Sidewalk Management Plan Resolution Updates

On October 21, 2009, Portland City Council passed the Sidewalk Management Plan Resolution, which approved the elements of a Sidewalk Management Plan to balance the demands of multiple sidewalk users.  The Resolution called for the implementation of 12 action items. The following is a list of these action items, along with the status of each (last updated 8/19/10):

1.      The Office of the City Attorney will propose an integration of all city codes that regulate sidewalk uses into one Chapter in the Portland City Code;

=>  In progress and hope to be completed within a few months

2.      The Portland Police Bureau shall create and regularly update a work plan to be approved by Commissioner Dan Saltzman to enforce laws prohibiting criminal behavior on sidewalks including littering, harassment, disorderly conduct and drug dealing;

=>  Plan to deal with Downtown criminal activity

=>  Work plans are ongoing and relate to the priority problems in the area (i.e., disorderly conduct, drug dealer)

=>  Note, Mayor Adams now in charge of Police

3.      Commissioner Dan Saltzman and the Portland Police Bureau will review current training programs and may propose possible additional training programs for security guards under contract with the City of Portland who have authority to patrol the public right-of-way;

=>  Conducted training on the application of the sidewalk ordinance for Central Precinct staff and worked with PPI to do the same. Training was conducted by the City Attorney's office.

4.      To improve, expand and continue the investment in day space and other basic services for homeless people that have been established in the downtown area over the past three years, Commissioner Nick Fish and the Portland Housing Bureau will proceed with his plan to construct and fund the operation of proposed Resource Access Center (RAC);

=>   Expected completion date: June 2011

5.      Commissioner Nick Fish and the Portland Housing Bureau will partner with community providers to ensure continuity and coordination of existing over-the counter and internet-based information and referral resources for people experiencing homelessness or needing housing services. Information and referral resources will include 211 info, Rose City Resources Guide, Housing Connections, and the Community Service Center at Glisan Street Shelter.

=>  Approved as a part of the Portland Housing Bureau’s FY 2010-11 budget 

6.      With Commissioner Nick Fish, Mayor Sam Adams will partner with the Portland Business Alliance and community providers to create a "Give Real Change, Not Spare Change" public education and over-the-counter donation program at retail stores throughout Downtown Portland. United Way will, in collaboration with community partners, ensure that funding is distributed for needed services;

=>    Implemented.  Under the management of Travel Portland, the campaign has $25,000 in pledges from a combination of sources including the City, the Kevin Montgomery Smith Charitable Fund of the Alliance, American Express, Travel Portland and others.  The funds are dedicated to a new program at New Avenues for Youth that is focused on outreach to young homeless individuals.  Funds are being raised through the Dining Month promotion and Fashion Night Out and matched by the City and the Alliance foundation.

For more information, visit:

http://www.travelportland.com/visitors/visguide/tax_free_shopping.html

7.      The Office of the City Attorney will propose a new city code to implement the sidewalk access and passage requirements of the federal Americans With Disabilities Act;

=>  Passed and implemented by Portland City Council as the Sidewalks Use Ordinance on May 6, 2010

8.      With the Portland Business Alliance, the Portland Development Commission and community stakeholders, Mayor Sam Adams will propose a Downtown Portland Retail Strategy to assist Downtown Portland retailers;

=> Done, see here: http://www.pdc.us/pdf/pubs_general/Downtown-Portland-Retail-Strategy-Implementation-Approach.pdf

9.      Commissioner Randy Leonard will propose a plan to increase the Number of Public Toilets and increase their visibility by fast tracking the "Loo" sitting process, implement visible signage identifying "Loo" locations, and create a plan for long term funding and maintenance;

=>  Current locations:

•  NW 5^th & Glisan
•  SW Taylor and Naito (opened August 2010)

Potential locations:

• Ash and Naito (Saturday Market) - scheduled to go in later this summer and PDC is exploring installing a handful more in lieu of brick bathrooms that were designed for Ankeny plaza
• East Esplanade - This will most likely be part of the Station remodel if the Fire Bond passes, otherwise an effort will be made to incorporate it into the David Campbell Memorial site in the next 2 years
• Jamison Square, planned for later this Fall

=>  No funds left for the Park Blocks locations, unless PSU provides funding, or the City is able to sell some Loos  (for every 3 Loos sold, the City can afford one more Loo)

=>  Loos are being placed in the Right of Way, on the fringes of parks, since they are intended for 24/7 access,

=>  Not much funding currently available in the Loo fund

10.  Commissioner Amanda Fritz will publicize telephone and internet-based options for the public to report concerns regarding sidewalks and the public realm in Downtown Portland;

=>  PBA Clean and Safe: 503-224-PETE (7383)

=>  Multnomah County Crisis Line: 503-988-4888

=>  Links to bureau comment pages/hotlines on Commissioner Fritz’s “Links” page:

11.  Mayor Sam Adams will propose a plan to better manage the concentration and placement of publication boxes located on public sidewalks;

=>  In progress, expected to be available for public review within two months

12.  City Council will propose an ongoing program to monitor, and improve Sidewalk Management Plan, with an oversight committee including representatives’ from all stakeholders. Commissioner Amanda Fritz will lead discussions to outline the program and propose an ongoing Commissioner liaison to the oversight committee.

=>  The Sharing Public Sidewalks Advisory Committee has met 7 times

=>  Mission: To advise Commissioner Fritz and Portland City Council on issues related to the sharing and management of downtown sidewalks.

=>  First Monday of each month from 3:30-5 p.m. (2^nd Monday when first is a holiday), in Room C on the 2nd Floor of the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th.  The committee does not have a set membership - all welcome to attend, regularly or occaisionally.  Contact Sara Hussein to be added to the mailing list.

=>  Types of organizations represented: