3
PrOVide safe bicycle lanes and separate pedestrian
walkways on the bridge.
Ensure th.at 'the design for any renovation or
replacement of the Sellwood Bridge is appropriate
and elegant in fomn and detailing.
Support planning for translt~orienteddevelopment
(T.OD.) across McLoughlin at a high~capacity
transit stop just south of Tacoma.
Multnomah County
Multnomah County
ODOT
Tn~Met
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an Identified Implementor. They were adopted with the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced with more feasible propos.als. Identification of an implementor for an actIon IS an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that Circumstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood~Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 48
PEDESTRIAN-ORIENTED
COMMERCIAL AREAS
Sellwood-Moreland has several separate and distinct commercial areas which are
located along major north-south routes in neighborhood. Flanked by residential areas,
these business districts are integral parts of the neighborhood, making important
contributions to its identity, character, and livability. The commercial areas also offer the
opportunity to bring more housing into the neighborhood as mixed-use development
with housing above street-level retail. Many of the needs of the added residents can be
met by the immediate access to bus transportation and commercial services.
Milwaukie Avenue Commercial Area
The Milwaukie Avenue district was developed in the 1920s, along with the
Westmoreland residential area. The appeal of the area is the main street, or village
square atmosphere, created by the solid row of shops along the streets radiating out from
the Bybee intersection. The structures are one to two stories, largely of masonry or
stucco, in 1920s and 1930s commercial styles. The core of the area is pedestrian-oriented,
with lot coverage to the sidewalk edge and few breaks in the street wall. The area invites
Milwaukie Avenue commercial area, looking south all Milwaukie at Glell1uood
Street.
Recommended Sellwood-Morelalld Neighbor/wad Plall
October 1, 1997
Page 49
walking and browsing, or stopping at cafes and eateries. Many of the businesses serve
needs of the neighborhood, so the district functions more as a small town main street
than as a collection of boutique-style attractions. However, the area also harbors a
cluster of offices and a number of restaurants that draw from well outside of the
immediate area.
Challenges facing the neighborhood along Milwaukie Avenue are:
• Retaining the street orientation and shop front style of architecture that is
characteristic of the area
• Preserving businesses that serve the needs of the neighborhood
• Maintaining a mix of businesses that offer variety and interest to keep up the
level of pedestrian activity
Seventeenth Avenue Commercial Area
The 17th Avenue area serves the south end of the neighborhood with general goods
and services. The district runs from Nehalem to Ochoco Street. This area is less unified,
both in architectural characteristics and in uses, than the other commercial areas in the
neighborhood. The pedestrian scale is strongest from Tenino Street through Sherrett
Street, but development at the intersection of 17th and Tacoma is entirely auto-
oriented. Older buildings are interspersed with modern buildings that are set back from
the sidewalk, fronted by parking lots. These modern buildings have no special
character. This area needs its own identity to spur revitalization and draw infill
development. Currently a number of design services, such as lighting, furniture
refinishing, and interior design are located in the district, possibly forming the nucleus
for an area which complements 13th Avenue's Antique Row. There are also some
businesses that serve the residents of the south end of the neighborhood. Residents
would like to see more of this type of development. Traffic congestion is also a
problem, especially for merchants who feel that it has a negative impact on their
businesses.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 50
Seventeenth Avenue commercial area, looking north on SE 17th at Umatilla
Street.
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the 17th Avenue area are:
• Reducing auto-dominated commercial development at the 17th and Tacoma
Street intersection
• Reducing the negative impacts that traffic congestion on 17th has on local
businesses
• Establishing an identity for the area in order to strengthen and revitalize the
district
• Encouraging businesses that provide services to the residents in the south end of
the neighborhood
• Maintaining the health of existing businesses
Thirteenth Avenue Commercial Area
Thirteenth Avenue is known as Sellwood's Antique Row. The 13th Avenue district
runs from Malden to Harney Street, encompassing the nationally recognized Antique
Row. Most of the shops have a regional draw, including the numerous antique shops,
restaurants, and the Columbia Sportswear Outlet Store. There are also a laundromat,
grocery store, and the neighborhood association's community facility, the SMILE
Station. The buildings date from the early 1900s when the area served as the main street
for the town of Sellwood. In recent years, higher rents have made success more difficult
for some small locally oriented businesses. The Antique Row shops are heavily
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 51
patronized by weekend shoppers. These shops are enjoyed by local residents for the
interesting displays and the upgraded business area that they have created.
Vision drawing showing improved public street space at intersection of SE 13th
Avenue and Tacoma Street, with consistent storefront commercial development.
(Watercolor by Mark Perepelitza.!
Thirteenth Avenue is a fairly densely developed district of one- to two-story buildings
that mostly date from the turn of the century. This street was the main street of
Sellwood from the time that the street car was introduced until about the time of its
demise in the 1950s. It includes some classic main street-style masonry buildings and a
large number of fragile wooden storefronts. The SMILE Station, a refurbished fire
station, is a focal point just south of the key intersection at 13th and Tacoma.
The street does not offer many opportunities for parking. Because it is a regional
attraction, patrons drive to the district, but leave their cars and walk from shop to shop.
The small storefronts retain a pedestrian scale and offer visual stimulation and variety.
Challenges facing the neighborhood along 13th Avenue are:
• Preserving the historic character of the commercial buildings on 13th
• Filling in gaps in the street wall with compatible structures, especially at the
intersection of 13th and Tacoma
• Maintaining the health of the regional shopping district
• Preserving businesses that serve the local neighborhood
• Accommodating the parking needs of residents and visitors
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 52
Because the business districts are the most public places of the neighborhood, their
character plays an important role in providing coherence and identity to the
neighborhood. Good use of urban design principles gives the area a distinctive sense of
being a place that is special. These principles make all the pieces of the urban scene fit
together in a way that works.
Desired Character
The commercial areas should maintain or enhance the pedestrian-orientation of
storefront shopping areas. The streetscape should have a sense of enclosure, formed by
a strong building edge. Pedestrian amenities such as street furniture, planters and street
trees should be emphasized. Building styles should be compatible with the historic
structures that set the tone for each district.
Residential and storefront commercial development along SE 13th Avenue,
between Tenino and Umatilla Streets, in the commercial area.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 53
Policy VII: Balanced Growth
Preserve the health and vitality of neighborhood commercial areas and maintain the
balance among residential, commercial and industrial interests.
Objectives:
1. Create an overall strategy and individual plans for each business district
2. Preserve the historic character and pedestrian-orientation of the neighborhood
commercial areas
3. Establish focal points within each business district
4. Provide good vehicle and mass transit access to the commercial areas for customers
and residents. Emphasize and promote pedestrian-oriented uses over auto-oriented
uses '
5. Reduce auto-dominance of the 17th Avenue intersection and redevelop it as the
core of a revived business district that complements the 13th Avenue Antique Row
and serves the local neighborhood
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 54
Action Chart: Balanced Growth
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/PROGRAM S
Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next; 6 1;0 Implement;ors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
BG 1 Develop a plan w provide a unified neighborhood
identity in the business districts using elements
such as sUeet; signs, light; st;andards, paving
patu"ns, and hanging flower baskets,
BG 2 Creat'" an urban design plan for Milwaukie Avenue w
presf:rve and improve Its pedestrian character.
BG 3 Creat'" an urban design plan for 13t;h Avenue,
focus,ing on the Tacoma Street intersection and
bring ng greater unity W 13t;h.
BG 4 Creat;e an urban design plan W develop a suonger
identity for the 17th Avenue commercial area.
BG 5 EncoJrage development; which meets volunt;ary
design gUidelines t;hat; promote and protect; t;he
special character of t;he neighborhood's
commercial areas.
BG 6 Enhance commercial areas with street furnishings,
lande,caping or decorative paving and street trees.
BG 7 Make t;he SMILE St;at;ion neighborhood center inw
an example of design features and amenities
appropriatoe for t;he 13t;h Avenue business disuin.
BG 8 Develop a neighborhood focal point; by creat;ing a
public space or courtyard area wit;hln t;he SE 13th
Avenue business district.
BG 9 Capitalize on est;abllshed landmarks as organizing
elemcnt;s (such as Johnson Jewelers clock, SMILE
Station, Portland Memorial, Sellwood Community
Cenwr and Oaks rark).
BG 10 Work wit;h t;he Masonic 'Lodge W promoW t;he
Masonic Temple on Milwaukie Avenue as a cultural
cent;", for the neighborhood.
