Tag: MNA

Community, Event, Services September 21, 2022March 25, 2023

The Neighborhood Dumpster Day Returns

After a two-year hiatus, Montavilla’s Dumpster Day returns as part of a new Portland program. Area residents are invited to drop off bulky household items on Saturday, September 24th, at the Montavilla Church parking lot on the corner of SE 92nd Avenue and SE Hawthorne Boulevard. This free program allows residents to dispose of many large items not collected in regular curbside bins and prevents trash from ending up on the streets.

Two years ago, Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life (Civic Life) discontinued a similar program once offered through neighborhood associations. Those programs provided an annual opportunity for residents to dispose of mattresses, broken furniture, and other trash that did not fit into regular collection containers. The events also served as a primary fundraiser for the nonprofit neighborhood organizations. Trash haulers will collect bulky items left on the curb during weekly pickup days if residents notify them ahead of time and pay a fee. However, some people do not have the means to arrange for those collections and instead leave items on the corner with “Free” signs attached. Those items can contribute to the City’s trash problem and congest public spaces.

The absence of a free dumpster program in Portland left a noticeable mark on the City’s trash collection system, prompting officials to create a new program. This weekend’s Montavilla Dumpster Day is the first in a series of events organized by Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), with funding through the City’s Public Environment Management Office. For this event, the City will pay members of the Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) and the Jade District to support the Dumpster Day operations. In the future, BPS will hire contractors to run events held in other neighborhoods.

People are encouraged to bring mattresses, furniture, and certain small appliances like a toaster, vacuum, or microwave. Some treated lumber and wood stumps are accepted but need to come from households, not businesses. Tires, large appliances, electronics, and hazardous materials can’t go into the dumpsters. However, Oregon Metro staff at the drop-off site will assist people in finding the proper disposal agency for items not taken at Saturday’s event. A complete list of allowed and forbidden items is available on the BPS website.

Although a Montavilla-based event, organizers secured ample dumpsters to accept items from local residents and neighboring areas. However, space is limited, and the event staff recommends people come early. The entrance opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 1 p.m. or when the dumpsters are full.

Jacob Loeb

Disclosure: The author of this article will work at this event and may receive payment for his participation.

Community, Event October 11, 2021

Montavilla Elections Tonight

Tonight, October 11th, the Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) will hold Board member elections. Three new candidates and two returning board members are running unopposed for open seats. Attendees at the online general meeting will receive a link to the ballot at the beginning of the meeting.

First-time candidate, Scott Simpson, is running for Land Use & Transportation Chair. Simpson hopes to make Montavilla a more walkable, bikeable, sustainable, safer, and inclusive place. Both Ben Weakley and Holly Wilkes are running for Member at Large positions. Weakley recently moved to Portland and currently works as a physical therapist. Wilkes is a Principal in the David Douglas School District.

Sarah Hartzel is the acting Treasurer and is seeking election to that position for a two-year term. Hartzel brought her extensive finance and accounting background to the board in May to fill a vacancy. Matt Moore is seeking another term as Outreach & Communications Chair. He intends to continue providing design support to MNA communications and assist in community engagement.

Candidate statements are on the Montavilla Neighborhood Association website. Southeast Uplift will create an online ballot and count votes. If possible, election results will be available by the 7:30 PM Board meeting. The upcoming General Meeting and the election is on October 11th at 6:30 PM. Details are available on the MNA calendar.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the NMA Board

Community September 3, 2021September 3, 2021

Neighborhood Elections Oct 11th

The Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) will hold Board Member elections at their October 11th meeting, starting at 6:30 PM. Candidates for the open positions will announce their intentions to run later this month at the September 13th meeting. Those announcements will follow a general vote of members on whether to accept amendments to the MNA Bylaws that will change how term limits are applied.

With many existing board members not running for reelection this year, the MNA seeks new directors for six open positions. Having a significant number of seats available, MNA sees this as an opportunity to shape the Board more equitably and with a broader perspective. All eligible members are encouraged to run for the open positions. However, this is the best time for people from historically underrepresented groups to add their experience to MNA leadership.

