History

Montavilla History Questions Answered: Streetcar Lines

Q – Did Montavilla ever have streetcar service?

A – Montavilla was actually served by two separate lines, plus one very short-lived one. These routes were part of the expanding streetcar service east of the Willamette to provide transit for the Portland area’s rapidly growing population of the 1880s. 

Montavilla’s first subdivision—and its namesake Mount Tabor Villa Addition—went on the market in 1889. Buyers probably assumed that rail service would soon arrive. After all, advertising for the Addition included a map that showed a streetcar line to and from downtown Portland on Villa Avenue (now NE Glisan Street) and going directly through the subdivision.

A historic map from the Hart Royal Company featuring real estate details in Portland, including streetcar lines and subdivision layouts.
These details of the 1889 Hart-Royal Company broadside for Mount Tabor Villa Addition show an extension of the Morrison Street Bridge Motor Line going through the subdivision (the red rectangle on the right). Courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

A streetcar line did not reach Montavilla until 1892. It was an extension of the City and Suburban Railway’s East Ankeny line to Montavilla. It traveled east on Glisan to what is now 82nd Avenue, but it did not go south through the Mt. Tabor Villa subdivision. Service began on July 26, 1892. The fare was then five cents for residents or property owners who had contributed to the construction, and ten cents for everyone else.

A vintage streetcar ticket for Montavilla, featuring a map of the streetcar line with stops including Stark, Glisan, Ankeny, Morrison, and Yamhill.
Ticket for a Montavilla streetcar Courtesy of the City of Portland Archives
Historic street scene featuring a streetcar and vintage cars lined along a cobblestone road, flanked by old buildings and storefronts.
The Ankeny line to Montavilla was a convenient way for riders to get to downtown Portland. Montavilla car 472 is on the left. Courtesy of the City of Portland Archives
A historic black and white photograph of a streetcar motorman standing outside a trolley car. The motorman is wearing a uniform with a cap and a bow tie, holding a hand near his waist, with another person visible in the background inside the car.
Motorman standing next to a Montavilla car. Courtesy of the City of Portland Archives

Streetcars can be powered in various ways. The type that came to Montavilla was electricity-powered and called a trolley. The name comes from the wheel that travels along an electrified overhead wire. The trolley collects electricity and transmits it down a pole to the car’s motor.

A close-up view of a trolley pole and wheel connected to overhead wires, with a building and trees in the background.
Left: a trolley wheel and pole. Right: a trolley wheel. Source: Wikipedia

The Glisan car line had one problem. It was a bit of a hike for commuters living south of Stark. They did have rail service briefly after the Mt. Tabor & Eastern Railroad Company built a 2.5-mile track from the Mount Tabor terminal at 69th and Belmont to 102nd and Stark in Russellville. The service was available only in 1892 and 1893. The Oregonian of June 29, 1900, explained that the railway failed because Mt. Tabor’s steep incline made it too expensive to operate. The iron tracks were then removed and sold.

A historical map detailing the planned route for the Mount Tabor and Eastern Railroad line, featuring street names and neighborhood designations.
This detail from the 1891 Atlas of the City of Portland shows the planned route for the Mount Tabor and Eastern Railroad line. Source: Portland City Archives

Montavilla’s south-of-Stark residents had to wait until 1900 for more convenient trolley service. Until then, traveling to downtown Portland meant either walking to Glisan Street or trudging up Mt. Tabor to the 69th Avenue terminal. In 1899, The Oregonian declared that Montavilla needed better trolley service and recommended that the City & Suburban Railway Company build an extension from Glisan to Stark along 80th Avenue (then known as Hibbard Street).

The railway company agreed to build an extension (called a spur) on 80th. To reduce costs, they took track from Glisan between 80th and 82nd and used this for part of the construction. (In 1911, operators extended the Glisan Street rail to NE 90th Avenue.) The 80th-Avenue spur opened in October 1900.

The new spur rail did not satisfy the south-of-Stark folks for long. In 1912, pressure mounted for easier access to downtown Portland. They wanted an extension of the Mount Tabor line, which then still ended at 69th and Belmont. On September 11, 1912, Father James B. Fitzpatrick told the Portland City Council the need was urgent. Hundreds of his parishioners, he said, had to walk great distances through mud and dust to get to a streetcar. The South Montavillans prevailed. In early December 1912, crews extended the Mount Tabor line from 69th Avenue to SE 88th Avenue and Yamhill. Property owners paid $14,000 for the extension, and the Portland Railway, Light & Power Company paid approximately the same amount.

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

In 1948, streetcar service ceased in Montavilla and other lines. Road crews covered rails with asphalt. Buses replaced trolleys. It was the end of Portland’s streetcar era. But if you look closely at the street on NE 80th between Glisan and Stark, you can detect where the tracks are buried. A small section of the rail used to be visible before the latest resurfacing of 80th Avenue.

By

Patricia Sanders

Main article image “East Ankeny Line Streetcar.” Photo courtesy of the Oregon Historical Society

This is part of Montavilla History Questions Answered, a series of history related articles. If you have questions about Montavilla’s past that you’d like answered, local historian Patricia Sanders will investigate your question. Please email your questions to history@montavilla.net and we may feature it alongside Patricia Sanders’ research in a future post.