BG 11 Suetlgt;hen urban design and economic funct;ion of
core intersect;ions (13t;h and Tacoma. 17th and
Tacoma, Milwaukie and Bybee).
BG 12 Support t;he est;ablishment; of businesses that are
compat;ible wit;h t;he pedesuian character of the
neighborhood.
BG 13 Ident;ify areas lacking in neighborhood services and
promote t;he locat;ion of businesses W meet local
needs.
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
Parks
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
Recommended Sel/wood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 55
lime
# Actions
PROJECTSIPROGRAM S
Adopto On-
itoh Plan going
Nexto 6 too 1m plementoors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
BG 14 Redevelop deuriorated propert;ies and fill in gaps
witoh businesses tohato serve local needs and
maintoain a diversitoy of business toypes.
BG 15 Encourage tohe use of bus toransport;atoion w
allevlau toraffic congestoion.
BG 16 Provide an appropriate amounto of parking for cars
witohouto destoroying tohe character of tohe districts.
Parking shouid be behind buildings, and underground
when feaSible.
BG 17 PromoU shared parking facilitoles W keep overflow
parking out of reSidential areas.
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
Tri-Met;
5MBA
SMILE
5MBA
NOTE: Actoion Cha'ts were approved by Pottland C,toy Council by resolutolon. They are a stoart;ing place. All actoions have
an identoified Implemenwr. They were adopud with the understanding that some Will need W be adjusted and others
replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support; with tohe understoanding tohato circumstoances will affecto tohe implementation leader's abllitoy w toake actoion.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October I, 1997
Page 56
MCLOUGHLIN EDGE
McLoughllin Boulevard, State Highway 99E, forms the eastern edge of the Sellwood-
Moreland neighborhood. With the exception of the Westmoreland Park area, the street
edge is undefined, the scale is erratic, and development patterns are unstructured with
no cohesive character. The north end of this corridor has auto-oriented commercial
uses. Just north of Bybee, the Westmoreland Union Manor retirement center backs on
to the corridor. From Bybee to Nehalem, the road abuts Westmoreland Park where
trees create a parkway environment. At Tacoma Street a new overpass, built by Oregon
Department of Transportation (ODOT) at the scale of a freeway onramp, carries traffic
over the roadway, eliminating the former signalized intersection. South of Tacoma,
more commercial uses front the roadway. Many of these used to serve neighborhood
needs, but now cater to the volume of McLoughlin traffic. Two sex entertainment
business are located on the west side of the road. The Eastmoreland Golf Course, the
Goodwill Store, and access to the Springwater Corridor are located on the east side of
McLoughlin.
McLoughlin Boulevard along Westmoreland Park, looking south.
Johnson Creek crosses under the roadway at Tacoma and meanders to the edge of the
street in several places. It is generally degraded and underutilized as an amenity in this
area.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 57
The parkway character of McLoughlin along the edge of Westmoreland Park is
relatively pleasant due to the canopy of large deciduous trees. This parkway character
could be extended along the full length of the neighborhood to create a more humane
environment. The North End and Tacoma Street overpass are potential high-capacity
transit stops. These station areas offer the opportunity for mixed-use development
oriented to both the neighborhood and high-capacity transit. A high-capacity transit
stop is also possible at the Bybee overpass but redevelopment opportunities at that
location are limited. These three locations are major entries into the neighborhood that
could be developed as gateways, especially with any transportation upgrades.
Challenges facing the neighborhood along the McLoughlin edge are:
• Finding a way to humanize McLoughlin so that it can be an asset to the
neighborhood
• Finding ways to cross McLoughlin to access high-capacity transit, parks, the
Springwater Corridor and other attractors on the east side of the roadway
• Promoting redevelopment which is transit-oriented in response to the proposed
high-capacity transit stations at the north and south ends of the neighborhood and,
as much as possible without destroying natural resource areas and a stable
neighborhood, at Bybee
• Upgrading the environment of the Crystal Spring Creek and Johnson Creek where
they are negatively impacted by McLoughlin and the adjacent development
Desired Character
McLoughlin is the major transportation corridor for auto and mass-transit, with heavy
rail immediately adjacent to the east. It forms a boundary that is nearly as strong as the
river on the west.
The edges of the corridor should be screened by planting a continuous border of trees.
. Access across McLoughlin should be made available at additional points by creating
connections to the Springwater Corridor on the south and Crystal Springs
Rhododendron Garden on the north. Desirable high-capacity transit stations are near
the North End and Tacoma overpass. A Bybee station is a lesser priority.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 58
McLollghlin BOlllevard at the Bybee overpass, looking sOlllh.
Policy VIlli Humanize McLoughlin
Humanize McLoughlin and make it an asset to the neighborhood.
Objectives:
1. Promote development at the North End and at the Tacoma Street overpass that
supports high-capacity transit. Seek a high-capacity transit stop at Bybee but place
priority on the other two stops
2. Provide some connections across McLoughlin for pedestrians and bicyclists
3. Create gateways to the neighborhood at the north end, Bybee overpass, and the
Tacoma overpass. Take advantage of transportation improvements in creating these
gateways
4. Improve the Crystal Springs Creek and Johnson Springs Creek environments
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 59
Action Chart: McLoughlin Edge
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/ PROGRAMS
Adopt On-
Ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
ME 1 Consider extending a parkway from the
Westmoreland Park area south throughout the
McLoughlin Edge corridor.
ME 2 Restore the connection over McLoughlin to the
Sprlngwat<:r Corridor as a pedestrian and bicycle
pathway.
ME 3 Consider major pedestrian connections over
Mcloughlin to future high-capacity transit stations.
ME 4 ConSider retrofitting existing overpasses at
Milwaukie ~nd Bybee to better accommodate
pedestrians and bicyclists.
ME 5 Clean up the creek and restore its banks and
st.reambed. Incorporate Johnson Creek as a focus of
new development.
ODOT
Parks
ODOT
Metro
ODOT
Tri-Met
ODOT
PDOT
Parks
SMILE
BES (JCWC)
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City CounCil by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions
have an identified Implementor. They were adopted with the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and
others replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of
Interest and support with the understanding chat clrcumscances will affect the impiementation leader's abilicy to
take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 60
CRYSTAL SPRINGS
The Crystal Springs district parallels McLoughlin. It begins on the north at the
Westmoreland Union Manor, where the creek crosses under McLoughlin and flows
into the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood. It traverses Westmoreland Park, leaving
the park on the south end at SE 22nd Avenue. South of the park, the creek extends
between SE 21st Avenue and McLoughlin, from Lambert Street to Ochoco Street.
Westmorelland Union Manor
Westmoreland Union Manor is a high-rise retirement community that is situated
north of Bybee Boulevard between McLoughlin and the Westmoreland residential
area. Crystal Springs crosses under McLoughlin and exits the property on the south end
of the manor site.
Challenges facing the neighborhood at Westmoreland Union Manor are:
• Creating ways to establish "bridges (i.e. social connections) between the manor
population and other Sellwood-Moreland residents
• Maintaining and improving services that are needed by the population at the
manor
The Westmoreland Union Manor Retirement Center on McLollghlin BOlllevard.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 61
Westmoreland Park
Crystal Springs travels through Westmoreland Park and feeds both Westmoreland
Pond and the casting pool. Large numbers of waterfowl use the streams and ponds as
part of their year-round residence in the Crystal Springs and Oak Bottom area. The
creek is channelized through the park, but the edges are caving in many places. Only
the pond has plantings for wildlife habitat on the eastern edge.
Challenges facing the neighborhood at Westmoreland Park are:
• Restoring stream banks and riparian areas
• Increasing storage capacity to accommodate winter flows in Crystal Springs Creek
• Improving wildlife habitat characteristics
Crystal Springs Residential Area
The Crystal Springs residential area consists of the houses along the creek from the
point where it exits at the south end of Westmoreland Park to its confluence with
Johnson Creek. The stream leaves the park near Lambert Street. The SMILE fish
hatchery is located just across from the park in this area. The stream passes through
private property to 21st Avenue where it takes over the right-of-way between Spokane
and Tacoma Streets. It passes under Tacoma in a culvert and runs next to the roadway
on 21st from Tacoma to Tenino. It crosses under 21st and continues on through
Crystal Springs Creek along SE 21st Avenlle sOllth of Tacoma Street.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 62
backyards and under streets and bridges to Sherrett Street, where it passes on the west
side of a home and enters Johnson Creek Park. The stream runs through the park and
joins Johnson Creek near the south end of the park.
