The MAX Green Line opens tomorrow, more than 30 years after an 1-205 transit right of way was established in 1976, opening the door to greatly increased development in East Portland's Lents and Gateway neighborhoods. “What we are seeing is an explosion in opportunities for developing housing and industry around transit centers,” Nick told the Portland Tribune for its special “Green Means Go” guide to the new Green Line.

Outer South-East Portland will at long last have a light rail connection to the City’s central core and Western suburbs, it's expected that the same investment that followed MAX’s entry in other parts of Portalnd will flow to Lents and Gateway as well. “Not only will light rail leverage more housing in transit centers, but it gives residents of affordable housing more transportation options,” Nick told the Tribune’s Kevin Curry.

Visit trimet.org for more on the new Green Line

Indeed, new development has already arrived, as a trasit-oriented development across from Clackamas Town Center is underway.

The Green Line will move the City toward its goal of creating “20-minute communities” in and around Portland while boosting two of its outer East neighborhoods, historically underserved by light rail – says Nick, “Gateway and Lents are a big part of our future.”