Author: Jacob Loeb

Jacob Loeb began writing for newspapers in high school, first for the school's publication and then for a Vashon, Washington, community paper. He graduated college with a degree in English Literature and Television Communications. After graduating, Loeb worked in film distribution for a pioneering DVD company that supported independent filmmakers. Years later, he wrote for a weekly newsletter about technology and ran a popular computer advice column called Ask Jacob. Moving to the Montavilla neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, with his family in 2005, Loeb firmly planted roots in the community and now writes for the Montavilla News. He is a Society of Professional Journalists member and volunteers with non-profit organizations serving East Portland. ~

Community, Event November 7, 2026November 7, 2026

VOA Oregon Opens Montavilla Campus

On October 29th, VOA Oregon celebrated the opening of two facilities in East Portland, including its Montavilla Campus in the former dorm housing of Multnomah University at 8435 NE Glisan Street. The new Outpatient Services center replaces a VOA Women’s Residential Treatment Center that closed at this site in April. That reportedly abrupt closure required 46 women enrolled in the program to transfer to other treatment options or discontinue the program. The nonprofit began renting space from the university in October 2024, before the school’s owners ceased most educational activity at the site and placed the property for sale in 2025. This location is blocks away from a planned six-acre VOA NE Glisan Street Health and Family Services Campus, which has been in the pre-development process since 2021 but has not advanced to permitting.

Welcome signs and balloons mark the entrance to Volunteers of America Oregon in a landscaped courtyard.

Senior Director of Behavioral Health with VOA Oregon, Christina Anderson, explained that reopening this space for daytime clinical use instead of overnight care was a way to continue the organization’s efforts while working around the aging building’s limitations that contributed to challenges in operating the previous Women’s Residential Treatment Center. “Residential and outpatient are considered two different populations, and their vulnerability and liabilities are different,” said Anderson. “The HVAC system and the lack of sprinklers were not conducive to a residential setting for outpatient.” The former dorm rooms now support clinician office space and clinical outpatient treatment rooms.

Two women speaking at a podium with an OAA Oregon sign, one gesturing toward the audience. — *_{VOA Oregon Board Chair Amy Wayson and CEO Maree Wacker}*

VOA Oregon President and CEO Maree Wacker said moving into this space has expanded the capacity of VOA Oregon’s behavioral health offerings. “VOA’s outpatient services program previously operated in a 13,000 square foot facility. We were busting out of the seams, and today here at the Montavilla Campus, we have 45,000 square feet in which to deliver these services, which are expanded and will help those who struggle.” Anderson added that those past space limitations would cause them to turn away people seeking help. “We have walk-in assessments Monday through Thursday starting at 10 a.m. In March, we had to literally close the doors because we could not bring anybody else in,” recalled Anderson.

Interior view of a long office hallway with carpeted floors, multiple doors, and VOA signs.

Wacker said VOA Oregon grew services by over 25% in 2026 before this move. They can now serve 750 individuals every week, and she expects to nearly double that number by the end of the calendar year. The increased site capacity will keep the doors open to more people seeking help, but it will also let the team expand its offerings. “Through the partnerships with Care Oregon, our program has experienced significant transformation. At the heart of the work has been the commitment to integrated team-based care,” said Anderson.

Three women wearing name badges sit together indoors, facing the camera. — *_{Christina Anderson, Maree Wacker, and Amy Wayson}*

Wacker highlighted that access and connectivity are important elements in responding to our community’s addiction and mental health crisis. “Here in Multnomah County, 45.6% of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness are struggling with a use disorder,” said Wacker. “Outpatient treatment is an important part of VOA Oregon’s continuum of care.” She pointed to the peer support offered in the Montavilla program as a critical part of the organization’s efforts. She said that case management services this year served over 1,300 people, helping individuals and families navigate housing instability, rebuild relationships, and identify community support.

Woman speaking at a podium with an Oregon OA sign in front of dark curtains — *_{Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards}*

Multnomah County Commissioner for District 3, Julia Brim-Edwards, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony to thank the organization for its commitment to the community. “Opening this campus will open the doors to opportunity, support, and hope for our neighbors and community members who need that path and are ready for recovery,” remarked Brim-Edwards. “This new campus will mean more people have access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and recovery services that they need to live healthier and more stable lives. Today is really an important milestone for the Volunteers of America, but it’s also a great day for our entire community,” said Brim-Edwards.

Entrance sign for Volunteers of America Oregon outside a brick residential building.

The VOA Oregon Montavilla Campus operates out of two buildings on the north edge of the now-closed Jessup University Multnomah property, near NE Pacific Street and the athletics field. Staff currently offer outpatient services to people seeking assistance with substance use disorder recovery and mental health care. Southeast of this site, at 2609 SE 136th Avenue, VOA Oregon also opened its Family Relief Nursery building. That site supports young children and their caregivers through therapeutic early childhood services, home visits, and parenting support.

Article and photo by

Jacob Loeb

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Event, New Residence November 5, 2026November 5, 2026

SE 89th Ave Jade Apartments Open

On October 29th, officials and project leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of a 40-unit housing complex at 2909 SE 89th Avenue. Called The Jade Apartments, this joint venture between APANO and Gorman & Company transformed a 1.1-acre property into affordable family apartments in a dual-courtyard configuration. The developers endeavored to create a healthy, sustainable community, with solar panels providing most residential power and helping residents avoid most utility costs. The regulated affordable housing is reserved for households earning at or below 60% Area Median Income (AMI), with some units reserved for the 30% AMI level.

Three attendees sit together during a group event, with other people standing behind them. — *_{Sam Baraso, Quisha Light, and Khanh Pham at the Oct 29 event}*

Crews recently completed a half-street build along the site’s frontage, connecting a former gravel segment to the paved portions of SE 89th Avenue. The public improvements also added sidewalk on the western edge with a planting strip. This helps people walk to neighboring grocery stores like Fubonn or connect with frequent public transit on 82nd Avenue or SE Division Street. The ground floor offers accessible units for those with mobility concerns, and some of the 31 on-site parking stalls tuck under solar panels.

Newly paved residential street beside a modern multi-story apartment building, utility poles, and autumn trees. — *_{The Jade Apartments frontage improvements including sidewalk and half a paved road}*

Fifteen units in the new apartment building offer family-sized accommodations with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The developers also created 14 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom flats, each with a single bathroom. Residents can access various site amenities, including a bike room, package lockers, and resident services offices. People can also use a community room, two courtyards, and outdoor areas with a garden and play area for children. Larger apartments have in-unit washers and dryers. The building offers laundry rooms on each floor for the remaining residents.

Man in a suit and striped tie speaking at a Gorman & Company podium. — *_{Eric Jacobson with Gorman & Company}*

Eric Jacobson, Director of Real Estate Development at Gorman & Company, told event attendees it took nearly a decade to deliver the housing. “This project really originated back in 2018, and that’s a long time ago; it’s now 2026. It really started with a community effort looking at sustainability in the community and what the neighborhood needs,” recalled Jacobson. He explained how that early work highlighted disparities in how Portland invested in different parts of the city. “For example, there are still some gravel streets in this neighborhood, and this project is really intended to address some of those inequities and provide opportunities for people in this neighborhood,” said Jacobson.

State Senator Khanh Pham similarly reflected on the community visioning work that helped lead to this housing project. “Many years before I joined the legislature,” said Pham. “I was a community organizer, organizing all along 82nd Avenue—particularly in the Jade District—and this vision to see these two plots of land start to be filled with affordable housing and green space and renewable energy is just a testament to the determination of the community members who live here.” The new housing development is across the street from an Oregon Metro-owned property purchased in 2025 for Transit Oriented Development. Community groups have shown interest in seeing the 1.46-acre parcel at the intersection of SE 90th Place and SE 89th Avenue turned into a public park. Those efforts are ongoing but align with visioning work started a decade ago.

Smiling man in glasses and a plaid blazer speaking into a microphone indoors — *_{Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang}*

Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang, who also works as the Community Development Director at APANO, applauded the housing project, which joins other affordable housing APANO is involved with, including Legin Commons and Alyssa Daye Gardens. He cautioned that these accomplishments are encouraging but less than what the region needs to meet its housing demand. “In 2024, APANO projects were 20 percent of Portland’s apartment production,” said Hwang. “Which is impressive for this organization but very distressing for our city and region as a whole because that just means the denominator was so low. We only permitted 800 some housing units in the whole city that year, so something to celebrate here, but I think that speaks to the work that we have to do.”

Man in a black suit and glasses speaking into a microphone indoors — *_{Todd Struble with APANO}*

Adding housing stock to the market could drive down costs of older, naturally occurring affordable housing if inventory eases demand pressures. However, waiting for the market to adjust is not practical for household budgets already stretched by inflation, creating housing insecurity. “We need more deeply affordable housing,” remarked Quisha Light, the Interim Director of the Portland Housing Bureau. “There are five units here that are at least 30 percent or less; the others are 60 percent or less. That’s significant; those numbers matter because they make it possible for a family to be stable and not have to continue to move, make it possible for children to be in schools where they can make friendships,” said Light. People “can actually get connected in a community.”

Bright empty room with a large window, roller blind, ceiling light, and wall-mounted air conditioner — *_{Ductless heat pump in The Jade unit’s bedroom}*

Over the last few years, a growing perception is that 60 percent AMI-restricted units are not meeting the housing needs of lower-income renters in the Portland market. East of 82nd, they can sometimes cost more than older market-rate units while requiring applications to demonstrate they are below income limits. Based on current regulated affordable housing numbers—maximum rent and income limits adjust each year—a three-bedroom unit at The Jade costs $2,001 per month, and a four-person household would need to make under $76,980 per year to qualify. Bundled utilities help offset the price gap, and these units are newer, with better amenities and closer access to high-ridership transit lines.

Modern L-shaped kitchen with wood cabinets, black appliances, white countertops, and wood-look flooring

To build these units, with the environmental supporting features at current material and labor rates, required public-private cooperation. “The Jade is providing 40 homes that will be affordable for generations. Our new neighbors will be able to walk to the MAX Green Line or the FX2 bus rapid transit line on Division,” explained Hwang. “That’s why, in addition to the $4.4 million from Metro’s affordable housing bond, Metro chipped in a transit-oriented development grant to get the Jade built. People living here will have comfortable, climate-resilient homes and lower energy bills, thanks to our solar array, green building materials, 50-year roofs, and a high-energy-efficiency HVAC supported by the Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.” He also noted that the project furthers the Greening of Jade project by adding more trees and green public spaces to the neighborhood.