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the Crystal Springs residential area are:
• Maintaining individual enjoyment of the stream amenity while promoting public
consciousness regarding stream restoration and habitat enrichment
• Preserving the SMILE fish hatchery
Willsburg
The Willsburg area is the western edge of the town of Willsburg, which dates from the
1800s in the McLoughlin Boulevard-Johnson Creek area, south of Tacoma Street.
Johnson Creek passes through residential, commercial and industrial properties, often
in a degraded condition with debris dumped in the steam bed. The creek crosses at road
level at the foot of Sherrett Street, passes through to the east of a single residential unit,
and enters Johnson Creek Park. Crystal Springs joins Johnson Creek at the south end of
the park, and the stream continues through residential properties to the industrial area
on Ochoco and then passes on to Milwaukie where it empties into the Willamette. The
area consists of industrial and commercial properties, a scattering of older houses and a
large project operated by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the Willsburg area are:
• Recognizing the historic significance of Willsburg
• Creating more opportunities for access to the creek and building awareness and
appreciiation for Johnson Creek
• Incorporating higher density housing near the future high-capacity transit station,
while preserving stream habitat and protecting floodplain storage capacity
• Increasing the residential and/or commercial development that utilizes the assets
and pleasures of the creek environment
Desired Character
Crystal Springs and Johnson Creek set the tone of the subarea as a rich natural resource
area in an urban setting. The Crystal Springs subarea should enhance and strengthen
the unifying character of the stream corridor by employing natural materials in
building construction, providing views of the stream and, where possible, public access
points. All development should be designed to protect the habitat value of the
watershed.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 63
High-density concentrations in the area should focus on transit-oriented development,
which is conducive to walking, bicycling and mass transit rather than automobile use.
Floodplain and watershed concerns should be primary considerations in any
development proposal and may limit density in some situations.
Policy IX: Caring for Crystal Springs
Foster community care and respect for the Crystal Springs environment.
Objectives:
1. Protect the Crystal Springs greenspaces and preserve wildlife habitat
2. Increase public access to Crystal Springs and Johnson Creek
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 64
Action Chart: Crystal Springs
Time
# Actions Adopt On-
ith rlan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
PRO~IECTS/ PROGRAMS
CS1 rromote restoration of the habitat value of Johnson BES
Creek <lnd preserve the purity of Crystal Springs by rlanning
maint~lining environmental zoning regulations and SMILE
observing floodplain guidelines.
CS2 Continue to support the SMILE fish hatchery SMILE
progrclm.
CS3 Preserve and enhance natural resources at Johnson Parks
Creek I'ark as part of the overall restoration of BES
Johnson Creek.
CS4 Retain environmental zoning and consider Planning
strengthening protection of the stream through a BES
possible Crystal Springs area amendment to the
Johnson Creek rlan District.
CS5 Apply ,Johnson Creek rlan District 100 year BOP
floodplain regulations to the Sellwood portion of the
Johnson Creek rlan District.
CS6 Pursu" public/private partnerships for stream BES
enhancement and restoration.
CS7 Establish cleanup and adoption of portions of the BES
streams. SMILE
C58 Establish special rules to limit storrnwater pollution BES
near the creek from multidwelling units. commercial
and Industrial uses.
C59 Team IYlth Clackamas County/Milwaukie for stream BES
restoration and zoning solutions.
C510 Educau: property owners regarding conservation. 5MILE
native planting. fish habitat, etc.
C511 Establish a Friends of Crystal Springs group. SMILE
CS12 Reque';t that PDOT identify SE 21st as a bicycle and SMILE
pedesui.an route while retaining on-street parking.
CS13 Connect Crystal Springs Corridor with the r arks
Springwater Corridor Trail, the40 Mile Loop, and Metro
Wlllam~teGreenway.
CS14 Reass"ss zoning and Comprehensive rlan BOr
designations once the BES study and the study for
south corridor light rail alignment are complete.
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an identifif:d implementor. They were adopted with the understanding that some witt need to be adjusted and others
replaced witch more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that circumstances witt affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 65
NORTH END
The North End is a residential area that is bordered by Milwaukie Avenue on the west,
McLoughlin on the east and north, and Reedway on the south. The area has a
significant concentration of multidwelling units in a mix of styles, and some newer
housing. Some courtyard apartments offer pleasing alternatives to motel-style units,
which fail to develop a beneficial relationship to public streets and sidewalks. None of
the complexes are more than two to three stories. The street wall patterns are broken by
parking lots near the apartments, churches and businesses in the area. The North End
also contains a larger than usual assortment of small cottages, possibly houses for
railroad workers, and offices, clustered at the end of Milwaukie Avenue. Some houses
in the area date from the neighborhood's earliest plats, in the early 1880s.
North End residential area, looking east along Harold Street, with the Brooklyn
Yard railroad facility in background.
Services are limited in the North End and pedestrian access is difficult because of heavy
traffic and lack of adequate sidewalks on some streets. The only park facility is the
northern entrance to Oaks Bottom. The North End also includes a major gateway into
the neighborhood, the Milwaukie overpass over McLoughlin, and the former
Vocational Village school site. Commercial sites on McLoughlin include a nude
dancing bar, billiards supply wholesaler, and a gas station/car wash. There are no
grocery stores in this area. A high-capacity transit station is planned for the area just
north of McLoughlin.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 67
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the North End are:
• Providing more services and amenities for residents in the area
• Improving multifamily housing to provide for greater livability
• Attracting more neighborhood-oriented commercial development on
McLoughlin
Desired Character
The North End should be a compact area with a full complement of amenities to serve
residents, including retail outlets, pedestrian and bicycle paths, a pocket park and good,
direct transit connections. Development should be designed to encourage walking,
bicycling and transit ridership. The core of historic older homes should be protected,
with only compatible infill allowed. The outer edges of the area, along transit corridors,
should be built more densely to create more substantial, well-designed buildings, with
parking below ground or behind the building and pedestrian plazas or courtyards in
front. The northern gateway into the North End should have a mixed-use transit-
oriented development, taking advantage of Willamette River and Oaks Bottom views
and a prominent location at the intersection of major transportation corridors.
Policy X: North End: A New Neighborhood Center
Encourage the emergence of a new neighborhood center in the North End which will
become the focal point for transit and pedestrian-oriented residential, commercial and
employment uses.
Objectives:
1. Provide opportunities for commercial and mixed-use development oriented to local
shopping and employment needs
2. Provide for housing redevelopment at densities that support a nearby high-capacity
transit station, and support retail stores and services in the neighborhood center
3. Protect and preserve areas with potential to be listed as an historic district
4. Provide safe pedestrian access across McLoughlin to the transit station
5. Provide a community gathering space in the North End
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 68
Action Chart: North End
lime
# Actions
PROJECISIPROGRAMS
Adopto On-
itoh Plan going
Nexto 6 too Implemen100rs
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
NE 1 Consider creatintj a histonc conservation district in
tohe North End.
NE 2 Creatoe a pocket park wltoh a play area fonhe Nortoh
End.
NE 3 Atuact services, especially a grocery store. to
locatoe In tohe North End.
NE 4 Cre"ee a visual symbol 100 denow tohe neighborhood
gatew~~y at the Milwaukie Avenue overpass.
NE5 Encourage the redevelopment of sUdtegic locations
such as the Vocational Village Site at Milwaukie and
McLoughlin as mixed. high-density residential and
neighborhood-oriented commercl.al uses.
SMILE
Planning
Parks
SMILE
5MBA
SMILE
SMILE
NOTE: Actolon Ch"rtos were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are" starting place. All actolons have
an identoified irnpiemenwr. They were adoptoed With tohe understoanding that some will need 100 be "dJusted "nd others
replaced with more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action IS an expression of interest and
support with t·he understanding that Circumstances Will affect the implementation ledder's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 69
RESIDENTIAL AREAS
Westmoreland
Originally part of the Ladd Estate, the Westmoreland area was opened to development
in 1909. Most of the housing was built in the 1920s and 1930s and includes a large
number of bungalow-style homes. Many streets are lined with massive old trees that
arch over the roadway in spring and summer, creating a peaceful, shady residential
corridor, good for strolling or bicycle riding. The Milwaukie Avenue commercial area
provides a wide variety of services at walking distance. Westmoreland Park offers
active and passive recreational opportunities. Automobile and mass transit services are
both convenient and accessible.