Community, Services

Leaf Day Comes to Montavilla

On November 1st, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) began its 2025-26 Leaf Day season. For over 30 years, the City of Portland has offered select geographic areas a curbside collection and cleaning service that prevents streets from flooding in locations that account for the majority of dropped leaves on city streets. This year, the program extends to four new Montavilla zones, assisting residents with extensive tree canopies in keeping the public right-of-way clear during the autumn season.

A tree-lined residential street in Portland featuring vibrant autumn foliage with trees displaying shades of orange, yellow, and red. The pavement is covered with fallen leaves, and parked cars are visible along the sides of the road.

PBOT asks residents within a Leaf Day pickup zone to rake loose leaves into the street one day before the scheduled collection day. Piles should include only loose tree leaves and pine or fir needles from street trees. No other yard debris is allowed in the street. Instead, those twigs, branches, pinecones, and grass clippings must go in the green collection bins. People should pile the leaves in the parking zone near the edge of the street with a foot of space between the pile and the curb. This clearing allows a path for rainwater runoff to reach cleared catch basins, making it easier for sweepers to clean pile remnants after collection loaders scoop up the mounds of leaves.

  • SE 17 (Montavilla / Mt. Tabor / South Tabor) NEW Sweep Date 11/05/2025
  • SE 18 (Montavilla / Mt. Tabor) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026
  • SE 19 (Montavilla) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026
  • SE 20 (Montavilla) NEW Sweep Date 01/10/2026
Map highlighting the Montavilla and Mt. Tabor neighborhoods with indicated sweep dates in orange.
Map from Portland Maps with Leaf Day overlay

PBOT expanded the Leaf Day service from the historically supported 53 zones up to 82 with additional funding from the City Council. Around 30,000 newly included addresses in a Leaf Zone received a postcard from PBOT introducing occupants to the program and encouraging them to prepare for the service. The formerly two-month program now runs from November through mid-January as crews cover a few neighborhoods each day, six days a week. They take the Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays off, but otherwise progress through the designated routes spanning the City. People wanting to know if they need to prepare should check Portland Maps with the Leaf Day overlay enabled for address inclusion and dates.

A tree-lined street in Portland, Oregon, showcasing vibrant autumn foliage with a mix of red, orange, and yellow leaves. Cars are parked along the sides of the street, and fallen leaves cover the road. A stop sign is visible in the distance.

Leaf Day funding comes from the City’s general transportation revenue, which includes State Highway funds and local parking meter revenue. This year, additional budget allocations for the program came from stormwater management funds. In addition to Montavilla’s inclusion at the eastern edge of City Council District 3, the 2025 leaf collection program’s expansion reaches neighborhoods across District 1, including Lents, Parkrose, and Centennial.

PBOT video with instructions on preparing for Leaf Day ahead of your area’s collection date.

Leaf collection support is not only about aesthetics. The impact of wet fallen leaves creates potential hazards for people walking, biking, rolling, or driving through tree-lined neighborhoods. Fallen leaves clog storm drains, causing street flooding during heavy fall rains and creating slip hazards. These dangers are a consequence of Portland’s tree-dense canopy, which helps mitigate the effects of climate change but creates treacherous conditions each autumn. Yearly, City crews remove thousands of cubic yards of leaves from Portland streets to minimize the dangers posed by decaying plant matter on public pathways and roads. City officials request that all residents and business staff in a Leaf Day zone move their cars and other obstructions from the street on collection days and rake sidewalk leaves into piles on the street for easier collection. If possible, adjacent property owners should limb street trees to clear the way for large trucks before their Leaf Day service.

A yellow loader collecting piles of leaves from a street, with trees and a house visible in the background.
City vehicle collecting leaf piles along the street’s edge. Courtesy PBOT

For many new addresses that were previously excluded from the service area, the expanded Leaf Day zones present an opportunity to receive the City’s support in reducing the annual leaf collection burden.

Article and photos

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Build & Paint Portland, a trusted Portland house painting and carpentry company dedicated to renewing and improving homes in Portland. Many neighborhood homes have used this local company to refresh and brighten their homes, and they want to take special care of area residents. We thank them for their support.

Community, Food and Drink

Kids are Finding the Power of Produce

Starting October 26th, youth visitors to the Montavilla Farmers Market can sample a seasonal food item selected from market vendors. Participants aged two to 12 will receive $3 vouchers to spend at a farmer’s booth after sampling the food. For the last decade, this program, highlighting the “Power of Produce”(POP), has run through the market’s winter season. With grant funding from the East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District (EMSWCD), the Kids’ POP Club not only helps young people expand their tastes for fresh, local vegetables but also supports market vendors during the quieter winter months.

A smiling young woman wearing a yellow beanie sits at a market stall with a sign that reads 'Kid's POP Club Power of Produce'. The table is decorated with promotional materials, fresh vegetables, and containers.
Volenteer at the the Kid’s POP Club table providing produce samples

Volunteer staff prepare the day’s selected food item on a portable camping stove, sometimes with light seasoning of salt and an organic oil. They then greet kids of all ages, offering samples of the local vegetables available at the market to willing children and their accompanying adults. As a reward for trying the item, appropriately aged tasters receive $3 in “POP Bucks” to spend at a vendor’s booth. Program leaders select the item, working with vendors to highlight foods that they have in significant quantities. Although the $3 voucher applies to a wide variety of items, many people spend it on the produce of the week, provided the child likes it. “We’ll still give them the POP Bucks even if they smell it. They don’t have to like it; they can spit it out. The reward is for just trying it, not liking it,” explained Market Manager Anina Estrem.

A close-up of a bunch of colorful carrots, including orange and yellow varieties, tied together with their green tops visible.

The POP Club idea originated in the State with the Oregon City Farmers Market in 2011, and by 2015, the Montavilla Farmers Market had replicated the program at its location. The activities run through the winter market season, this year occurring weekly from November through December 21st and then from January to April 26th every other Sunday. Scheduling the program in a slower season is strategic for the year-round operation. “I think POP Club is often the big reason that people come to the market. Kids say, ‘I want to go get my money.’ Almost every week this summer, a kid would stop by asking when the pop club was going to start. We run it specifically in the Winter to get people out, because otherwise it’d be really easy to stay home and warm and dry. We do have an incredible abundance of produce [in the Winter]. So there is stuff once you get people there,” explained Estrem.

A market display featuring a variety of fresh produce, including potatoes, squashes, and pumpkins, under a banner for 'Lil' Starts Plant Nursery' in Portland, OR.

The POP club and the summertime activity Vegucation Station help people expand their ideas about what healthy foods they can adopt into their diet; however, they also contribute to environmental well-being, which is a primary reason EMSWCD funds those programs with grants. “At the Conservation District, our mission is a healthy flow of water, helping people take care of land and water. Farmers are on the front lines of that work, and support for the farmers market is support for farmers,” said Heather Nelson Kent with EMSWCD. “Money goes to the people buying the produce, but the farmers are beneficiaries. At Montavilla’s market, we have a lot of farmers who are using really good farming practices such as low or no use of chemicals, water saving irrigation systems, low till and cover cropping.”

Close-up of vibrant purple cauliflower surrounded by green leaves at a farmers market.
Purple cauliflower sampled to Kids POP Club

For the people and organizations participating in the POP Club, it is a winning program on all fronts. Farmers with good growing practices receive support during slower seasons, and children discover food options that often do not occur to them when it comes to their eating habits. “Yeah, we try to pick vegetables that are a little unfamiliar, so that’s why we stay away from fruit. Most kids aren’t gonna have a problem trying an apple or a pear, but we had purple cauliflower this week. There were definitely some kids who thought that was weird. A couple of kids who just didn’t like cauliflower and didn’t want to try it,” recalled Estrem. “There’s always a pretty good mix of kids that are really eager to try stuff, and then we usually have maybe a fifth of them that will never try. Last year, we had bok choy, black radish, turnips, and fennel. Things that aren’t necessarily considered kids’ foods, but we often get feedback from the vendors on that day that they had better sales of the vegetable that we taste tested.”

A farmer's market display featuring various vegetables, including green tomatoes, purple daikon radishes, and sweet potatoes, with colorful signage and a vibrant mural in the background.

People wishing to have their children participate can stop by the Kids POP Club booth in the Montavilla Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays or every other Sunday from January through April. The market is currently located on SE Stark Street east of SE 76th Avenue. They are still seeking volunteers to assist with running the booth, and EMSWCD’s community grant program is open for applications until December 17th.

A colorful display of fresh vegetables at a farmers market, including greens, peppers, and root vegetables, arranged in baskets and on a table.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Community, Event, Food and Drink

Oct 30 Food Bank Benefit

On Thursday, October 30th, Montavilla Brew Works (MBW) will host a food bank benefit with matched food donations to Mainspring Community Pantry and the Oregon Food Bank amid a looming food crisis brought about by the Federal Government’s shutdown. Attendees can bring unexpired non-perishable food items to 7805 SE Stark Street from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the organizer will match that donation with an equivalent amount of similar food items. MBW’s founder, Michael Kora, created the “Snap to It” event to bolster the local systems that support people experiencing food insecurity. Those supportive programs expect to see increased demand after November 1st, when the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will pause due to a funding halt.

As with many of MBW’s charitable events, attendees are encouraged to stay for music and locally produced beer. Band Two-Dimensional Man will perform live at the event, and anyone over 21 who donates two or more food items will receive $1 off their first pint. Kora hopes these incentives and the general goodwill of Portlanders will make an impact in supporting the one in six Oregonians who rely on food benefits, which federal actions could drastically reduce next month.

MBW’s founder Michael Kora on NBC affiliate KGW

On October 1st, after Congress failed to pass 2026 funding legislation, officials told many Federal workers to stay home, while other essential employees were required to work without pay. Programs with unspent and contingency funds could continue to support those operations. However, a recent notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will not use reserve funds and halt payments to States for its SNAP program in November. In a partisan message on the agency’s website, it blames Senate Democrats for not passing legislation that would reopen the Federal government.

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield recently announced Oregon is joining 21 other states in filing a lawsuit against the USDA, contending that the agency is failing to access billions of dollars in contingency funds designated by Congress to maintain SNAP operations during funding lapses.