Interested parties can email mna-email@montavillapdx.org for more information on the process. Additionally, all candidates are welcome to self-nominate at the September 13th general meeting held online via Zoom. Participation in neighborhood associations helps drive positive change within the community and makes Portland’s government work for its citizens.

Ahead of these elections, MNA Members will vote on changing the organization’s Bylaws. The two amendments received their first public reading at the July 12th meeting. Those changes focus on term limits and try to align the Bylaws with current standards and Oregon law. The first change is in removing a three-year term limit on general membership. Most neighborhood associations do not have membership term limits but instead, rely on eligibility requirements. Removing the membership term limit from Section 6 of Article IV in the Bylaws will allow MNA to fall back to the existing requirements for membership detailed in the previous five sections of Article IV.

The second amendment to the Bylaws adds term limits for board members. MNA Board members serve two-year terms. This amendment caps each Board member at two successive terms and then requires a minimum of one year off before running again.

Portland has faced a challenging few years. Regardless the MNA has worked to improve the neighborhood and help those in need whenever possible. Participation in this group is a necessary part of maintaining the health and function of an urban community. Look for opportunities to participate at montavillapdx.org/mna-calendar.

UPDATE – Removed text and link related to Oregon law over term limits.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the NMA Board

Community April 25, 2021

METBA District Clean Up

Yesterday, volunteers cleaned litter from SE Stark Street and NE Glisan Street as part of a Montavilla and East Tabor Business Association (METBA) event. Half of the group began work at 9:00 AM, starting on Stark Street by I205 and working towards Montavilla Town. The second crew started an hour later at the Fred Meyer Grocery Store and moved east along NE Glisan, ending at 82nd Ave. Over twenty-five business owners and community members participated in the three-hour-long clean-up effort.

METBA received sponsorship for the event from Montavilla Sewing Centers and coordination support from the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. Participants received complimentary pizza provided by Flying Pie Pizzeria after the event. The group removed two dozen bags worth of trash from Montavilla streets in a community effort to revitalize the area. METBA plans to host future clean-up events in the coming month. Businesses interested in assisting with future events can reach METBA at montavilla.biz@gmail.com or through their website.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the NMA Board and participated in this event.

Community March 7, 2021

Large Cleanup on 82nd and Glisan

Last Saturday morning, 53 volunteers gathered in Montavilla Park to collect litter in the neighborhood. SOLVE and Detrash Portland coordinated the event with local support from the MNA Clean Team. Crews walked along NE 82nd Ave and NE Glisan street, filling 63 bags of trash.

By the end of the event, an estimated 750 pounds of trash piled-up at the park, waiting to be hauled away. Residents of Montavilla and volunteers from all over the city participated. With the success of this event, plans for future SOLVE cleanups along 82nd Ave are underway. Those cleanups will occur with the support of the 82nd Avenue of Roses Business Association and the Montavilla Neighborhood Association. Interested volunteers should watch the SOLVE events page for those cleanups and others like them happening throughout Portland.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the NMA Board

Community, Construction, Infrastructure, New Business, New Residence February 5, 2021

Presentations at Next MNA Meeting

Next Monday, three groups will present information on projects that are shaping Montavilla’s future. Representatives from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), African Youth & Community Organization (AYCO), and Metro will discuss their plans at the February 8th Montavilla Neighborhood Associations (MNA) meeting. Attendees will learn how they can participate in the process and hear details regarding the neighborhood improvements.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Event registration is found at the MNA website or directly through this link.

The first presenters are sharing plans for an improved NE Halsey street, from 68th to 92nd Ave. Nicole Peirce, Capital Project Manager for PBOT, will present information regarding safer intersections and better access for non-motorists. Joining Peirce is the project manager for the 70s Bikeway project. Both projects cross through Montavilla and will vastly improve universal mobility in the area.

Jamal Dar, Executive Director for AYCO, will share information about his group’s mission to offer support services and youth mentoring for the African immigrant and refugee community. This organization serves a growing population of people with East Africa origins in their recently opened center on NE 74th Ave.