Solar panel carport over a parking area beside landscaped grounds and residential buildings in autumn. — *_{Solar panels over parking}*

Even with that public support, developers say they are limited in how many deeply affordable units they can provide while still meeting lenders’ and for-profit partners’ financial requirements. Including 60 percent AMI units in an affordable housing development not only helps the specific project move forward but can also incentivize future projects to break ground. For Gorman & Company, this is just the beginning of their affordable housing plans for the region. “This is our first project here in Portland, but we’re not expecting it to be our last. We already have other projects in our pipeline, and we’re looking forward to more fruitful partnerships like this with all of our development partners and all of our funding partners,” remarked Jacobson.

White front-loading washing machine and dryer side by side in a laundry nook — *_{Energy Star appliances}*

Portland Clean Energy Fund Program Manager Sam Baraso stressed the value of this type of affordable housing, built for the long-term support it can provide to people facing rising power costs and a harsher climate. “We were fortunate, along with our partners, the Portland Housing Bureau, to invest about $1.4 million to bring a 207-kilowatt solar array to the building, heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps, Energy Star appliances, and EV charging stations,” listed Baraso. “What this all means is, yes, it’s important to get these buildings up to make sure that they’re affordable for folks, but we don’t care just about the first cost. We want to make sure these units are sustainable and that they help put money back in your pockets; our energy prices have gone up 60% in the past five years. In a building like this, you can turn on the heat in your building, you can close the windows and turn on the AC when there’s bad air, and you can do so without breaking the bank.”

Modern three-story apartment building with white and red siding, black-framed windows, balconies, and landscaped entrance

Todd Struble is the Real Estate Development Manager at APANO and played a significant role in bringing this project to the neighborhood. Additionally, he served as the Jade District Manager a decade ago when community visioning for the Jade apartments took form. “Housing affordability is something that I heard about when I was door knocking and talking with folks. And more than a decade later, it remains one of the major civic issues of our time. So to be part of creating and welcoming families to permanent affordable housing is extremely rewarding,” said Struble. Residents are moving in now, and area neighbors will soon see more activity at this family-oriented housing complex.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Catalyst Construction & Kitchen Remodeling, a top-rated general contractor specializing in kitchen, bathroom, basement, and garage remodeling, as well as ADU construction and home additions. We thank them for their support.

Event, New Business October 31, 2026October 31, 2026

LatTéa on SE Division Celebrates Opening

LatTéa at 8733 SE Division Street Unit 110 celebrated its grand opening on October 25th, five months after making the transformation from Ocha Tea and Coffee. Mark Asa and Hannah Lam took over the space from a previous owner to build their dream family coffee shop. Both new owners have an affinity for the surrounding Jade district community, having worked in neighboring businesses and spent their formative years along SE Division Street.

_{LatTéa owners Hannah Lam and Mark Asa at ribbon cutting}

The couple purchased Ocha in July 2025 and kept the location mostly the same, retaining as many of the original staff as they could. “We’ve always wanted to open up our own coffee shop, and Ocha seemed like a great stepping stone for us to learn that. When we first took over, we just left operations as is, learned the routine, learned the system, learned the environment,” recalled Asa. Then, the day after Mother’s Day 2026, they closed Ocha and began a multi-week rebranding effort. They welcomed customers back into the space the last week of May, but family and health issues pushed back the formal reopening celebration. LatTéa continued to serve customers in a multi-month soft-opening mode as Asa took care of himself. “So I have a great team, and while I was decommissioned, my wife was holding the fort down and taking care of our baby and handling our other business,” explained Asa.

A coffee shop counter with a menu displayed on screens above. A customer is interacting with a barista, who is wearing a cap. The countertop has various items such as cups, a menu, and decor, including a banner with traditional motifs. — *_{LatTéa owners Mark Asa and Hannah Lam at work}*

The location matters to the owners, who see their business as a community touchpoint and a permanent home. “I grew up walking up and down Division in the early 90s, so I don’t foresee us moving anywhere,” said Asa. He explained that his father had a long career in the restaurant breakfast industry, which influenced his desire to open a cafe. Asa explained that Hannah Lam has more direct food-service experience, with a business degree and work history as a hostess at Excellent Cuisine when it was called Wong’s King Seafood, located in the same complex as their shop.

A display case filled with various baked goods including pastries, donuts, and cinnamon rolls. The top shelf features a glazed donut, while the middle shelf showcases cinnamon rolls and fruit-filled pastries. The bottom shelf contains a basket with sweet treats and disposable containers. In the background, there are snack supplies and colorful decor. — *_{Pastry display box with some of the non drink menu items}*

With the new name, the owners adjusted the menu, keeping five main classic drinks from Ocha. They then developed new offerings, bringing in items they discovered in their travels. “We would go to San Francisco, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, and other big food areas,” said Asa. “We’ve always [appreciated] milk teas, coffees, lattes, and everything, and we remember those, thinking about what works best.” They determined ingredient quality and preparation most influenced the value people perceived in good cafe experiences. That led them to focus on vendor selection as a way to boost their business impact and earn the community’s patronage.

