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I'd like to hear a show on urban infill housing versus protecting our urban forest canopy i.e. those skinny houses that are creating a lot of controversy amongst east side communities in Portland. We have the tension between preserving the urban growth boundary, providing affordable housing within the city and maintaing the character and livability of our neighbourhoods. I'd like to hear Randy Leonard talk about the process and why other issues such as tree protection are not considered. Concordia is begining to loose many old growth trees to cheaply built houses. Meanwhile areas like Irvington enjoy much greater protection. Why does the disparity exist? Why does the city refuse to listen to neighbourhoods that want creative infill that preserves the best things those great old trees represent in our communities i.e. space, clean air, shade, wildlife islands etc.
I hope you'll consider this issue because it's currently flying under the radar. Small pockets of our community resist the most aggregious developments, but a public discussion is needed to raise awareness and make city beaurocrats accountable.

Ross Weinstein

posted 5 years ago
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