Metro representatives Choya Renata and Patrick McLaughlin will present information regarding proposed low-income housing at the former TBN Site. Two years from now, Montavilla will gain 120 to 150 new households on NE Glisan Street. In a partnership between Metro and the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB), the former Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) site will transform into affordable housing. Metro will present their community outreach process at the meeting and further outline the project’s scope.

Disclosure: The author of this article serves on the NMA Board

Community, Construction November 25, 2020November 25, 2020

82nd Ave Mural Guidance Meeting

A new mural is coming to the corner of 82nd Ave and NE Glisan as part of the Jacksons’ gas station redevelopment. Hector H. Hernandez will create the public artwork in the ceramic-tile mosaic style. However, community participation in guiding the mural project is needed.

Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) will host an online meeting to solicit public input regarding the art installation. The discussion is held via Zoom this Monday evening, November 30th, at 6:30 PM. Those unable to attend or who want to contribute in multiple ways can call 503-660-8659 or fill out an online form to provide written feedback. Callers leaving a voicemail should limit calls to 3 minutes.

Regardless of how community members choose to contribute to the project, MNA asks people first to visit the Land Use and Transportation page and read about the project and its chosen theme. As this project will be a visible marker of the neighborhood, it must reflect the diverse nature of Montavilla. Participation in this project will help all residents make a lasting mark on the local culture and its public perception.

Zoom Meeting signup link: https://forms.gle/iK9c6EokzMCs9rBv6

Main image is a recent painted mural by artist Hector H. Hernandez

Disclosure: The Author of this article serves on the Montavilla Neighborhood Association Board.

Community November 13, 2020

MNA Board Elections

UPDATE: Both candidates received sufficient votes to win their respective race. They now join the existing board members. Taylor Wells received 43 votes and Jacob Loeb received 42 votes.

Original post from November 9th, 2020

Tonight at 6:30 PM, the Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) will hold its 2020 board member election. The ballot link will become available this evening on the MNA website and remain available for 24 hours. Two candidates are running unopposed for open positions.

Only MNA members are eligible to vote in the election. However, membership is simple to obtain and free to all residents and business people in Montavilla. To become a member, you must attend a general meeting and affirm your wish to become a member. Membership is for a three-year term, and there is no limit to the number of terms a member can retain membership.

If you are not a member, you can join tonight. The Meeting is held online via Zoom. People interested in becoming a MNA member can find the meeting signup link on the MNA calendar webpage.

Montavilla News does not endorse individual candidates or ballot measures

Disclosure: The author of this article is one of the candidates.

Community November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

MNA Board Candidate Information

2020 Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) elections have two candidates running for open positions on the Board. As both positions are currently unfilled, each candidate is running unopposed. Taylor Wells seeks the position of Public Safety Chair. Jacob Loeb seeks the position of Corresponding Secretary. Elections will be held online starting at 6:30 PM on November 9th, and ending 24 hours later. Those who have attended a general meeting in the past year are eligible to vote. You can attend the November 9th meeting (via zoom) and vote after the meeting.

TAYLOR WELLS – Candidate for Public Safety Chair:

There are many safety-related items to address in our neighborhood – from the rise in crime recently to earthquake/emergency preparation to safer roads for our children to play in. I believe I can make the most impact by immediately addressing the three issues below and start connecting with other Public Safety Board Members in SE and greater Portland to see what initiates are working and what changes we could bring to our neighborhood. I’d also like to bring in thought-leaders around these Public Safety issues to help educate our residents on how to address them. I’d also love to hear from members of the Association to see what safety-related concerns I can help potentially address.

Ultimately, I cannot achieve these goals on my own so I’d like to foster more participation in MNA to help get more ideas and resources to improve the safety of our neighborhood.

Top 3 issues:

Earthquake / Emergency Preparation
Protecting ourselves against theft / how to look out for each other
Reducing high-speed reckless drivers

About me: I’m an Oregon native and lived in Montavilla for 2 years now with my wife. I go on almost daily walks or bike rides around the neighborhood, Pre-COVID working remotely from many of the coffee shops or tea shops (RIP Townshends), and play futsal soccer in the Montavilla Park during the summer. My sister and her husband & daughter live in the neighborhood and I’ve met some amazing friends on my street and in the area.