A box of De Cecco spaghetti, a can of WinCo refried black beans with jalapeño peppers, and a can of Kroger chunk light tuna on a kitchen counter.
Example non-perishable food items

Even if funding legislation passes or the USDA taps into its contingency money, support for food banks and anti-hunger organizations is needed. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) implemented federally required changes to SNAP eligibility on October 1st in reaction to the federal law approved in July 2025. The H.R.1 legislation will reduce benefits and increase work requirements for some SNAP recipients, driving more people to alternative food assistance programs. ODHS officials estimate that under the new law, Oregon will need to contribute $385 million annually to the program to maintain current service levels.

People interested in seeing their non-perishable food donations doubled should attend Montavilla Brew Works’ “Snap to It” event on Thursday, October 30th. Others unable to attend but interested in supporting can make donations to organizations like the Oregon Food Bank and Meals on Wheels People, which anticipate higher demand due to changes in Federal funding for food assistance.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Check out East Portland News as it continues to advocate for and report on outer East Portland. You will find frequently updated articles and an archive of more than 5,000 stories written over the past 20+ years alongside a robust Community Calendar of events.

Community, Infrastructure

Clearing Your Local Catch Basins

As autumn rainwater grabs fallen leaves and carries them down streams formed at the road’s edge, local catch basins clog, allowing puddles to form, which are treacherous for pedestrians and drivers alike. For several years, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has asked willing residents to help keep the stormwater flowing off the streets by clearing the tops of the inlet grates and the surrounding area through its Adopt a Storm Drain program. Safely removing surface blockages from catch basins helps maintenance crews focus on locations with significant clogs that require professional deep cleaning. Participants do not need to register to help. They only need to follow some basic safety guidelines and help when they can.

An illustration of a cartoon beaver using a rake to clear leaves from a storm drain, with the text 'ADOPT A STORM DRAIN' prominently displayed.
Adopt a Storm Drain banner courtesy PBOT

PBOT crews must keep over 58,000 catch basins in the City’s stormwater management system clear, occasionally visiting locations several times a season. The bureau staff appreciates public assistance in keeping leaves and trash away from the grates, but asks people to follow basic safety advice before pitching in. As with cleaning in any public place, people should avoid using their hands because sharp objects often hide in obscure places. Using a shovel, rake, or broom is the safest option. People should also wear gloves, but they cannot depend on them to protect their hands from dangerous items that may be hiding within a leaf pile or under sludge. Cleaned-up organic material can go in a resident’s compost container, but rubbish-contaminated material must go into a trash bin. Cleared material should not be left in the street or on the curb outside a disposal container.

A ground-level view of a curb covered in a mix of yellow and brown fallen leaves, with some grass visible in the background.
A catch basin is hiding under these leaves but trash and sharp objects could also sit below. PBOT recommends using tools to clear the grate

Volunteers need to wear reflective clothing and only clear catch basins from the sidewalk, avoiding working in the street where a vehicle could strike them. The program uses the term “adopt” because clearing is most effective when done regularly before rain, until the leaves have all fallen for the year. Participants should clean a ten-foot area along the curb on both sides of the drain to reduce the likelihood of clogging. People can also help after a snow or ice event by clearing a foot-wide path along the curb so melting water can flow into the catch basins.

If the catch basin will not drain after a surface cleaning, or there are emergency hazards, PBOT asks people to call its Maintenance Dispatch at 503-823-1700 to report the location of the problem. Residents should not lift storm drain grates; instead, leave them for PBOT crews, who have the proper equipment and will likely appreciate the surface cleaning done before their arrival.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Otter Wax, a neighborhood producer of small-batch specialty goods handcrafted in Portland. Using only natural ingredients, they make modern care products that are steeped in tradition. We thank them for their support.

Montavilla

Growing Housing Density on NE Glisan

DEZ Development is wrapping up construction of a seven-unit townhouse project on the southwest corner of NE 72nd Avenue and Glisan Street in a primarily commercial section of the main street. This three-story building replaces a single-family home with two units facing NE Glisan Street. The remaining five homes have addresses on NE 72nd Avenue. This project maximized housing density while still offering homeownership in a walkable, transit-oriented section of Portland.

Three-story townhouse building with multiple units, featuring a mix of grey and white siding, surrounded by greenery on a sunny day.
Rendered view of the seven townhomes seen from NE 72nd Avenue. Courtesy DEZ Development.

The property is zoned Commercial Mixed Use 2 (CM2), allowing up to four stories and a building floor-area ratio of up to two-and-a-half times the property’s dimensions. As this building will not cover all the buildable land, the three levels proposed fit within the development scale for this area. Montavilla is seeing more multi-level projects on NE Glisan Street, with two affordable apartment buildings recently opening within the Glisan Landing complex, two blocks east of this project. These new homes sit across NE 72nd Avenue from a two-story commercial mixed-use building constructed in 1890. Across NE Glisan, the “Tool Building” will open with retail and dining space after an extensive renovation.

Front view of a newly constructed three-story townhouse featuring two units with a modern design and multiple windows, located at 7192 and 7194 NE Glisan Street.

The transformation of NE Glisan Street is a return to its former usage when it hosted a streetcar line running down its center, providing a Portland connection to the town-turned-neighborhood of Montavilla. Many buildings along the transit line were commercial-oriented and offered above-storefront apartments. Remnants of that history are visible in the older buildings that survived the seventy-five years since rail transit ceased operations on NE Glisan.