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the Westmoreland area are:
• Maintaining quality housing stock
• Preserving neighborhood stability
• Curbing congestion on Bybee and on 17th
• Preserving existing street trees and planting new trees where needed
• Recognizing the neighborhood gateway at the Bybee overpass
Seventeenth Avenue in the Westmoreland residential area.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 71
City View
The City View area is named for the old City View Race Track, located near the present
site of Sellwood Park in the 1800s. The area is west of Milwaukie Avenue and extends
from Ellis, south to Miller and west to the river edge. Housing is a mix of cottages, farm
houses, bungalows, four-squares, and a few ranch-style homes. Near Sellwood Park,
along Sellwood Boulevard and on 13th Avenue to the west of Llewellyn School, there
are many large and impressive older homes. The Llewellyn School yard serves as a
playground and open space and the Portland Memorial Mausoleum grounds also serve
as a park or garden feature in the neighborhood. Among the notable structures are the
buildings at Sellwood Park, designed by Ellis Lawrence, and the John Pipes home at
13th and Carlton, designed by Wade Pipes. The area is also close to Milwaukie Avenue
businesses and convenient transit service. Vistas of the river, Oaks Bottom and
downtown Portland are available from a number of points.
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the City View area are:
• Maintaining quality housing stock
• Preserving neighborhood stability
• Increasing pedestrian access to Oaks Bottom
• Increasing pedestrian safety on Milwaukie Avenue
City View residential area, looking east on Sellwood Boulevard.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 72
Sellwood
The Sellwood area was platted in 1882, and was incorporated as the City of Sellwood
between 1887 and 1893. It lies south of Miller, to Ochoco Street, and extends from the
river edge east to 21st Avenue. Most of the homes (about 75 percent) were built before
1930. Only about 10 percent are post-1968 infill, but this number is rapidly changing as
townhouses are replacing some of the smaller, less-valued housing units. Often these
are among the oldest remaining homes. Styles of houses are a mix of all types, ranging
from Victorian to ranch style and from rooming houses to motel-style apartments.
The area encompasses the 13th and 17th Avenue commercial areas, but does not have
many neighborhood-oriented services. A unique streetcar-related complex at the south
end of 13th includes buildings from the electric railway at Linn, an 1880s brewery at
Marion and railway workers' rooming houses at 10th Avenue. Tacoma Street creates a
major barrier with few safe or convenient pedestrian crossings. Sellwood Middle
Ml/ltifamily hOl/sing in Sellwood residential area.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 73
School, on Umatilla Street, serves youth in the neighborhood and beyond. St. Agatha's
School, on 15th at Miller Street, has developed a regional draw for kindergarten
through eighth grade. Children attending both schools must cross Tacoma Street in the
morning and afternoon. .
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the Sellwood area are:
• Maintaining quality housing stock
• Preserving historic character
• Preserving neighborhood stability
• Increasing pedestrian safety on Tacoma, 13th and 17th
• Maintaining Sellwood Park as a place that serves the neighborhood
• Establishing standards for infill development
• Keeping up the condition of rental housing
Garthwick
Garthwick is a residential area, south of Ochoco Street, that is bounded by 17th on the
east, 13th on the west and Waverley Golf Course on the south. The area was developed
with larger (10,000 to 20,000 square foot) lots. Homes date from the 1920s to 1950s, and
many are Tudor/English country style. They are sited on quiet winding streets, named
after English country estates and lined with mature trees. Most lots have wide lawns
and well-tended landscaping. The development has a wall or a fence on all sides, with
formal entries set off by gate posts at 13th and 17th. The Portland Traction Company
railroad runs along the northern edge of the development.
Challenges facing the neighborhood in the Garthwick area are:
• Maintaining quality housing stock
• Preserving neighborhood stability
• Keeping connected to the larger neighborhood
• Attracting neighborhood services that are within walking distance
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October I, 1997
Page 74
Garthwick Gates, immediately south of Dchoco Street on the west side of 17th
Avenue.
Desired Character
These areas should preserve their character as residential communities where houses
face the street and have porches and other semipublic areas that promote neighborhood
interaction. Infill should match the historic character of each residential subarea. Street
trees, which promote pedestrian activity, help to preserve the natural quality of the
neighborhood environment, shade and cool the streets, and reduce air pollution
should be preserved. New trees that will grow to match the older trees in stature
should be added. The residential areas should remain pedestrian-oriented areas where
auto-dominated structures, including houses which have a garage as the predominant
feature of the front facade, are not allowed.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 75
Residence in Sellwood on 13tlt Avenue soutlt of tlte
commercial area.
Policy XI: Residential Areas
Preserve the predominantly pedestrian scale and design of the neighborhood's
residential ar,eas, emphasizing the street as an important public open space element.
Objectives:
1. Ensure a mix of housing units to serve the needed range of types, sizes and income
levels that will accommodate a socially and economically diverse neighborhood
population
2. Designate existing business areas, transportation corridors, transit stations and
activity centers as the appropriate locations for concentrating higher density
residential and mixed-use zones
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 76
Action Chart: Residential Areas
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/ PROGRAMS
Adopto On-
ltoh Plan going
Nexto G Co Impiementoors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
RAl
RA2
RA3
RA4
RA5
RAG
RA 7
MalnlO"in and upgr"de affordable rencal housing
units.
Support public and pnv"w programs lOhalO aid in
repair, weatherization and other improvements for
low and moderate Income residents.
Ensur" lOhalO lOransilO scaUons (bus and high-capacity
transit) are the focus of zones for mixed-use and
higher density residential development.
PartiCipate In the soutoh/north high-capaclCy lOr"nsit
alignment and station design process. to Identify
potennOlI station locations that have: adjacent
redevelopment opportunity sites.
Establish design standards for residential areas.
In identified mixed-use Jistnets, encourage buildings
that contain both commercial and residential uses.
Creat"" lOree planting plan for lOhe neighborhood's
residential areas which identifies streets that are
deficie'nt in street trees.
BHCD
BHCD
SMILE
SMILE
Planning
SMILE
5MBA
Parks
SMILE
NOTE: Actoion Charts were approved by Portland Citoy Council by resolution. They are a stoarting place. All actions have
"n identified Implementor. They were adopted IVlth the understoanding that some will need to be adjusted and otohers
replaced With l110re fedsible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of Interest and
support with the understanding that Circumstances will affect the Implementation leader's ability CO take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 77
ENVIRONMENT & GREENSPACES
The parks and natural resource areas that are so abundant in the neighborhood help to
shape the community and to define its character. The Willamette River and Greenway
zone form the western boundary of the neighborhood. Layered in along the river are
Sellwood Riverfront Park, Sellwood Park, Oaks Park and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge.
Ross Island and Hardtack Island lie at the north tip of the neighborhood. Crystal Springs
passes through the northeast part of the community. At Westmoreland Park, the
springs form ponds that provide habitat for waterfowl. At Johnson Creek Park, Crystal
Springs feeds into Johnson Creek. The creek continues from just south of Harney Street
to the edge of the neighborhood, passing under Ochoco Street, to flow into the City of
Milwaukie and join the Willamette. Outside the neighborhood, on its eastern and
southern borders, lie many additional acres of open space. To the east are Crystal Springs
Rhododendron Garden and Eastmoreland Golf Course. To the southeast is the
Springwater Corridor and to the south is the Waverley Golf Course and Country Club.
Sellwood/Moreland Greenspaces
• The Willamette River Greenway
• Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
• Sellwood Riverfront Park
• Sellwood Park
• Sellwood Bluff
• Oaks Park
• Crystal Springs
• Westmoreland Park
• Johnson Creek
• Johnson Creek Park
• Springwater Corridor / 40 Mile Loop
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 79
Policy XII: Environment and Greenspaces
Foster community care and respect for the environment.
Objectives:
1. Create more opportunities for interaction with the natural environment
2. Protect neighborhood greenspaces and preserve wildlife habitat
3. Promote the "urban forest" in Sellwood-Moreland
4. Strengthen the neighborhood's natural environment by creating linkages between
existing greenspaces and natural resource areas with corridors of natural plantings
(Areas might include: historic Portland Traction Company corridor, Willamette
River, North End of Oaks Bottom near Mitchell/Milwaukie, Johnson Creek, and
Crystal Springs Creek)
5. Guard against inappropriate use and storage of toxic materials and pollutants
6. Connect the Greenway Trail with the Springwater Corridor through the Sellwood-
Moreland neighborhood
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 80
Action Chart: Environment and Greenspaces
Time
# Actions
FROJECTS/FROGRAMS
Adopt On-
Ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
EG 1 Promote the use of native plants and elements of
wildlife habitat in future development and
rehabil11;ation projects.
EG 2 Use trees and landscaping to incorporate natural
elements into pedestrian zones and bike paths.