Cozy seating area featuring leather chairs and a wooden table, with a row of colorful vending machines in the background. — *_{Gachapon vending machines}*

Mark Asa also knows that a community store is more than just drinks, particularly near a school. “As a kid walking up and down these streets, I didn’t have a lot of money. Whenever I saved my money, I’d always go to either 7-Eleven or Canton Grill and get a soda from them.” Thinking back to those days prompted Asa to add gachapon vending machines to the shop. He says he works with vendors to source authentic products in the machines but at a relatively low price. “I keep them as low as possible,” said Asa, explaining the margins are essentially set to cover credit card fees but otherwise close to cost. “A lot of the kids, after school, save their allowance and they come here. So knowing that, I just try to keep everything as low as possible.”

LatTéa is open weekdays starting at 11 a.m. and open an hour earlier on weekends. They close most nights at 7 p.m. but stay open an hour later on Friday and Saturday. The company website, online ordering, and the company’s Instagram page have additional information about menu items and special events. They are also interested in partnering with the community for gatherings, having recently hosted a coffee with a District 3 City Councilor. They hope people will stop by to try their new drinks and rediscover the space.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Renovation October 30, 2026October 30, 2026

BAM Collective Reviving Historic Storefront

People driving by 7123 NE Glisan Street have watched over 100 years of remodels peel away from a historic storefront dating back to when Montavilla ceased being an independent town and joined the expanding Portland city limits. The new owners purchased this 1912-era building to square up the adjacent property they own next door. However, architect Bill Neburka hoped it would contain the bones of its early 20th-century former storefront. He and the other two members of the BAM Collective found the outline of old Portland commerce inside the walls of this neglected building, and the ownership group wants to restore it to a community-serving use while adding a modern expansion that will increase housing and add space for future businesses.

Modern cafe building with greenery, featuring outdoor seating and people dining at wooden tables. — *_{Concept rendering for storefront. Courtesy Evident Architecture Office}*

Bill Neburka, Anthony Kell, and Michael Quinn formed the “BAM Collective” to redevelop the O’Neill’s Tools building into a commercial retail space on the corner of NE 72nd Avenue and Glisan. Still, the small dual-unit commercial building at 7123 NE Glisan Street always seemed like a missing piece to their quarter-block parcel. They initially called the small battleship-gray building the box as a diminutive reference to its condition, but kept it post-cleanup for its square shape. It is now called the Toolbox building to link with the Tool Building development next door. It took three dumpsters to clear the space last used as an appliance repair shop. They then were able to strip away the additions to the building. “It was just layer after layer,” recalled Neburka. “It was four layers on everything, four layers on the walls, four layers on the floor.” They chose to keep the original horizontal wood plank walls from the lowest layer wherever possible. “We’re going to have that rustic barn look. Everybody seems to like it, so we’ll keep it on the walls,” said Neburka.

Interior view of a partially constructed room with wooden walls, featuring multiple windows and a door leading outside. A parked car is visible through the doorway. — *_{Original wood-frame transom windows}*

The team was excited to find some of the original commercial storefront intact, with the wood-frame transom windows topping the space where large display windows once flanked the recessed entryway. Originally, they expected to demolish the front of the building and create a new facade with modern materials. However, the BAM Collective team wants to save as much of the original building as possible. They will need to remove the exterior Dutch lap clapboard boards to install a vapor weather barrier and repair some water damage. They plan to reinstall the siding, as the old wood has held up well.

Interior of a partially constructed room showing exposed wooden framing, a large window, and a heating unit. — *_{Original 2-bedroom apartment above shop}*

Above the retail space that was first home to Shreiner bakery is a two-bedroom apartment that will be restored for future habitation. Demolition crews removed much of the single-story addition at the rear of the property, leaving a stairway accessible from the walkway running along the western edge of the building. Designers are working to create a modern back half of the building to extend the ground-floor commercial space and make room for a second one-bedroom apartment at the back. Crews will modernize the stairway, which will then lead to a shared hallway at the center of the second level for residents.

Interior of a partially renovated room showing exposed walls, a door, two windows, construction debris, and a vacuum cleaner. — Midcentury built storefront

View from a rooftop showing a neighboring building with a gray exterior and trees in the background under a blue sky. — Midcentury built storefront

Around the 1950s, an extra single-story storefront was built between the 100-year-old building and the BAM Collective’s Tool Building. That structure will require significant reconstruction, including moving an exterior wall to provide a gap between the neighboring building. That space may become the new workplace of Bill Neburka’s Evident Architecture Office. Currently, his business is located east of this site on NE Glisan Street in another property BAM Collective members are involved in. The group is betting on this commercial corridor from a community position. They want to preserve and restore the buildings here and make sure they can support local businesses and bring easily accessible resources to the community. In most cases, knocking down these buildings would be faster and perhaps more profitable for investors. However, as locals, they hope reworking these spaces will better serve people and anchor the neighborhood’s past prosperity with the corridor’s future revival.