Video courtesy of listing agent Darryl Bodle, Keller Williams (CTP Visuals)

The attached condominium units range in price from the high $ 300,000s to the low $ 400,000s, depending on the number of bedrooms. The NE Glisan-facing units are larger, with an extra bedroom. The price fluctuates based on a buyer’s eligibility for the Portland Housing Bureau’s System Development Charge (SDC) exemption program, which promotes affordable housing in Portland. In July 2025, the Portland City Council adopted an ordinance that temporarily exempts newly created housing units from SDCs for new housing unit permits issued from August 15th, 2025, through September 30th, 2028. However, this project predates that change. Qualified buyers can also take advantage of the “Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption” (HOLTE) program, which grants a property tax exemption of up to ten years for single-unit homes, as long as the property and owner remain eligible under HOLTE Program requirements. If the buyer’s finances exceed the limit before the ten-year period ends, they begin paying the new tax rate. Owners remain responsible for the original assessed value of the land without a building during the exemption period. This program applies only to housing with at least three bedrooms or to some two-bedroom homes within transit-oriented areas.

Exterior view of new townhouse units at 477, 479 NE 72nd Avenue featuring modern design with porch steps and landscaping in a commercial area.

The developer reconstructed the sidewalk around the site, adding an extended corner that pushes into the parking lane on NE Glisan Street, shortening the crossing distance for pedestrians and making people waiting at the corner behind parked cars more visible to drivers. Each home has direct access to the sidewalk, eliminating the need for a shared walkway that mid-block projects often require in townhome developments. Most units have a small back or side yard with a modest patio. Residents will have three to four bedrooms based on unit type, with three bathrooms and an open floor plan on the main level.

  • 475 NE 72nd Avenue
  • 477 NE 72nd Avenue
  • 479 NE 72nd Avenue
  • 481 NE 72nd Avenue
  • 483 NE 72nd Avenue
  • 7192 NE Glisan Street
  • 7194 NE Glisan Street

Managing Member of DEZ Development, Lavik Dezhnyuk, grew up in the neighborhood and has completed several housing projects in this community he feels connected to. Darryl Bodle is the listing agent on these properties with more information available at darrylbodle.com. Mixing commercial and middle-density residential spaces along the corridor has the potential to make the street more active at all hours of the day and create an active streetscape as people walk to local destinations for basic needs. These townhouses are blocks away from Fred Meyer’s grocery store, restaurants, coffee shops, and retail destinations. Expect these units to sell to new residents throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Check out East Portland News as it continues to advocate for and report on outer East Portland. You will find frequently updated articles and an archive of more than 5,000 stories written over the past 20+ years alongside a robust Community Calendar of events.

Government

Portlanders Vote on Parks Levy

The November 4th Special Election ballot has just one question for Portland voters centered on renewing and increasing a five-year parks levy first approved in 2020. Measure 26-260 asks property taxpayers to renew the Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) supplemental funding source at $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed value from the previous 80 cents per $1,000. Portlanders tend to vote in favor of supporting parks. However, a recent Portland Auditor’s Office report casts doubt on the Parks Bureau’s fiscal management to date, raising concern among some about increasing park funding taxes without a sustainable budget plan.

A green park featuring trees, a paved walking path, and circular picnic tables surrounded by well-maintained grass.

The report outlines several issues driving PP&R’s budgetary shortfall, including unfunded pet projects from past City Council members and politicized management under the last form of government. However, the report identified the expansion of Portland’s Park system, including new locations and amenities, as a substantial fiscal burden for the Bureau. Building new parks without first securing a maintenance funding source exceeded PP&R’s share of the City’s General Fund, leaving the Parks Bureau with few options other than reducing services or closing locations.

Five years ago, during the pandemic, voters approved the parks levy to support services provided by PP&R after the Bureau cut costs during a 2019 $6 million shortfall. Those funds kept the parks’ programs open but did not address a substantial maintenance backlog. All the while, during its budgetary crunch, PP&R had a sizable source of money from developer fees. However, State and City laws prohibit the use of those funds for maintenance activities. That created a situation in which PP&R could add assets to the parks system without the funding to maintain them.

Sign for Gateway Green Park in Portland, indicating park hours and association with Portland Parks & Recreation.

Current District 3 Councilor Steve Novick also served previously on City Council under the Commissioner form of government during a pivotal time for parks, when its overbuilding phase ramped up due to City leadership’s increasing System Development Charges (SDCs) collected for parks from fees charged to development projects. His history with PP&R’s funding leads him to believe that Portlanders should approve 26-260 to give the current City Council time to rebalance park funding. “It would be rather absurd to take it as reason to vote against the levy because of what the auditor pointed out, which is true, we’ve been building new parks without the money to fix the old ones,” explained Novick.

Sign for Gateway Discovery Park in Portland, Oregon, with decorative sculpture and modern building in the background.

Councilor Novick believes the PP&R leadership has taken the blame for a systems failure that predates the 2019 budget shortfall. “Five years previously, in 2015, when I was on the council, we voted to increase parks SDCs; [Commissioner Dan] Saltzman and I voted no,” recalled Novick. They expressed concern about its impact on housing costs. A concern supported by the current City Council, which recently suspended SDCs temporarily on new residential projects. Novick noted that at the time, he was also concerned that PP&R would build facilities they could not maintain without additional funding that the former City Leadership did not provide. “The attitude of the council at the time was build baby build and don’t really worry about the crumbling assets.”