EG 3 Preserve eXisting trees. especially significant and
notable trees.
EG 4 Introduce more st.reet trees.
EG 5 Create ,om accessible pathway system.
EG 6 Educate neighbors on proper ways to store and
dispose of toxic materials and pollutants.
EG 7 Connec1; the Greenway Trail With the Springwater
Corridor through the Sellwood-Moreland
neighborhood.
BES
SMILE
SMILE
Parks
SMILE
Parks - Urban
Forestry Division
SMILE
Parks
SMILE
Parks
SMILE
Metro
Parks
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portlimd City Councli by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an Identified implementor. They were adopted With the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced with ty,ore feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support with the understanding that circumstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 81
TRANSPORTATION
Neighborhood residents cite traffic congestion, speeding, cut-through traffic and
pedestrian safety as major transportation issues. The City of Portland has adopted the
McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project to resolve these issues. A status report and list of
proposed future projects is included in the appendix of this plan.
The major transportation infrastructure changes that will impact the neighborhood in
the next 10 to 20 years are expected to be 1) the possible replacement of the Sellwood
Bridge and 2) the building of the south/north light rail transit line (discussed in the
McLoughlin edge policy section).
The City's overall policy direction regarding the Sellwood Bridge is specified by the
Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan. The Transportation Element
discourages construction of a regional bridge facility which exacerbates the problems
of commuter traffic through Sellwood-Moreland:
Policy 6.23 South of Portland River Crossing
A new bridge crossing the Willarnette River should be located south of the City of
Portland to serve suburban travel demand between Clackamas and Washington
Counties. The Sellwood Bridge should also be replaced, but be designed to connect
Southeast and Southwest Portland.
Policy XIII: Transportation
Provide for the safe movement of people and goods, while preserving, enhancing or
reclaiming the neighborhood's livilbility.
Objectives:
1. Retain a bridge crossing which connects Sellwood and southeast neighborhoods to
southwest neighborhoods. Avoid increasing traffic capacity for a regional facility
2. Enhance or expand accessibility across the Willamette River for pedestrians,
bicyclists and transit
3. Support high-capacity transit serving those living in Sellwood-Moreland
4. Enhance the neighborhood's pedestrian environment along Tacoma
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 83
Action Chart: Transportation
-rime
# Actions
PROJECfS/PROGRAMS
Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
TR 1 SupportCYfunding and implementation of the
Mcloughlin Neighborhood Project Implementation
Strategy.
TR 2 Contact BTM about the inappropri2te truck use of
Harold Street.
TR 3 Encourage pedestrian and bicycle transportation
2nd tr2ns',t ridership by p2rtlcipatlng 111 the deSign
and development of the south/north high-capacity
transit. sy:stern to ensure convenient neighborhood
access to high-capaCity tranSit stations,
TR 4 Support development of river access transportation
(water taxIs).
TR 5 Support e)<lsting on-street parting on Tacoma
Street dunng off-peak hours.
TR 6 Investigate future use of the current Sellwood
Bridge structure as a pedestrian. bicycle and
possibly bus crossing segregated from ~'ehicular
traffic.
POOT
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
POOT
SMILE
SMILE
Multnomah
County
POOT
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an Identified Imple11entor. They were adopted with the underst2nding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced With mons: feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support With the L nderstanding that circumstances will affect t.he Implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 84
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Sellwood-Moreland has maintained the feeling of a small town. Neighbors have
attributed this to the fact that almost anything they need is within walking distance.
These needs are met by the community services that are found in the neighborhood, as
well as by the diverse business community. Service providers in Sellwood-Moreland are
eager to provide for the needs of an even wider group of residents and to improve the
already strong offerings to be found in the area.
The Sellwood pool and poolhouse, designed by Ellis Lawrence, built between
1910 and 1914.
Policy XIV: Community Services
Enhance the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood's sense of community.
Objectives:
1. Cultivate a strong sense of belonging and participation in a unique village
community
2. Retain and strengthen a mix of uses and activities - residential, commercial,
employment, recreational, institutional, and social
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 85
Llewellyn Elementary School, SE 14th and Carlton.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 86
Action Chilrt: Community Services
Time
# Actions
PROJECTS/PROGRAMS
Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to Implennentors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
CS 1 Develop educational, recreational and cultural
opportunities within the neighborhood. Encourage
sponsorship and participation in neighborhood
act.ivities by individuals, businesses and ~roups.
• Promote public participation In neighborhood
activities,
• Encouragejoint projects involving churches.
schools and service agencies. especially those
promoting educational and environmental
awareness and cultural diversity
• Increase opportunities for participation in
projects that increase public awareness and
support:.. for environmental values within the
neighborhood and greater community (e.g.
re,aional and neighborhood cleanJp campaigns.
cn:::ek .and natural area maintenance/
enhancement. workshops on recycling. organic
gardening. compostlng. etc.).
CS 2 Broaden the use of meeting spaces ~1t. businesses,
neighborhood schools. churches and recreational
fc:1ci1lties for intergenerational activities.
• Organize family-night activities.
• Or'ganize after-school activities.
• Organize exchange programs between schools
and retirement facilities.
• Encourage adopt-a school partnerships with
area businesses.
CS 3 Provld" for the daycare needs of families, for both
children and adults. Encourage efforts among
residents, agencies, schools, churches, businesses
and other organizations to proVide d.3ycare facilities.
C54 Creat<: an effective neighborhood communication
network. Produce a neighborhood calendar each year.
listing planned neighborhood activities and
neigho'orhood facts of interest.
• Assemble a welcome packet for newcomers to th
neighborhood.
• M':;lintaln an inventory of social services with an
annual update cycle.
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
SMILE
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 87
Time
# Actions Adopt On-
ith Plan going
Next 6 to 1m plementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
CS 5 Invite Fire Bureau personnel to neighborhood
meetings to discuss fire and life safety issues.
C56 Include fire and accident prevention tips in
neighborhood newsletter.
Bureau of Fire,
Rescue &
Emergency
Services
Bureau of Fire.
Rescue &
Emergency
Services
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an identified implt1'l1entor. They were adopted with the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced wit.h more feasible proposals. Identification of an implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support with the Lnderstanding that circumstances Will affect the implt1mentation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 88
PUBLIC SAFETY & CRIME
PREVENTION
The Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood has a relatively low crime rate. Most crimes are
those committed against property, not persons. In 1994 a community policing station
was established at the Sellwood Center on Milwaukie and Tenino, neighborhood watch
programs were expanded, and a neighborhood foot patrol was started.
Policy XV: Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Maintain at safe neighborhood for people and property.
Objectives:
1. Work with Portland police to retain community policing stations and crime
prevention programs
2. Broaden and expand the involvement of residents and businesses in maintaining
awareness of fire and life safety issues
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 89
Action Chart: Public Safety & Crime Prevention
Time
# Actions
PROJECTSIPROGRAMS
Adopt On-
ith Pia n gOing
Next 6 to Implementors
5 Yrs 20 Yrs
PS1
PS2
PS3
PS4
PS5
PS6
PS7
Continue to involve residents in block watch
programs to prevent crime. Establish and/or
reactivate block and business watch programs.
Maintain ,an active community policing contact office.
Recruit volunteers to provide crime prevention
information and assist with public safety activities.
Urge residents and business owners to remove
graffiti immediately.
"frain residents to recognize signs of gang activity
and report them to the appropriate department of
the police bureau.
Develop public safety programs at neighborhood
schools (walk. talk. squawk; bicycle registration etc.)
Promote Crime Prevention through EnVironmental
Design (CEITED) concepts,
SMILE
Police
Police
SMILE
SMILE
Police
Police
NOTE: Action Charts were approved by Portland City Council by resolution. They are a starting place. All actions have
an identified Impl,,"entor. They were adopted With the understanding that some will need to be adjusted and others
replaced wit.h mom feasible proposals. Identification of C1n implementor for an action is an expression of interest and
support wit.h the understanding that circumstances will affect the implementation leader's ability to take action.
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 90
•APPENDICES
Recommended Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood Plan
October 1, 1997
Page 91
Appendix A
Selected Population Information for
SeBwood-Moreland Neighborhood
ISelected Population Information for Sellwood-Moreland Neighborhood
Popu)ation Growth and Household Composition
In 1996, approximately 11,415 people were living in Sellwood. While the
neighborhood's population has fluctuated since 1940, the number of
households has increased every decade since that year. Today, there are
approximately 5,400 households within Sellwood. Sellwood's population has
grown by nearly 5 percent since 1980 and continues to rise (See Table 1).
