http://ilovelents.com/forum/ The Lents Neighborhood Association Web Community en Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:44:04 +0000 http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=110#post-517 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:51:03 +0000 Nancy 517@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Join us for knitting, quilting or any craft on Tuesdays from 10a-12noon at Pilgrim Lutheran Church at 4244 SE 91st in the basement. Learn new crafts or bring your own project. All free. We can help.Feel free to contact me via email <a href="mailto:cloudtree50@yahoo.com">cloudtree50@yahoo.com</a><br /> for any questions or concerns </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=109#post-516 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 07:07:19 +0000 Twelvizm 516@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>It great when you can see it happen, and not just hear about it.</p> <p><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Renewal.gif" rel="nofollow">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Renewal.gif</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelvizm/sets/72157624401084420/with/4905965370/" rel="nofollow">http://www.flickr.com/photos/twelvizm/sets/72157624401084420/with/4905965370/</a> </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-515 Thu, 19 Aug 2010 02:10:25 +0000 Twelvizm 515@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>I hope that if fits your needs! Keep us up to date on your house hunting. There are quite a number of jewels peppered throughout the area. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=92#post-514 Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:59:21 +0000 Twelvizm 514@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>I love me some Hip Hop, but this just hurts my head (and soul)</p> <p>Copied from a Craigslist Ad - <a href="http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tlg/1902668967.html" rel="nofollow">http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tlg/1902668967.html</a></p> <p>"need dedicated hip hop artists to perform at copper penny, itcould turn into a very regular thing the owner wants my company to put on two shows a month so ill need about 10 to 15 artists per show per month you'll be performing along side wickid-one and underground hitz as well as artists like the gwop boyz jay ayliaz krazy k nomatic butterball and more<br /> hit me up at (503) 309-7179 if ur interested ask for Aaron<br /> oh there is a minimum draw requirement of 10 tix meaning you'll be expected to sell 10 tix, also the show is 21 and up the artists can be under age not the fans, and the songs must be semi clean; no racism minimul swearing, no gang relation i dont want fights feel me? "</p> <p>I hate it when venues can't afford to pay music acts or promote, so they use this kind of tactic. "If you bring people in, you can play" Such BS. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-513 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 04:29:31 +0000 Twelvizm 513@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Here are some photos of 92nd in Lents and Montavilla.</p> <p>By Lents Park (35mph):<br /> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125511PM.png" rel="nofollow">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125511PM.png</a><br /> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125309PM.png" rel="nofollow">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125309PM.png</a></p> <p>By Berrydale Park (30mph):<br /> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125059PM.png" rel="nofollow">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at125059PM.png</a><br /> <a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at124916PM.png" rel="nofollow">http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v95/twelvizm/Screenshot2010-08-14at124916PM.png</a> </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-512 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 20:50:00 +0000 amandag86 512@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Well the house we are really interested in is close to the corner of 101st and Foster, basically a few blocks away from Lents center. Walking around the neighborhood we noticed that most of the houses where some what well kept. This house does not need any major structural work needed since it was recently renovated it just needs a bit of personal touch and some TLC in the curb appeal department. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-511 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 16:02:02 +0000 Cora 511@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Amanda - Adam (aka Twelvizm) is right in a way, if you're looking for an investment house, the area bounded by SE 87th on the west, the freeway on the east, SE Tolman on the South and Lents Park / Holgate on the North is probably your best bet. In the long run, it will be the most desirable area for people looking to live in a walking neighborhood, and there's a larger supply of solid housing stock. There are good houses throughout the rest of the neighborhood too, but it's not quite as consistent. </p> <p>There are some really nice spots on the west side of the freeway - mostly right off of Harold. I say Harold because it's probably the nicest spot to get past the freeway. Just south of Holgate and east of the freeway is good too, but Holgate isn't as quiet as Harold (yet).