In Novick’s opinion, the current City Council can address PP&R funding in a more sustainable way, but needs to stabilize the decline before it starts making hard choices. “I think arguing that adopting the levy defers tough decisions is sort of fair, but we shouldn’t be making those tough decisions at the point of a gun in the context of having to come up with a budget that savages the parks system,” said Novick.

Three councilors seated at a table during a meeting, with nameplates indicating their names and positions.
Councilors Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morrillo, and Steve Novick representing District 3 in a March 2025 budget community listening session.

Conversations about park funding took center stage at City Hall during this last budget cycle, where PP&R competed for General Fund money alongside other large line items, such as police, fire, and homeless services. Some of the possibilities City leaders envision require changes to how the Bureau uses SDCs. “One thing that we’re going to do is go to the legislature and ask them to change the SDC statute so that SDCs can be used to repair existing structures, not just build new ones,” explained Novick. This change would allow PP&R to use development-fee-generated funds to maintain existing parks. This approach is favorable, as infill housing development brings more people into existing neighborhoods that may have languishing parks in need of attention to support new residents.

Another potential funding source comes from outside contributions. “I also think that there is a lot more thought now about trying to get some private money into the parks. The example that everybody always brings up is Central Park in New York City, [which is not funded by] City tax dollars. There’s a consortium of foundations and rich people to take care of Central Park,” said Novick. “I think that’s a conversation we need to have with our money elite in the city. Maybe there’s Nike branding or whatever all over the parks. Personally, I would live with that.”

A mural on the side of the Montavilla Community Center featuring colorful mosaic figures engaged in various physical activities, including sports and dance, with the center's name prominently displayed above.

Councilor Novick also noted that the city may need to issue a parks bond to address the backlog of repairs and reduce the operating expenses currently burdened by the system’s condition. “Hopefully, we can do the minor maintenance with this levy. That will prevent us getting to major maintenance costs in some facilities,” remarked Novick. He worries that without Ballot Measure 26-260, the City Council will have to make drastic cuts to parks without the time to plan spending reductions strategically. “What we learned [during the last City budget cycle] is that pretty much everything that parks does is really important to a bunch of people, and if the levy fails, then we’re gonna have to prepare a budget for next year which assumes we’re making massive cuts to parks.”

Ballot Measure 26-260 text says the median homeowner would pay $310 per year if the levy passes, which is just under $26 per month, and represents an $11 increase over what current property taxpayers have contributed to parks since the 2020 levy’s approval. Ballots are due by 8 p.m. on November 4th at a county drop site (multco.us/dropsites) or postmarked in the US mail system by November 4th.

Montavilla News does not endorse candidates or ballot measures.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Business Relocating, Food and Drink

La Osita Relocates to Montavilla’s Historic Taylor Court Grocery Building

On October 18th, La Osita restaurant completed its first week in a new location after transitioning from a renowned food cart on SE 122nd Avenue to the remodeled restaurant space in the historic Taylor Court Grocery building at 1135 SE 80th Avenue. The breakfast and lunch spot offers dishes influenced by the owner’s Mexican American roots, featuring options for most diners, including several vegan items. Elizabeth Guerrero had initially planned to open her restaurant in the newly purchased building in October 2022. However, she soon discovered that the 100-year-old storefront, nestled in a residential area, would require years of work to transform into the restaurant space she envisioned. The long process of remodeling and relocating required the support of family, staff, and the partnership of co-owner David Doyle. For the staff, the effort was well worth the wait as regulars and Montavilla residents showed up in large numbers to enjoy the breakfast and lunch menu Tuesday through Saturday.

Exterior view of the Taylor Court Grocery building, featuring a blue facade, teal awning, and wooden bench in front.

La Osita PDX opened as a small food cart in January of 2018 after Guerrero and Doyle noticed a lack of good breakfast locations near their home in East Portland. The partners bought their first cart from a friend and found space on 122nd in the parking lot of the Plaza 122 building. With a shared food service background and recipes inspired by Elizabeth Guerrero’s heritage, the owners brought coffee and breakfast service to an underserved area. “The original plan when we first opened the cart was just breakfast, but then people asked, ‘Why aren’t you opening for lunch?’ And I thought Why don’t we open for lunch? So we did lunch,” recalled Guerrero. After an Oregonian article widened La Osita’s exposure, they experienced a wave of new customers and eventually expanded to a bigger cart. Still, business increases, and they brought in more help, with staff peaking at five people on some days. Moving to a restaurant location was an obvious next move for the family-run business. “We were crammed like sardines,” recalled Guerrero.

Interior view of La Osita restaurant showcasing a bar seating area with black stools and a long countertop, with large windows offering a view of the street and neighborhood outside.