Sellwood Population: 1940-1996
11800 -,-----------------.
11600 +--------cI-\-----------1
11400 +------#--~-----~
c: 11 200 +--+-"""'J----~--___c'_-----1
o
;:
.,
:; 11 000 +--l'-----------\-~'----_1
a.
o
a. 10800 +-+---------.------1
10600 +-1---------------1
1990 20001980
10400 ,£-----------------1
10200 J~--+---___jI--__jI--_+_--t__-__1
1940 1950 1960 1970
Year
Figure 1
Over the last fifty years, there has been a dramatic shift in the way people in
Sellwood, and throughout Portland, live. Today, people tend to live in much
smaller households than they did 50 years ago. In 1950, only 49 percent of
Sellwood's households had fewer than three people-by 1990, 75 percent of
Sellwood's households were this small. While Sellwood's population has
grown by a total of only 1 percent since 1950, these residents occupy 41 percent
more housing units today than they did in 1950. (Note: Sellwood lost 8
percent of its population between 1970 and 1980.)
Sellwood household sizes have grown slightly since 1980, but they show no
signs of increasing to their 1970 sizes-the average household size in
Sellwood has hovered at around 2.1 persons per household since 1980.
Table 1: Sellwood Population. Households. and Household Size:
1940-1996
Year Population %Change Households %Change Number of
Persons/HH
19·W 10.382 nla 3.706 n/a 2.80
19150 11.312 9.07. 3.864 4.31. 2.93
19,60 11.172 -1.21. 3.987 3.1% 2.80
1970 11.745 5.11. 4.725 18.51. 2.49
19,~0 10.792 -8.11. 5.229 10.n 2.06
19:~0 11.147 3.31. 5.297 1.3% 2.10
19,~4 11.288 1.31. 5.309 0'1. 2.13
19:~6 11.415 1.11. 5.433 2.31. 2.10
Transportation Types Used by Sellwood Residents
In 1990, just over 69 percent of Sellwood's working residents drove alone to
their jobs. This was slightly above the city-wide average of 66 percent. The
percentage of residents driving alone to work has increased since 1980. The
lower percentage of single occupancy vehicle use in 1980 is due, in part, to the
oil embargoes of the seventies which caused people throughout the US to rely
more heavily on alternative modes of transportation.
In 1990, Sellwood averaged 1.3 cars per household. This is lower than the
city-wide average of 1.39. This lower average is due, in part, to the large
numbe,r of seniors and one person households in the neighborhood.
Table 2: Travel Mode to Work Among Persons Aged 16+:
1980-1990
Primary Mode to Work 1980 1990 1. Change
Single-Occupancy Vehicle 591. 69% 32%
Carpool m. 131. -171.
Transit 15% 10'/. -201.
Walk 57. 3% -961.
Work at. Home 21" 31.. 731.
All Other 31" w.. -621.
2
Housing Tenure
In 1990, 48 percent of the housing units in Sellwood were owner occupied.
This is slightly below the city-wide average of 53 percent. The owner
occupancy rate stayed very stable in Sellwood between 1980 and 1990.
CrimE' Rate
In 1996, Sellwood's per capita crime rate was lower than that of the whole of
East Portland Plan Area. (Sellwood had 95.8 crimes per thousand residents;
East Portland Community Plan Area had 100.5 crimes per thousand
residents). The number of total crimes reported in the Sellwood
neighborhood decreased by 2 percent between 1990 and 1996.
Sellwood: Total 1996 Crimes by Type
1200
'1000
..
..
E
;:
0 BOO
."
..
-
~
0
a. 600..
a:
-0
~ 400..
.c
E
::I
Z
200
0
1990
III Murder, Rape, Molestation,
Robbery, Agrv Assault,
Arson
C Res. Burglary
121 Non Res. Burglary
l:I Auto Theft
• Bike Theft, Theft from Auto
• Other Larceny
.~
• Vandalism
1996
igure2
3
Selected Demographics
Race
In 1990, the population of Sellwood was primarily white. While the
percentage of non-white residents has increased slightly since 1980, there was
a smaller percentage of these race categories in Sellwood than in the city as a
whole.
Table 4: Sellwood Population by Race: 1980-1990
Race 1980 1990 %chan~e
White 94.531. 92.821. -0.11.
Black 0.841. 1.86'. 85.51.
American Indian. Eskimo & Aleut . ." 0.72% 055'• 18.01.
Asia n & Pacifii; Islander 2.26% 4.05% 519.4%
Other Race 1.651. 0.72'. -55.71.
Age
In 1990, over 17 percent of Sellwood's residents were 65 years of age and
older--this is a larger percentage than in the city where seniors composed just
over 14 percent of the population. The percentage of Sellwood's population
older than 65 has declined since 1980.
Table 5: Sellwood Population by Age Compared to Portland: 1990
Age ~lrouP Sellwood Foreland
Less '"han 5 years 5.641. 5.55'1.
5-17 years 15.671. 14.15%
18-34 years 28.18'. 27.451.
35-64 years 55.861. 56.851.
65 YI~ars or older 17.22% 14.591.
Income
In 1996, Sellwood's median household income was 32,678 dollars This is
higher than the median incomes of the majority of East Portland's
neighborhoods. Between 1980 and 1996, Sellwood saw an increase in real
median income of about 25 percent-a greater increase than any other
neighborhood in the East Portland Plan area.
Table 6: Sellwood Median Income: 1980-1996
Type of Income 1980 1990 1996 ,. chan~e
Nominal Income $13.041 $25.449 $32.678 1501.
Real Income (1996 dollars) $26.043 $52,498 $52.678 25'1.
4
Education
In 1990, 84 percent of Sellwood residents over the age of 24 had graduated
from high school and 60 percent had some college experience. This is slightly
below the city wide averages of 87 percent and 60 percent respectively. Like
the city as a whole, educational levels rose between 1980 and 1990.
rable 7: Sellwood Population Aged 25+ by Education Level: 1980-1990
Level of Education 1980 1990 7. change
High School Graduates 70% 847. 297.
Person!; with some college 39% 607. 6B%
5
A Note about data sources:
Populati'on and Household Composition data for Sellwood is calculated from whole census
tracts 1.00 and 2.00 for 1940-1990. This area includes Sellwood, Ross Island, and the area of
Brooklyn south of Holgate. 1994 data is from an estimate of these census tracts provided by
Metro. 1996 data is an estimate provided by CACI Data Systems for the Sellwood
neighborhood.
Race, age, housing tenure, transportation, and education data are from the neighborhood
profiles prepared by the Center for Population and Census Research at Portland State
University based on 1990 Census data.
Crime d,ata is from neighborhood statistics maintained by the City of Portland Police Bureau.
Nominal median income is from Neighborhood Profile data for 1980 and 1990, and a CACI Data
Systems estimate of median income in 1996. Real median income has been adjusted to 1995
dollars using the consumer price index as a measure of inflation.
"East Portland Area" refers to whole census tracts 1,2,3.01,3.02, 4.01, 4.02, 8.01, 8.02, 9.01, 9.02,
10, 11.01, 11.02, 12.01, 12.02, 13.01, 13.02, 14, 15, 16.01, 18.01, 18.02, 19, 20, 21, 27.02, and 28.02.
(see map)
Biffl>onl
12.01 13.01
"" """'"' '.13.02 I~
12.02 ,
~, .v'
~ ~~ 9.01 B.Ol
10
--~ 9.02 " 0'<~ B.02
"
"",.
~
~ ~2
3.02~
~
~
East PorUand Community Plan Census Tracts
East Portland Community Plan Boundary
Census Tract Boundary
~ Area Outside 01 Plan Area Included In Analysis
~ Area Inside of Plan Area Excluded lrom Analysis
6
Appendix B
SMILE Neighborhood Planl
McLoughlin Neighborhoods Proj ecl
May 28,1997
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
Mark Bello, Planning Bureau
Rich Newlands, Transportation Planning
SUBJ1~CT: SMILE Neighborhood Plan/McLoughlin Neighborhoods
Project
Attached is the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project Implementation Strategy
approved by the SMILE and Brooklyn Neighborhood Associations and
adopted by City Council in July of 1995. The Strategy was developed to
clarify the steps that need to be taken in order to implement the
recommended transportation improvement projects contained within the
origiDaLI McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project report (1983). These steps include
timing (phasing), planning process, funding, and responsibilities.