</p> <p>There's a planned bike boulevard for SE 100th/101st. So, living of 99th and Harold-ish is probably a good spot. </p> <p>One thing about shopping in this neighborhood - be sure to get a real estate agent that isn't afraid to tell you the problems with a house from a code, maintenance and structural standpoint. If you do find a house in a good spot that needs something major addressed like a roof, siding, foundation work, or to have the inside gutted and rebuilt, be sure to check into the home repair loan offered through the Urban Renewal Area: <a href="http://www.portlandonline.com/phb/index.cfm?c=52589" rel="nofollow">http://www.portlandonline.com/phb/index.cfm?c=52589</a> . There's also the Clean Energy Works program if you find an older house that just needs some energy efficiency upgrades: <a href="http://www.cleanenergyworksportland.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.cleanenergyworksportland.org/</a></p> <p>I could go on and on about the volunteer opportunities in the neighborhood. We're starting to get a critical mass of new residents, and I think it might be time to have a sort of pow wow to talk about all the stuff. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-510 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:44:47 +0000 amandag86 510@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Twelvizm, So You wouldn't recommend anything by, lets say 99th ave? </p> <p>Cora Thank you so much for the info, I see the potential in this neighborhood and I would love to participate in any activities, meetings that take place towards better the neighborhood. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-509 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 01:14:33 +0000 Cora 509@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>The Good - for the most part, Lents is a walkable neighborhood from an infrastructure standpoint in the areas between 82nd and the freeway. Spots east of the freeway but close to Harold or Holgate are also pretty good.</p> <p>Overall the neighborhood has "good bones" - it has shorter blocks, well located parks, and the key locations are easy to get to on foot, and somewhat on bike if you learn the side streets, are close to the 205 MUP or Springwater, or are lucky to live close to where they're making bike improvements and adding bike lanes. The town center area is poised to have a good collection of small businesses and already has a few that are worth regular visits - like El Pato Feliz. We have awesome transit access, and really great access to regional bike infrastructure. </p> <p>We're also on a roll - have a good core group of neighborhood residents that are working toward improvement, we have help from PDC staff, and most city bureaus have come around, or are getting on board with making Lents a great place. It's a great place to live if you like bringing people together - rebuilding neighborhood culture, relationships and extending that to the built environment. </p> <p>The Bad - A lot of the essential amenities, like grocery stores, are on the edges of the neighborhood separated by what we tend to call "long hot nasties" at my house. Hopefully, as the neighborhood grows, we'll be able to attract a grocery store closer to the heart of the residential area (the town center) and the long hot nasties will fill in a bit and grow street trees. But, you have to be prepared to weather that process.</p> <p>Sometimes the entropy seems overwhelming, some residents have a fear of the unknown and can get a bit obstructive. But, for the most part, just staying positive, getting positive visions out there and not backing down (in the nice way) when something is right helps things work out in the end. We usually find common ground and forge ahead. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-508 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:55:47 +0000 Cora 508@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>The new streetscape in the town center (and likely extended north through the 92/H project)should help quite a bit with traffic calming, and if things are consistent, I'm guessing that the visual cues will encourage drivers to continue on at between 25 and 30 mph at least until Harold. </p> <p>It's the section north of Harold that probably won't see any improvement for awhile, and that does concern me, because it is a park zone. </p> <p>If you do decide to raise a stink, be sure the target is correct. It was awesome that PBOT staff really looked at the data and conditions, and sent you the information. They really can't do anything about it, but they can, and did give you advice on if it would be worthwhile to approach ODOT. PBOT doesn't have any statutory control - so raising a stink with them about changing the speed limit in the context of existing conditions and statutes won't get you very far. And ODOT, well, they're ODOT and their traffic engineers aren't very good at making qualitative assessments when it comes to speed. </p> <p>BUT, I see an opportunity because of the park. In Spokane, when I lived there, the city passed an ordinance that created Park speed zones - similar to school zones with a 20 mph speed limit. I think we can make the argument for the same, and make it a city-wide issue. The city will most likely be approaching ODOT about extending some local control over speeds to the city municipalities, and a park speed zone seems like a good place to start. </p> <p>So, who wants to contact Sam? (tweeting usually works the best for quick idea sort of stuff). I'd be happy to do it, but sometimes it helps to have a fresh face attached to the issue. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-507 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 00:18:03 +0000 Twelvizm 507@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>I would suggest anything close to one of the parks. As close to the Lents Town Center you can get will pay in dividends within the next several years.</p> <p>Here's some info on why:<br /> <a href="http://www.pdc.us/ura/lents.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.pdc.us/ura/lents.asp</a></p> <p>Also, this will help you with the statistical data you might want to know about the area:<br /> <a href="http://www.portlandmaps.com/detail.cfm?action=explorer&#38;intersection_id=68101&#38;x=7671575.402&#38;y=667819.826&#38;site_name=SE%2092ND%20AVE%20and%20SE%20FOSTER%20RD&#38;city=PORTLAND&#38;ResultCount=1" rel="nofollow">http://www.portlandmaps.com/detail.cfm?action=explorer&#38;intersection_id=68101&#38;x=7671575.402&#38;y=667819.826&#38;site_name=SE%2092ND%20AVE%20and%20SE%20FOSTER%20RD&#38;city=PORTLAND&#38;ResultCount=1</a> </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=108#post-506 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 21:28:35 +0000 amandag86 506@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>in Lents, I need help hearing both the good and the bad of this neighborhood, about us we are a young couple in our mid 20's with 2 dogs my fiance works full time while I attend PSU to obtain a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-505 Sat, 14 Aug 2010 19:59:55 +0000 Twelvizm 505@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>A couple weeks back, I happen to look up and out my office window just as my neighbor's cat got hit by a car. It was very sad. But, what is to be done? At 35 mph (normally 40 mph), there just isn't enough reaction time on this small of a street.</p> <p>I filed a complaint about the speed limit on 92nd. This was the response I received:</p> <p>*********************************************************************************<br /> Mr. Simmons,</p> <p>Thank you for taking the time to express your concerns regarding speeding on SE 92nd Ave. I appreciate your concern for the safety of Portland’s streets. Surprisingly, the City of Portland actually does not have the authority to set speed zone orders within city limits. All speed zones that do not fall under statutory conditions (residential districts, business districts, school zones, etc) are the jurisdiction of the Oregon Department of Transportation. Since SE 92nd Ave is classified as a neighborhood collector street in the City’s Transportation System Plan and given the characteristics of the roadway, the City does not have the authority to implement a statutory 25 mph residential speed zone in this corridor. However, the City can make recommendations to the State for modifications to existing speed zones. Thus, as you requested, I visited the corridor of SE 92nd Ave between SE Powell Blvd and SE Foster Rd earlier this week and evaluated for speed zone modification. I was able to confirm that this section of SE 92nd Ave does not fall within a statutory speed zone despite some residential access from the roadway.</p> <p>I reviewed a speed and volume study conducted in 2007 on SE 92nd Ave at NE Steele St. The average daily traffic volume on that segment of SE 92nd Ave was 10,061 vehicles per day (in both directions). A reduction of speed limit on a road carrying volumes this high would likely result in a significant increase in congestion. Additionally, the 85th percentile speed on this section of SE 92nd Ave was 36 mph. The 85th percentile speed is the rate of speed at which 85% of drivers are traveling at or below. This is the biggest determining factor when ODOT sets speed zones. An 85th percentile speed that closely matches the posted speed limit is an ideal condition and shows that speeding is not much of an issue on this segment of SE 92nd Ave. Studies and experience have shown that, without unfeasible levels of police enforcement, speeds will continue to exist at or near the 85th percentile speed no matter what the posted speed limit may be. This speed study also revealed that only about 0.5% of all vehicles on this corridor are traveling over 10 mph faster than the posted speed limit. This further indicates that speeding is not much of an issue on SE 92nd Ave. I have attached the results of this speed study with this email for your review.