Architectural floor plan of a two-story bar and restaurant layout, including areas for dining, kitchen, and a rear garden. — *_{Concept floor plan for remodel with space for a restaurant or bar. Courtesy Evident Architecture Office}*

They have already had interest from the food and beverage industry in opening within the remodeled storefront. The cellar below the building is a fitting storage space for those businesses, and the addition in the back could contain a kitchen next to a back dining room. Because they also own the property behind the lot, there is potential for a garden dining space behind the Tool Building, but only if a future occupant wants it. The tenant selection process will take time, and its outcome will shape the construction schedule. “Just like the building next door, we don’t want to rent it to just anybody,” said Neburka. “We probably should be, but we’re not that financially motivated. We really see this as an investment in the neighborhood, not just an individual building.”

Interior of a modern bar with a curved counter, wooden shelves displaying drinks, and patrons seated on bar stools. The decor features whitewashed walls and wooden floors. — *_{Concept rendering for a restaurant or bar. Courtesy Evident Architecture Office}*

Future apartment dwellers above this space will have access to a deck on top of the single-level storefront, according to conceptual designs for the property. Renderings show a mix of century-old live-over commercial design next to modern storefronts. People should anticipate plans to evolve as the BAM Collective secures tenants and works on remodel permits. However, the owners are determined to bring the building back to life and serve the public as soon as possible.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure October 29, 2026October 29, 2026

NE 72nd Drive Greenway Path Separation Extension

Crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) have begun setting concrete forms atop NE 72nd Drive’s road surface for a new raised median divider separating the southbound vehicular traffic from the multi-use path created in 2024 out of the northbound lane. Two years ago, cement masons formed raised concrete traffic separators and installed a gate at the southern entrance to a city street that cut through the Rose City Golf Course. This hardened infrastructure prevents northbound automotive travel on this street, allowing pedestrians and cyclists to use that lane away from motorists. However, the divider did not extend the length of the path.

Construction area on a curved road with traffic cones, warning signs, and wooden planks on the ground, surrounded by fallen leaves.

Construction for the new concrete separators began on Monday, October 26th, at the northern portion of the pathway where 72nd Drive connects to NE Sacramento Street. Although infrastructure was not required to prevent vehicles from entering the pathway at the northern edge of the golf course, the sharp turn onto NE 72nd Drive created a conflict point at the start of the roadway where cars could cross over the center line as cyclists and pedestrians gathered to join NE Sacramento Street. Additionally, cars parked on the shoulder could U-turn and mistakenly drive northbound on the path. These updates will narrow the bike and pedestrian path on the formerly bidirectional street and add signage to make it clear it is not intended for automotive traffic.

*_{Updated PBOT provided graphic showing the hatched striping that will replace one of the two concrete islands at the intersection of NE 72nd Dr and Sacramento St}*

Regular southbound motor vehicles travel on NE 72nd Drive will remain an option for drivers after construction completes. Engineers will replace one of the two planned concrete islands at the intersection of NE 72nd Drive and Sacramento Street with hatched striping. PBOT explained that the updated design will designate lane separations and slow turning movements for southbound motor vehicles while allowing larger trucks and vehicles wider turning movements.

Construction site on a road with traffic cones and barriers, fallen leaves on the ground, and two joggers in the background.

NE 72nd Drive is currently closed to all car traffic on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. as work continues. PBOT planners expect concrete island and separator construction to continue through November 13th, with new striping, signs, and thermoplastic legends added to the street in the latter half of November. Pedestrians and cyclists may pass through the construction zone. The NE 72nd Drive Greenway Enhancements project web page will offer additional information and updates.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, History, Infrastructure October 24, 2026October 24, 2026

NE Glisan Road Work Uncovers Streetcar Tracks

Just under several inches of NE Glisan Street asphalt lie the remnants of Portland’s once-extensive streetcar network. Crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) uncovered small sections of steel rails laid flush with red clay bricks where they will soon pour the concrete for pedestrian crossing median islands. Two of the three excavated areas, at NE 84th and NE 87th Avenues, sit above the single-track segment of the Glisan Street line that extended from the double track at NE 80th Avenue to the 90th Avenue terminus.

Map showing the routes of streetcar lines serving Montavilla, including the Glisan Street line and the Mount Tabor line, with street names and landmarks indicated. — _{Detail of a 1943 Trolley Map of Portland showing the two lines that once served Montavilla. At the top (marked MV) is the Glisan Street line, with its 80th Avenue spur and the extension to 90th Avenue. At the bottom is the Mount Tabor line (marked MT) extended to Yamhill and 88th. Source: Vintage Portland, May 4, 2010}

Construction site with caution tape and red barriers around a roadwork area, featuring a bicycle and pedestrian warning sign.

This summer, road crews began work on NE Glisan Street between NE 82nd and NE 92nd avenues. Post-repaving and painting, street users encountered new traffic patterns and slower speeds as re-striping teams added painted bike lanes and PBOT posted new 25 mph speed limit signs. Now, work on the Fixing Our Streets-funded NE Glisan Paving and Safety Project has moved to construction on two new enhanced pedestrian crossings and the expansion of existing infrastructure at another location.