The original project proposed a package of transportation improvement
projects to address the impacts of regional through traffic related to
McLoughlin Boulevard and the Sellwood Bridge on the Sellwood-Moreland
and Brooklyn neighborhoods.
cc: Monique Wahba, Transportation Planning
"25
-
SECTION III
RECOMMENDElJIMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY
PROCESS
, '
The conclusions of the technical and policy evaluation discussed in the previous
section updated and verified the continued need for traffic management devises
to address McLoughlin corridor traffic on neighborhood streets. The folloWing
Recommended Implementation Strategy was developed to clarify the planning,
timing (phasing), funding, approval processes, and program responsibilities to
coordinate and move forward the conceptual solutions outlined in the Draft
McLoughlin Neighborhoods Projects report to implementation.
Phasing is a key component in the development of the Strategy. The 1983 report
. allowed for phasing of projects due to various technical prerequisites, which since
that time now have been completed. However, phasing of elements within the
McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project is still essential due to the current operating
environment of constrained fiscal resources for transportation improvements which
creates significant competition among projects City-wide. A Technical Advisory
Committee was assembled to review and recommend a strategy which would
ensure: the support and coordiliation from the City Bureaus. The Strategy was then
presented to interested and involved neighborhood organizations and groups for
their review and input.
The main goals of the Strategy are to:
• Maximize the efficiency of project implementation;
• Assure coordination with other projects in the area;
• Achieve support from PooT/ City to complete the projects; and
• Provide public outreach - citizen involvement, distribution of
information and consensus building.
The structure of the Strategy is based upon the following four criteria:
• Policy conformance and technical justification:,
• Neighborhood priorities, within the Project
• Availability of funds/cost: and
• Complexity of work remaining
The "policy conformance and technical justification" criterion refers to both the
updating process discussed in the previous section and also further specific
analysis related to individual projects, The first step in structuring a phasing plan
requires that the specific problem each Project element was originally designed to
address is still justified from a technical standpoint, and still complies with City
-26
policy. The previous technical and policy evaluation p;rovided only verification of
the general traffic conditions which were originally identified as responsible for
the sp,ecific problems related to each Project element. If further technical analysis
shows updated traffic conditions associated with individual problems are no
longer significant or substantially similar to the conditions analyzed in 1983, then
these projects will be removed from further project development.
The second criterion used for the phasing plan of elements contained within the
Project is "neighborhood priorities". Through the identification and ranking of local
transportation priorities by the neighborhood associations, new problems or issues
not specified in the 1983 report were also identified. For the purposes of developing
the Strategy, these new problems and potential new projects will be assumed at this
point as related to McLoughlin corridor traffic and have been preliminarily included
within the scope of the Project's remaining work.
However, prior to proceeding further on new projects, findings must be documented
through technical and policy analyses that the recommended new projects comply
with overall program goals of the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project. The new
projects must be found to be related to corridor traffic infiltration on local streets or
traffic diversion impacts related to other projects within the program. If these
proposed new projects are found to not qualify within the McLoughlin Neighbor-
hoods Project, alternative pla1'l':ning and funding programs will be identified by the
City. The four new projects are:
• 14th Avenue north of Bybee: cut-through traffic on local streets;
• 13th Avenue north of Rex Street speeding and pedestrian safety;
• Oaks Park Access Road: park access, congestion, and
pedestrian/bicycle safety related to Tacoma Street traffic; and
• Tacoma Corridor Plan: a multi-modal improvement plan for Tacoma
with a focus on pedestrian accessibility and crossing issues.
Additional new issues related to traffic conditions in the study area should be
coordinated with all further work on the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project,
but studied and funded separately from this program.
The third criterion, "availability of funds", refers to whether there is currently
speci.fied funding available to move individual projects forward, or whether a
funding source needs to be determined. This criterion reflects the need of a phasing
element as part of the Strategy to address the general funding limitations of the City
on an annual basis and the unpredictable nature of being able to commit resources
over future multiple years.
The final criterion, "complexity of work remaining", pertains to the level of analysis
required to evaluate the project design or to coordinate with other projects with
difficult implementation issues. Some of the projects require extensive analysis, are
•
27
J'0tentially inseparable from multiple other projects or are inseparable from other
projects of significant scale in terms of cost or geographic extent.
PHAsING
Phase I Projects:
• Milwaukie Pedestrian Project
• 17th Avenue Project
Constmction of a key element of the Milwaukie Pedestrian Program, curb
extensions at the Milwaukie-Bybee intersection, is already underway. 1his Project
has beE!n able to move forward on its own, mainly due to the fact that completion of
the Tacoma Street Overpass was not a prerequisite. CIP funds have been used for
design and construction. Relative to other Projects within the McLoughlin
Neighborhoods Project, the analysis and design work needed to complete the
Milwaukie Pedestrian Program is minimal.
The 171th Avenue Project is a major element of the Mcloughlin Neighborhoods
Project and has historically been identified as a top priority of the SMILE
Neighborhood Association. The Project in concept has received one of the highest
rankings among the current !itt ,of Traffic Calming Program candidate projects, and
is funded as a TCP project to begin project development in FY '94-95. Because of the
proximity and relationship between the problems being addressed in the 17th
Avenue Project and Westmoreland Park Project, data needed for the Westmoreland
Park Project will be collected concurrently with data collection for the 17th Avenue
Project.
Phase lIT Projects:
• Sellwood Blvd. Area Project
• Brooklyn/Mcloughlin Project
• Westmoreland Park Project
• 14th Avenue north of Bybee (new project)
• 13th Avenue north of Eex Street (new project)
Due to the localized nature of each of the above projects, additional data collection
for problem verification and, if warranted, project development is needed. While
high priority projects for the neighborhoods, unlike the Phase I projecflisted above,
none of-the Phase IT projects have a currently identified funding source. The
Sellwood Blvd. Area Project consists of the local street elements of the Sellwood
Bridge/Sellwood Blvd. Area Project identified in the 1983 report. Those elements
of this former project that directly involve Tacoma Street are listed under Phase III
but will likely be addressed through a separate and specific project development
and funding process.
28
.Phase ill Projects:
• .Linn/Marion Project
• Eastmoreland Project
• Tacoma Corridor Plan and Project (new project)
• Oaks Park Access Road Project (new project)
• Arterial and signalization elements of other projects
The third phase contains those elements of the overall McLoughlin Neighborhoods
Project which either entail considerably more technical analysis or policy analysis to
verify, involve significant complexity for project development, are relatively
expensive compared to other project elements or are significantly related to other
large scale projects. Two projects, Linn/Marion and Eastmoreland, have a lower
priority compared to other projects. The Linn/Marion Project is a Phase ill project
. in order to accommodate new projects, 14th Avenue and 13th Avenue north of Rex
Street, which are higher priority projects for the Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood.
The Eastmoreland Project has a lower priority within the program because of work
already completed as part of the Eastmoreland NIMP Project, which addressed
infiltration of non-local traffic on neighborhood streets.
..
Except for the Linn/Marion and Eastmoreland Projects, it is likely that the
rema'ining projects will require funding separate from the McLoughlin
Neighborhoods Project program. The Tacoma Corridor Plan is essentially a new
project which contains the arterial elements of the Sellwood Bridge/Sellwood Blvd.
Area Project identified in the 1983 report plus other improvements that may be
identified for Tacoma Street.
IMPLEMENTATION
As stated above, the problems associated with each project, with the exception of the
Milwaukie Pedestrian Project, will need to be firSt verified through additional
speciific technical and policy analysis. -ptose projects which are verified will be
mov,ed forward to project development. In the project development phase, the
conceptual solutions proposed in the 1983 report will be considered along with new
teclu:rlques.
To efficiently implement the elements of the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project, it
is important to establish the role and responsibility of participating City agencies
and neighborhood organizations. Transportation Planning will retain overall
responsibility for coordinating the implementation of all elements contained in the
Strategy of the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project, except the 17th Avenue Project,
and will be the main contact between the neighborhoods and City. The 17th
,.
•29
-Avenue Project will managed and implemented through the process established by "
the Traffic Calming Program.
Transportation Planning will be working closely with participating agencies,
including the Bureau of Traffic Management and Bureau of Transportation
Engineering. Representativebodi~ from the Sellwood-Moreland (SMILE) and
Brooklyn (BAC) neighborhood associations will be responsible for helping to
coordinate and solicit citizen involvement at the neighborhood level, from business
associations and other neighborhood based subgroups.
Before construction of any Project elements can occur, approval from City Council of
recommended designs is required. Any new projects that are identified in the study
area after this Strategy is adopted by the City Council will be added to the
McLoughlin Neighborhood Project and its funding program only upon an
amendment of this program and Strategy by action of the City Council. Findings
must be developed to support any amendments of this program and Strategy.