Searching for a suitable small brick-and-mortar location near the cart proved challenging for Guerrero and Doyle. An expanded search led to the Taylor Court Grocery, where they instantly saw the potential in the 100-year-old retail space. The buildout took much longer than anticipated. “It had just so much work we had to put into it. There were three layers of flooring tile, and the same with the roof; it was a huge project, and honestly, we didn’t know it was going to be that time-consuming and so much money,” said Guerrero. The owners rented out the house that shares the lot with the retail space to generate revenue temporarily, but they needed loans to bridge the gap. “We used a Prosper Portland loan, a QuickBooks loan. We did a Square loan, and once that was out, we applied again for QuickBooks. Once that was out, we shuffled debt around,’ explained Guerrero. The team almost gave up hope. “I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wanted to quit, but I remember somebody said, ‘whenever you think you should give up, that’s the time when you shouldn’t give up.’ I always remember that, and it was all worth it because we’re here now,” remarked Guerrero.

Interior of La Osita restaurant featuring a large wooden table surrounded by metal and wooden chairs, with large windows allowing natural light, and a black accent wall with decorative lighting.
La Osita’s indoor seating for 28 customers

Although three miles from the original cart location, they hoped customers would follow them to SE 80th Avenue, and Guerrero reports they have not been disappointed. “They’ve been very supportive and very happy for us. I was worried that it was going to be a slow incline of business, but it’s been pretty good.” October marks the beginning of the slow winter season for food carts; however, the restaurant’s first week in Montavilla saw summer-level sales. They hired an additional person to work at the location, and Guerrero hopes her daughter will join her at the restaurant on Saturdays before going to college in a year. It is important to her because family participation is already core to this space, with Elizabeth Guerrero’s sister, niece, and brother working there, and because her child was the inspiration for the business name. “The whole reason this is called La Osita is because my daughter,” explained Guerrero. Guerrero and Doyle would playfully add “bear” to the end of her name when she was younger, and Osita means little bear.

A woman working behind the counter of a café, focused on a touchscreen while a large metallic container sits nearby. Shelves in the background hold various kitchen supplies.
Owner Elizabeth Guerrero behind the counter

Elizabeth Guerrero knows she has years of work ahead to pay off the loans and build the business in the Montavilla community. The business owners are selling their old cart because they can not run two locations, and it will help pay down what they borrowed to build the brick-and-mortar location. However, she expressed heartfelt gratitude to her staff who worked in cramped conditions and stayed by her side throughout the years of delays. She is especially appreciative of her sister Maria Guerrero, who has remained part of La Osita since the beginning. She is also thankful for all the customers who supported her dream and the people who helped fundraise for the buildout. Now, she is looking to the future with only minor additions to the menu planned as the team becomes accustomed to the bigger space.

Several of the summer-only drinks, like agua fresca, will return to the menu more frequently, with select new food items planned. I wanted to add Chilaquiles, which is a very popular breakfast item in Mexico, but I don’t want to expand too much because that does make it harder on my cook. I want to add chicken, and I do want to add Mexican bread like conchas,” explained Guerrero. “I can envision somebody buying their concha and their brunch taco and their coffee. That’s the perfect breakfast in my eyes.”

A menu from La Osita restaurant featuring various Mexican-American dishes, including breakfast and lunch options, vegan choices, and add-ons, displayed on a wooden table.
La Osita’s restaurant menu October 2025

People interested in visiting the shop for dine-in counter service or takeout can stop by from 7:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. The menu features the popular Brunch Taco with melted pepper jack cheese on a crispy corn tortilla, topped with applewood bacon, fried egg, pickled onion, pico de gallo, bell pepper, and salsa. They offer several burrito variations with chorizo, carne asada beef, or steak. Some include eggs to fit in with the breakfast and brunch theme. The meatless options include Vegan burritos, tacos, and bowls. For drinks, they serve French press coffee or espresso-based items with an optional Mexican flavor palate. They offer freshly made green smoothies and a Cocoa banana almond chia smoothie, alongside other canned or bottled beverages.

Menu for La Osita restaurant featuring various coffee drinks, smoothies, and beverages, displayed on a wooden table.
La Osita’s restaurant drink menu October 2025

When the weather turns warmer next year, Elizabeth Guerrero expects to have outdoor seating. People will eventually see the blue “Tabor Ct. Grocery” sign updated with the La Osita name. Still, the building’s new owners are working with a neighborhood caretaker to preserve the original surviving sign panel showing the location’s historic name. The spot is outside the traditional commercial corridor, a short walk from SE Stark Street and 82nd Avenue. They will depend on word of mouth for people to find them, but Guerrero said that has always worked for them in the past. She hopes people will help spread the word that they have finally moved in and are ready to greet their guests.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

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Construction, Transportation

NE 82nd Ave MAX Station Elevator Closes for a Week as Station Renovations Continue

TriMet will close the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station elevator from October 20th to the 27th for scheduled maintenance. This Monday-to-Monday closure in this location follows months of construction that require people to walk on temporary scaffolding-style stairs to access the boarding platform and, at times, clog the bus stop pullouts above the station with construction vehicles. Riders needing to use an elevator during this time can detour to the NE 60th Ave MAX Station west of the NE 82nd Avenue stop and take a shuttle bus connecting that location to the Gateway/NE 99th Ave Transit Center.

