The Burnside Bridgehead Redevelopment
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) is reviewing proposals from developers for a significant mixed-use "gateway" project at the East end of the Burnside Bridge. A redevelopment of this size is rare in the central city and offers an opportunity for a creative project that combines retail, commercial, housing and office space.
Unfortunately, two of the three proposals center on a big-box store (Home-Depot or Lowe's). Luckily there's a third, more creative proposal that we can support.
Click this link to send a message now >> (http://onwardoregon.org/burnside)
Why not a Home Depot?
1. This neighborhood can be an "affordable Pearl District." An urban mix of smaller-scale commercial, retail, office, and residential could thrive here, making it an exciting place to live and work. This development should "fire people's imaginations" and make them think, "Hey, wouldn't it be cool to live here?"
2. Walking/biking distance to downtown and inner SE jobs means that this should be sidewalk-friendly with lots of foot traffic. Big-box home improvement stores are nearly 100% automobile-centered. Who walks to Home Depot during lunch for a 2 by 4? You always drive there.
3. Multiple big-box home improvement resources are available within 15 minute drive (Mall 205 Home Depot, Fred Meyer Home Improvement Center at NE 67th and Glisan, etc.)
4. Locally owned businesses recycle more money locally. Big box stores create fewer jobs per square foot than other businesses. [See the Andersonville study at (http://www.civiceconomics.com/Andersonville/)].
Tell the PDC that you don't want a big-box store at the burnside bridge.
TAKE ACTION: Click this link to send a message now >> (http://onwardoregon.org/burnside)
Click this link to take action now!!
Posted by craig at January 11, 2005 01:06 AM