ORIGINAL PROJECTS
Milwaukie Pedestrian Project:
The Mllwaukie Pedestrian Project includes curb extensions at five other intersection
locations in addition to the soon to be completed curb extensions at intersection of
Milwaukie Avenue and Bybee'"Boulevard. These additional locations, two in the
Sellwood-Moreland neighborhood and three in the Brooklyn neighborhood, need
to be verified given current land use and traffic conditions and neighborhood
priorities. Remaining funds, with additional CIP dollars can also be used to finish
the other curb extensions.
17th Avenue Project
'Project development and construction of the 17thAvenue Project will be managed
and funded by the Traffic Calming Program. The originally recommended
alternative will be reviewed along with new traffic management techniques for
implementation. Detailed data collection, including volume counts, turn
movements, and origin-destination surveys, to determine the relationship between
through and local traffic, will be needed to evaluate design alternatives in relation
to such issues as diversion, emergency vehicle response, transit service, and
pedestrian and bicycle access. Adjacent local streets will also need to be monitored
for diversion to other local streets. If diversion techniques are selected, they will be
tested first before final construction begins.
The Traffic Calming Program has a prescribed process for citizen involvement
which includes public meetings, a working group for more active involvement in
project development, balloting to gage support from adjacent property owners, and
City Council review and approval of the proposed traffic calming plan.
30
Linn-Marion Project:
Additional data collection will be needed to verify the current status of the problem.
If warranted, project development will design and evaluate alternatives to address
cut-through traffic south of Tacoma Street. Issues to be addressed include access
impacts to commercial land uses on 17th and 13th Avenues, access to the mixed uses
along the waterfront and in the vicinity of the Sellwood Bridge and po.ssible
diversion of cut-through traffic to other local streets. New volume counts, tum
counts and an origin"<iestination analysis will be needed to assess impact of various
alternative designs. In addition, this project and its objectives will also be
coordinated with project development for the proposed Spokane/Umatilla Bike
Boulevard Project.
A citizen involvement process that allows input from both affected property
owners and the neighborhood association will need to be developed. Funding for
the Lirm-Marion will corne from the Cll:' funds established for the McLoughlin
Neighborhoods Project.
Brooklyn /McLoughlin Project:
Additional data collection will be needed to verify the current status of the problem.
Data (:ollection, including volume counts, turn counts, and a license plate survey,
will be needed for verification and, if warranted, project development of alternatives
to address cut-through traffic~n the local streets between McLoughlin Boulevard
and :Milwaukie Avenue. Issues ,to be addressed include how street closures affect
access and circulation for local traffic. A citizen involvement process that allows
input from both affected property owners and the neighborhood association will
need to be developed. Funding for the Brooklyn-McLoughlin Project will come from
the Cll:' funds established for the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project.
Westmoreland Park Project:
Data collection for problem verification will have been done as part of the 17th/
Milwaukie Avenue Corridor Project. Project development, ifwarranted, will
address issues related to traffic diversion, speeding, park access and parking
circulation. A citizen involvement process that allows input from both affected
property owners and the neighborhood association also needs to be developed. In
that Ithe local streets adjacent to the par):<'s west edge are designated fire response
routes, coordination with the Fire Bureau will be required. Funding of the
Wesitrnoreland Park Project will come from the ClP funds established for the
McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project.
~"ood Boulevard Area Project:
The Sellwood Blvd. Area Project consists of the local street elements of the Sellwood
Bridge/Sellwood Blvd. Area Project identified in the 1983 report, such as the
6th/Spokane diverter (andI or other projects which are needed to meet the same
project objectives). Those elements of this former project that directly involve
Tacoma Street, such as new signals on Tacoma are discussed under the Tacoma
Corridor Plan and Project.
•
31
This project should be coordinated with the Bike Boulevard Project proposed for
Spokane Street and may be studied concurrently with the 14th Avenue 13th
Avenue discussed under new projects, if these projects are found to qualify and are
added to the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project. A citizen involvement process
that allows input from both affected property owners and the neighbor-hood
association needs to be developed. In that Sellwood Boulevard and 7th Avenue are
designated fire response routes, coordination with the Fire Bureau will be required.
Funding for the Sellwood Blvd. Area Project will come from CIP funds established
for the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project.
Eastmoreland Project:
Additional data collection, including volume counts and tum counts, will be
needed to verify the current status of the problem. Ifwarranted, project
development of an intersection design to encourage greater use of 39th Avenue
will be developed with a citizen involvement process. Funding will come from
the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project CIP funds.
NEW PROJECTS
14th Avenue north of Bybee Boulevard:
High volumes aIld speeds related to cut-through traffic using 14th Avenue to avoid
the Milwaukie Av~nue and BYbee Boulevard intersection has been identified by the
neighborhood. This street is adjacent to the Llwellyn Grade School, presenting
pedestrian safety problems for children. Data collection for problem verification and
relationship to the McLoughliii Neighborhood Project goals and strategy criteria is
needed, which will include speed and volume counts and an origin-destination
analysis. If warranted for inclusion into the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project, a
citizen involvement program will need to be established. In that 14th Avenue is a
designated fire response route, coordination with the Fire Bureau will be required.
Funding will come from either CIP funds established for the McLoughlin
Neighborhoods Project, or the School Safety Project, part of the Traffic Calming
Program.
13th A.venue north of Rex Street:
This Sl!Ction of 13th Avenue has been identified by the neighborhood as a high
speed location. Data collection for problem verification and relationship to the
McLOughlin Neighborhood Project goals and strategy criteria is still needed before
the project can move forward to project development. If warranted for inclusion
into the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project, a citizen involvement program will
also need to be established. Funding will come from either CIP funds established
for the McLoughlin Neighborhoods Project or other traffic management funds.
Oaks Park Access Road Project:
The Oaks Park Access Project is an identified project for inclusion in the CIP, but is
not currently funded. The project was proposed to improve traffic operations
32
-
related 1:0 access to and from Oaks Park, reduce traffic infiltration from park
activities onto neighborhood streets and provide an improved pedestrian and
bicycle JrOute within the vicinity of the railroad right-of-way under the bridge. The
project will need to be coordinated with improvement plans for the Sellwood Bridge
and Tacoma Street improvements near the bridgehead. Initiation of this project may
have to be deferred until completion of the Willamette Bridge Crossing Study by
Metro. Dal:a collection and a citizen involvement program will need to be
established as part of project development.
Because of the complex project development and coordination issues associated
with this project, and its high cost, it is recommended this new project be identified
as a Phase ill project and that the funding come from City CIP funds or regional
funds separate from those established for the McLoughlin Neighborhood Project.
Tacoma Corridor Plan:
PedestJian crossing improvements of Tacoma between 13th Avenue and the River
has been identified by SMILE as the highest rated transportation priority in the
neighborhood. It is important that a plan of action be developed to address these
issues in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. This strategy recommends
that a new project be identified called the Tacoma Corridor Plan and Project that
will consist of a multi-modal master plan, or corridor study, for Tacoma Street.
...
The Tacoma Corridor Plan and Project would consist of the various arterial street
elements related to Tacoma found in the 1983 report on the McLoughlin Neighbor-
hood Project. These may include the proposed new signals at 6th and 8th (originally
contained in the Sellwood Bridge/Sellwood Blvd. Area Project), signal revisions at
the int,ersections of Tacoma/13th Ave. and Tacoma/Fth Ave. (originally conl:ained
as part: of the Linn/Marion Project) and the four lanes recommended for Tacoma
between 17th and McLoughlin (originally contained as part of the 17th/Milwaukie
Avenue Corridor Project).
These and any other improvements that are identified through this Plan for Tacoma
would be subject to technical and policy verification and updating. For example,
Tacoma has been reclassified in the Transportation Element as a District Collector
Street since the 1983 report. Initiation of this project may have to be deferred until
completion of the Willamette Bridge Crossing Study by Metro. Data collection and
a ciwen involvement program will need to be esl:ablished as part of project
development.
Because of the complex project development and coordination issues associated with
this project, and its high cost, it is recommended that this new project be identified as
a Phase ill project and that the funding come from City CIP funds or regional funds
separate from those established for the Mcloughlin Neighborhood Project. It is
recogrnzed that this project contains high priority elements, but at this point in time it
may be beyond the scope and scale intended for the McLoughlin Neighborhood
•
•33
.project .md may receive more attention and compete for funding more successfully as
a separate project.
•