A construction area with caution tape, traffic cones, and barriers, showing a partially dug-up brick path.

NE Glisan Street, from Interstate 205 to 82nd Avenue, is a notoriously challenging roadway to cross with vehicles driving quickly between the two points. Without any fully signalized intersections on this stretch, and with a large hill blocking visibility, it can take an extended period to find a safe break in traffic to cross. Crews working with PBOT will install two new pedestrian crossings with concrete median islands at NE 84th and 90th Avenues, along with enhancements to an existing crossing at NE 87th Avenue. These in-roadway waypoints allow pedestrians to cross in two phases, focusing on one direction of traffic at a time, and help drivers better see a person waiting at the high-visibility infrastructure.

A view of a street with two large chalk markings on the asphalt, indicating outlined areas. Vehicles are present in the background, and autumn foliage is visible along the roadside. — *_{NE Glisan looking east at NE 87th Ave where on asphalt islands will extend the crossing protection for cyclists}*

In many similar projects, crews dig below the road surface when creating median islands with cutouts at street level. This lets them build a stable platform that doesn’t require ramps or steps but stays protected by a raised curb. Often, crews build this on the crushed rock base below the asphalt top layers, but in this case it can sit atop the 1911-era Glisan Street rail extension brickwork. The NE 90th Avenue crossing does not have street rail under it, as NE Glisan was reconstructed here a decade ago to remove a railway crossing bridge that had been under the roadway.

Construction site with orange traffic cones, caution tape, and barriers surrounding a hole in the ground. — *_{NE Glisan at NE 90th Ave}*

Although existing track runs under Portland streets, like NE Glisan Street, it is likely impractical to reuse it for modern transportation. These tracks are no longer at street level, and exposing them would create a shallow trench down the street, making it hard for pedestrians and other vehicles to cross. The historic streetcar service ended for Montavilla and all of Portland in 1948, so these tracks were covered for decades and cut in places to run utility lines underground. Also, modern light rail equipment can be heavier than older rolling stock, so the track base may not support contemporary use. However, until cement masons return to these two crossings, people can look into the ground and see remnants of trolley legacy that sit just below the surface.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Construction, Government October 22, 2026October 22, 2026

1818 SE 82nd Shelter Opens After Delay

The Harrison Community Village at 1818 SE 82nd Avenue opened to residents on September 29th after months of unexpected delays. Multnomah County’s Homeless Service Department (HSD) and site operator Do Good Multnomah held a public preview of the newly completed sober-shelter site on April 24th, expecting residents to soon fill 38 shed-style sleeping quarters arranged on the property. However, issues with the vinyl plank flooring used by the pod-style housing manufacturer delayed intake operations as crews worked to repair the failing flooring adhesive.

Intersection of SE 82nd Ave with visible street sign and green trees in the background; containers are behind a black fence on the right side.

County spokesperson Julia Comnes explained that site operators observed vinyl plank flooring peeling up from the subfloor of the pods before the shelter opened and repairs required “several rounds before the flooring was ready.” Not all shelter pods are ready for habitation, as some units are still undergoing repairs. However, Do Good Multnomah is bringing people into the temporary housing ahead of the cold-weather season. “These delays were unfortunate,” remarked Comnes. “The fact is that pod-style shelters are still relatively new, and the industry is still testing and learning what build style and materials are best suited to this application in our local climate.”

Interior view of a small, empty room with a wooden floor, a single bed with a dark mattress, an air conditioning unit, and a window letting in natural light. — *_{LIT Homes produced 8-by-10.5-foot single room pod-style shelter with original flooring}*

The sleeping pods, made by Portland-based LIT Homes, offer an 8-by-10.5-foot room with heating and cooling. Wayne Watson explained that the flooring did not fail, but the glue that adhered it to the subfloor did not withstand prolonged disuse without environmental controls. He said that the units were delivered to the County in the beginning of 2026 and sat in the cold and heat for many months without climate controls. That prolonged disuse exceeded the adhesive rating as applied by the factory. “Can you imagine what would happen if you left a home without heating or cooling for seven months?” asked Watson. He said the units are delivered as fully assembled “volumetric” assemblies, ready to occupy as soon as they’re connected to power, and other customers have people moving in within days of delivery.

LIT Homes responded to the County’s concerns and reapplied the Luxury Vinyl Tiles with more adhesive. A small subset requires additional attention to restore the flooring to its delivered condition. County facilities staff and the project’s general contractor, Buildskape, are unsure what caused the flooring issue. However, after working with the subcontractor, LIT Homes, to resolve it, they say the County will replace the flooring altogether. “Given the ongoing issues, we’ve decided to replace the flooring with different materials in all of the units to avoid future challenges,” explained Comnes. The project team has no timeline for the replacement work. Still, they believe the materials are readily available, so the work should be completed quickly, and all guests currently on-site will be able to stay there throughout the replacement process.

Close-up of a metallic plaque on a structure, displaying the text 'LIT HOMES' and a serial number 'G1070-280-025', with yellow directional markings beneath. — *_{LIT Homes plate on one of the pod-style shelters}*

In addition to environmental controls, sleeping pod residents have a bed, light, and power for personal devices, but use other structures for sanitation and food preparation. Six converted shipping container units provide office space for staff, participant services, hygiene facilities, kitchenette amenities, and laundry facilities. Residents and their pets will have on-site access to modest green spaces.