Looking forward to potentially serving our neighborhood!

JACOB LOEB – Candidate for Corresponding Secretary:

Montavilla is a robust community with engaged residents and businesses. The Montavilla Neighborhood Association has an opportunity and an obligation to serve the community by providing a collective voice. As Corresponding Secretary, I intend to expand MNA communication and solicit the broadest possible involvement from our community.

Beyond communication, I will identify resources that can improve the neighborhood. The city, county, and Metro have programs designed to enhance public life. MNA’s involvement with those organizations will help direct resources where the community needs them.

Neighborhood trash and litter is a challenge we all need to address. It may not be our fault, but it is our problem to solve. MNA can work with the City of Portland to bring in more public trash cans. However, that alone will not solve the problem. We will need to organize community cleanups targeting problem public spaces. To facilitate those cleanups, MNA needs to consider providing dumpsters to the community. Not only will dumpsters house trash collected from the street cleanups, but it also provides a space for our community’s unhoused to dispose of their trash responsibly.

About me: I moved to the Montavilla neighborhood 15 years ago to provide a safe and comfortable home for my family. I work in the IT industry and prefer bike commuting when I travel to an office.

Montavilla News does not endorse individual candidates or ballot measures

Disclosure: The author of this article is one of the candidates.

Community, New Residence, Review - Opinion October 24, 2020

Design Evolution

Six years ago, the apartments at 7706 & 7718 SE Washington Street went before the Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) for design review. The building designer described the process as challenging and laments some of the changes made to address neighborhood concerns.

There were very few multi-story apartments proposed for Montavilla in 2014. The designer of the project, Kym Nguyen of Concept Design and Associates LLC, recalled a great deal of opposition from the community. “They were strongly against it as I think this was the only [project with] multiple units proposed in that area. They said it would ruin the neighborhood.”

In preparation for the apartment’s design review, the Montavilla Neighborhood Association (MNA) posted the project’s images and descriptions on their Facebook page. Lew Scholl was the Land Use and Transportation Chair for MNA in 2014. In correspondence with Nguyen, Scholl shared some community criticism the project received on Facebook. Comments centered around the roofline and lack of on-site parking.

Much of Facebook criticism echoed through public commentary at the October 2014 MNA meeting. “It was a very interesting meeting process, some very rude [people] and some being cautious [with] what they were saying,” described Nguyen. Lew Scholl did not recall the MNA meeting as being highly critical of the project. “There were no highly controversial issues about what was proposed… Some comments were posted on the MNA Facebook Group about parking that she brought up with the owners, but she was not able (nor required) to provide on-site parking. The development met the city’s zoning code, and no variances were requested.”

The commentary offered at the meeting advanced the project towards a publicly acceptable design. However, not all changes desired by neighboring residents were possible. “The zoning at this site back then is R1, which limited the height, along with the setback and building plan. It was challenging on the design to have parking on-site, so I recommended to have two levels and only two parking [spaces] available at the rear of the site.” Explained Nguyen.

Criticism of the roofline and zoning height restrictions forced Nguyen to choose a more conventional hip roof for the final design. She felt it was an unfortunate compromise. The high peak created by a modern one side shed roof allowed for a vaulted ceiling on the second floor. Taller walls could bring more light into the living space by accommodating larger windows. Nguyen imagined those elements would have enhanced the perceived beauty felt by the occupants. There were also practical advantages to the original roof design. Rainwater management would run along just one side of the roof instead of the entire parameter, creating a cleaner aesthetic and providing easier maintenance.

Ultimately the builder made more compromises towards conventional design. Standard vinyl windows replace unequal split sash windows. The building’s color pallet changed from dark to light, and cladding highlights became muted by material and paint.

Examining past projects like this can be helpful as we enter a new era of density in Montavilla. Changes in zoning during the last six years encourage more multi-story projects in neighborhoods. Now is a good time for the community to consider how multi-family buildings will fit into the area. Apartments by their nature will not look like a classic single-family home. Residents will need to come to terms with that and start to think about what features of large buildings will comfortably fit in the community.