Construction workers on scaffolding above the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station elevator, with light rail tracks and traffic visible below.
Temporary scaffolding-style stairs at the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station

Since June, crews working on TriMet’s NE 82nd Ave MAX Improvements Project have made substantial progress, completely resurfacing the station’s concrete platform and rebuilding the stairs at the 82nd Avenue light rail stop. During the project, riders have used a temporary platform constructed to the west of NE 82nd Avenue and adjacent to Interstate 84. The reconstruction efforts will add a new weather shelter to the station and add a pedestal for the future art piece, which TriMet plans to install between the two shelters. The frequently used stairs connecting NE 82nd Avenue to the light rail platform will contain the same number of landings and treads. However, the project will replace the concrete railing walls with steel guardrails, enhancing the riders’ sense of openness through greater visibility. This station was part of the original MAX Blue Line and one of the most heavily used light rail stations on the system, dictating this extensive improvement project. TriMet anticipates completing this station work by the end of 2025.

Sign indicating how to access the elevator at NE 82nd Ave MAX Station, featuring tap and scan instructions for fare validation.
TriMet elevator access control reader

The week-long elevator closure is essential to keeping this mobility resource functioning through demanding and sometimes rough usage. In May, TriMet expanded its test access control program at the Hollywood Transit Center to include the NE 60th Ave and NE 82nd Ave MAX stations. People wanting to access the grade-separated platforms now need to present a valid fare to a digital reader before elevator doors open. They are not charged for the use, but need to verify paid system usage for access. This change has the potential to reduce equipment misuse and keep the assistive access devices available to riders who require them. TriMet provides a system elevator status page available for riders who have difficulty using stairs at trimet.org/elevators. People should check this page before traveling to ensure availability if they intend to use an elevator.

Update October 27, 2025: TriMet announced the elevator at its NE 82nd Ave MAX Station is back in service.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb

Promotion: Montavilla News is supported by contributions from businesses like Greg Beddor – SEO Specialist, an Oregon based digital marketing consultancy. The company markets customer’s websites and provide SEO services to grow their business. We thank them for their support.

Community, Event, Food and Drink

Montavilla’s 2025 Fall Crawl and Trick or Treat Events

Starting October 17th, visitors to select Montavilla businesses can pick up a “Fall Crawl Passport” card from participating locations and collect stickers with purchases to earn a raffle entry. Completed passports are due back at Arbor Hall on SE Stark Street or Replicant/Mudd Works Cafe by the close of the event on October 31st. During the sticker collecting and business visiting event, the Montavilla East Tabor Business Association (METBA) will also host a Trick or Treat event on Sunday, October 26th. A printed map shows key participants, and the METBA site displays individual business hours for the candy giveaway.

METBA organized both events as part of its annual tradition to create a safe and fun celebration of Autumn. The idea of a Montavilla pub crawl grew in popularity in 2019 when Threshold opened the neighborhood’s second brewery in the historic SE Stark Street downtown area. The concept grew into a more formalized event as part of METBA’s Harvest Festival and now includes a variety of activities, including a week-long shopping event for a chance to win a prize. Additionally, bars, restaurants, and other participating businesses may offer special entertainment and discounts.

A decorated house at night with colorful green and red lights, featuring Halloween decorations, including skeletons, pumpkin lanterns, and a ghost figure.
Montavilla home decorated for Halloween

Burgerville at 8218 NE Glisan Street will offer a free coupon for a food item with purchase for passport holders. Kim’s Tae Kwon-Do at 9003 SE Stark Street will provide free classes for passport holders on Tuesday and Thursday during the event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Montavilla Brew Works at 7805 SE Stark Street will host a special beer release on Halloween, celebrating its three new fall/winter seasonal brews. NightOwl Custom Apparel will offer free stickers and treats for those visiting the shop at 7114 NE Glisan Street in costume. The Glisan Fred Meyers branch of OnPoint Community Credit Union, located at 6615 NE Glisan Street, will feature a prize wheel on October 31st and offer candy on all other passport dates.

For October 26th specific activities, Beanstalk Children’s Resale at 8021 SE Stark Street will have “trick-or-treat goodies for the kiddos” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. DolFUN Dynamics will host a free Halloween party from 2 to 3 p.m. for children twelve years old and younger at 9260 SE Stark Street, along with a discount of $50 off the first month of classes for new enrollments. Personal Beast at 8119 SE Stark Street is offering a 25% discount on select dog and cat bulk treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Although not included on the map, Threshold Brewing & Blending, Academy Theater, and Flying Pie Pizza will participate in the Trick or Treat event.

A spooky Halloween-themed display featuring a creepy clown figure with glowing yellow eyes, holding a large lollipop, surrounded by colorful banners and festive decorations.
2023 Nightmare on Taylor Street haunted walkthrough animated creature

Many more locations will participate. An extensive list is available on the METBA Fall Events website page at metba.org. People trying to win the raffle can receive two stickers per purchase of $5 or more from participating locations, and every five stickers counts towards a raffle entry to increase the chances of winning. For a scarier, yet family-friendly event, consider “Nightmare on Taylor St,” featuring The Madhouse of MonstaVilla at 7926 SE Taylor Street. That October 31st event is a haunted walkthrough hosted by a resident who creates an elaborate experience for the neighborhood. As with most years, Montavilla plans to have an active fall celebration throughout the last half of October. Look for these events and more through the neighborhood.

Article and photos by

Jacob Loeb