Multnomah County purchased the former recreational vehicle dealership at 1818 SE 82nd Avenue in December 2022 for $2 million. The County bought this 34,000-square-foot parcel as the second Montavilla location for temporary shelter services. The other shelter, Oak Street Village at 333 SE 82nd Avenue, opened in February 2025 and is currently operating near full capacity. The Joint Office of Homeless Services—now renamed the Homeless Services Department—has held several community meetings, including one in February where the nonprofit Do Good Multnomah staff elaborated on the site’s sober shelter model that aims for people to stay onsite from 90 days to three months as they work towards stable housing in a recovery-supportive environment. Presenters explained that residents and staff are subject to drug testing, and policy strictly prohibits the possession of non-prescribed intoxicants on the property. Choosing a sober format meets the community’s stated desires for the county-owned site, which is near two Portland Public Schools. Do Good Multnomah conducts background checks on potential residents looking for past criminal history, and those with a record of abuse of vulnerable populations are directed to another, more appropriate shelter or resource. The site is also a weapons-free zone.

Row of small, modular housing units with metal siding under a clear blue sky.

Do Good Multnomah took control of the site at the end of construction in April to begin setting up the shelter with furniture, technology resources, and other move-in needs. On-site staffing remained limited in the following months because there were no residents. Contractors working with the HSD are paid on a cost-reimbursement basis. As a result, the County says Do Good Multnomah was paid only for reduced staffing at the site until the workforce increases to meet program participant needs.

The site is completely fenced, with a new chain-link barrier on three sides of the property using enhanced privacy slats installed in the fence. Unlike some other installations, these plastic inserts have side wings that better fill the gaps where the wire links connect, providing significant visual obstruction. Site designers also planted greenery along the SE Mill Street frontage to provide additional buffer between the newly updated sidewalk and the shelter space. Because of the visual obstructions, members of the public likely did not know Harrison Community Village was unoccupied this summer. Oak Street Village, north of this site, shows little activity even when fully occupied. If this location follows that pattern, few will notice changes as residents move in. However, people looking for a sober option as they transition to stable housing should be relieved that the Harrison Community Village is finally open.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Construction, Infrastructure October 18, 2026October 19, 2026

SE 92nd Traffic Calming

During October, crews working with the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) are installing Speed Cushions on SE 92nd Avenue from SE Yamhill to SE Clay Street near Berrydale Park and at SE Steele Street. These minor safety updates are part of the Safe Routes to School Program’s Traffic Calming efforts. The in-street elements have three channels built into them, which are spaced to let emergency vehicles pass through while encouraging other motorists to slow down.

A street view showing a road with yellow lane markings and directional arrows, surrounded by autumn foliage and residential houses. — *_{Speed Cushions on SE 92nd Ave south of SE Salmon St}*

SE 92nd is a relatively direct north-south connector from SE Stark Street down to Clackamas County, running parallel to the higher-capacity SE 82nd Avenue. Although it is an attractive alternative to the sometimes congested city streets or Interstate 205, this road runs past Clark Elementary School and several city parks. Some segments of the roadway also have painted bike lanes and are a recommended alternative for non-motorists trying to move quickly between neighborhood greenways designed for lower speeds and less motorized traffic.

View of a residential street with yellow lines, trees, and a grey house. There are parked cars and fall foliage visible. — *_{Speed Cushions on SE 92nd Ave south of SE Yamhill St}*

The speed-reducing tools PBOT is adding on SE 92nd Avenue are near places children tend to cross and should help improve street safety in the area. Drivers should use caution in these areas to prevent injury or excessive wear on their vehicles from going over Speed Cushions without slowing.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Government October 17, 2026October 17, 2026

Oct 20 Unified Housing Roundtable

This October, city staff are hosting Council District-based Community Roundtables to gather Portlanders’ priorities and build a legislative roadmap to deliver housing affordability. The District 3 roundtable will take place Tuesday, October 20th, from 6 to 8 p.m. within the Rose City Community Collective at 5830 NE Alameda Street. People interested in joining can register for this free gathering, which provides food, childcare, and interpretation services to make it accessible for people who want to receive a brief presentation and then share their perspectives on housing priorities in their community.

A person reviewing a poster with draft strategies for housing development, including actions for anti-displacement and equity, with colorful sticky notes and status indicators. — *_{Attendees apply three dots to large printouts}*

The District 1 roundtable took place on October 13th at the Rosewood Initiative on SE Stark Street. Council President Jamie Dunphy and Councilor Candace Avalos—who chairs the Housing and Permitting Committee—joined city staff to present a high-level view of efforts to create a unified housing strategy that took form in August 2025. Two progress reports document work up to this point, outlining Phase I and Phase II. A sizable part of the evening programming focused on letting attendees apply three dots to large printouts of identified programs aimed at housing creation and affordability measures that are planned or identified through prior outreach. People at the event also have other options to share their insights based on lived experience and local knowledge.

Two speakers stand side by side, one on the left with glasses and tattoos holding a microphone, and the other on the right wearing a black top and blue pants, also holding a microphone, while presenting in front of a backdrop featuring posters and information on economic development. — *_{Council President Jamie Dunphy and Councilor Candace Avalos}*

Quisha Light, Interim Portland Housing Bureau Director, explained that this outreach phase matters when balancing the trade-offs budgets demand while accounting for community priorities. “If there was enough money to do everything, we would do it all,” remarked Light at the October 13th roundtable. Avalos added that this work will support City Council in passing a future resolution to create a comprehensive plan that will guide the next budget cycle and ensure city staff has a flexible but clear roadmap for housing affordability.

A woman speaking into a microphone at a presentation, with a backdrop displaying a virtual meeting featuring a cityscape of Portland, Oregon. — *_{Interim Portland Housing Bureau Director Quisha Light}*

The Unified Housing Strategy Phase III work identified the need to add 20,000 new residential units to Portland’s market while preserving 1,400 affordable units by 2035. Unlike traditional housing efforts, this could include more non-market housing options, such as limited-profit developments or city-owned properties. Speakers at the District 1 meeting explained this would require reevaluating existing municipal spending and creating new revenue streams. Avalos acknowledged that executing the Unified Housing Strategy will depend on the City Administrator. Still, City Council is working with industry experts, city bureaus, and the community to develop a compelling plan to address the recognized affordable housing crisis. Resident participation at these Zoom or in-person roundtables helps shape the efforts, and project leaders hope people will find time to participate in the next three District sessions.

A person with a shaved head and glasses stands in front of a poster titled 'Portland's Housing Ecosystem,' which outlines various housing categories and support systems with color-coded icons.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Disclosure: The author of this article served on the 82nd Avenue TIF Working group and is currently the co-chair of the 82nd Avenue Area TIF Community Leadership Committee. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds may play a role in housing creation influenced by the Unified Housing Strategy. The author does not speak on behalf of the Committee or any City of Portland bureau.

Community, Event October 12, 2026October 11, 2026

Arbor Day at Harrison Park Oct 17

The Urban Forestry team at Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) and APANO will host an Arbor Day Celebration in Harrison Park at 2101 SE 84th Avenue on Saturday, October 17th. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with tree-related activities and bucket-truck lift rides for children. The PP&R Yard Tree Giveaway team will hand out over 200 free trees to people who register in advance, and attendees can plant 15 new trees, enjoy tree-themed activities, live performances, and free food from area Jade District vendors.

A grassy park with several young trees and tall greenery, under a cloudy sky.

Arbor Day celebrations have been a Portland tradition since 1889. America recognizes the annual observance on the last Friday in April; however, Portland Celebrates Arbor Day in October due to the changing climate. Planting outside the dry summer months lets newly planted trees receive a natural autumn soaking from the rainy weather. The day has become more significant for people interested in growing the urban tree canopy. Planting trees is often identified as a way to mitigate some of the effects of rising temperatures by shading pavement and sidewalks. This lowers the temperature directly under the tree and can also reduce ambient air temperature in communities with significant tree coverage.

This Arbor Day celebration marks Portland’s 50th year holding a Tree City USA designation. The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes this achievement as part of its work, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. The U.S. Forest Service provided Inflation Reduction Act-sourced funding for this year’s Arbor Day celebration in Portland. The Meyer Memorial Trust also provided additional support.

Sign for a community tree planting event, advertising Arbor Day on 10/17/26, with a green background and illustrations of trees and plants.

People looking to embrace car-free travel to the event can join the Arbor Day Bike Bus with the Bureau of Transportation. It starts at 9 a.m. from Glenhaven Park’s BIKETOWN station at NE 81st Avenue and NE Siskiyou Street, with stops along the way to join the pack. If participants need to borrow a bike, they can request free BIKETOWN rental codes by emailing claire.bach@portlandoregon.gov.

In addition to the vertical rides to the top of the trees in a real PP&R Urban Forestry bucket truck, people can enjoy music, live performances, free food, and games for all ages. The event programming will recognize this year’s Bill Naito Community Trees Award winners. The annual award honors the late builder and community leader who helped found the Urban Forestry Commission in 1974 and chaired it until his death.

A playground swing set with multiple swings in blue, red, and black colors, set on a wood chip surface in a grassy park environment.

With Portland’s Arbor Day celebrations scheduled for Harrison Park this Saturday, people in Montavilla and surrounding neighborhoods can easily access this free event. Last year’s event took place at Sacajawea Head Start in the Cully neighborhood. In 2024, it was held at Glenfair Park in East Portland. The Arbor Day events focus on these communities because they have fewer trees in urban areas than other parts of the city west of 82nd Avenue. In a 2010 to 2016 inventory, not a single neighborhood east of 82nd Avenue met the citywide average canopy coverage of 30.7%, excluding natural areas like Powell Butte. Since then, many Urban Forestry efforts have worked to address this inequity through focused tree giveaway programs targeting impacted neighborhoods and holding events closer to where trees are needed to help lower summer temperatures that spike in those hot spots. The Arbor Day event can be an effective way for Portlanders to celebrate trees and their role in improving communities while having a good time in a city park.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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