</p> <p>Furthermore, a speed limit of 35 mph matches streets of similar characteristics in the area. These streets include SE Flavel St and SE Holgate Blvd. All three streets are neighborhood collectors with some residential access. Based upon field observation and available speed data, 35 mph appears to be an appropriate speed for the subject corridor of SE 92nd Ave. Reduction of the existing speed limit was not recommended at this time. If you have any questions regarding this investigation, please feel free to contact me directly. Thank you.</p> <p>Andrew Sullivan<br /> City of Portland Bureau of Transportation<br /> Traffic Investigations<br /> 503-823-5234</p> <p>**********************************************************************************************</p> <p>But, this still doesn't settle it. 92nd is a collector, all of it. So, then why on a similar stretch of 92nd (Between Washington St. and Market St., as it passes Berrydale Park and The Creative Science School of Clark and the Montavilla Baptist Church) is the speed limit 30 mph? Even though it is a collector, they drop the speed because of the park, the school and the church. Why wouldn't they do the same when passing by a busier park, a youth center and school zone?</p> <p>My answer is that the folks of Montavilla, the school and church made a big enough stink and they lowered the speed limit. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=107#post-504 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 22:23:01 +0000 onecupojoe 504@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>There will be another film on August 18th. Same time same place. I can't advertise the name but if you come IN you might meet someone named VIC, so join US.</p> <p>onecup </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-503 Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:54:15 +0000 Jeffrey 503@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Some of them do that with me too (swerve around my right side instead of waiting 3 seconds for me to turn) which is why I'd like to see a lot of bulb outs at key crosswalks around the neighborhood.... AND CROSSWALKS!!! I'd like to see a couple dozen painted crosswalks- particularly on 92nd Ave, but on some other streets in various locations as well. By the way, people even speed on my 1 1/2 block cul-de-sac!! By the way- we've been taking care of three feral cats, feeding them for about a year (a mother and her two 1-2 year old "kittens." One disappeared a while back and we just found the other this morning at the end of the cul-de-sac, dead having been hit by a car! If people have to speed on a dead end street....</p> <p>The nuts and bolts of the matter (if you ask me) is that speeding through a neighborhood is one clear way of saying that you don't care about it and/or the people in it. It's bad enough for people that don't live here to drive recklessly endangering people... CHILDREN and people's pets- but for people that live here to drive like that is disheartening. But as I've said, people tend to do what they're used to doing, what they see other people doing etc. We need to make speeding something that isn't normal for people to do here. As it is, it's just the way it's done 'round here- and nearly everyone including grandma drives like this here! We can change this. When all of you are driving somewhere or coming back- use our neighborhood streets. Drive cautiously and drive at a reasonable speed. Let the more aggressive drivers pile up behind you- maybe they'll decide to use the freeway instead! Let's lobby for more stop signs and an additional signal or two on 92nd. If we can slow people down on 92nd, Holgate, Harold and some of the other streets- if we can, people will probably drive slower on all of our streets. It's at least worth a try!</p> <p>Jeff </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-502 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:26:11 +0000 onecupojoe 502@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Jeff,<br /> I always do the same thing. Drive under the speed limit to helps those that seem to want to speed up and down 92nd. What always gets me is the ones that want to pass me on the right when I am turning onto one of the side streets. A very dangerous move to say the least.</p> <p>Joe </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=107#post-501 Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:52:39 +0000 onecupojoe 501@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Pilgrim Church is having a Film and Life forum Wednesday July 28th. We will watch a recent Hollywood film and then discuss the life challenges that were brought up in the movie. This discussion is really for older teens and adults.</p> <p>This is not a religious film.</p> <p>We will serve cold drinks and Popcorn.</p> <p>Start time is 6:16 pm.</p> <p>Sorry, Child care is not available for this event.</p> <p>Pilgrim Church<br /> 4244 SE 91st - 1 block north of Holgate.<br /> 503 774-2497 </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-500 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 06:57:58 +0000 Jeffrey 500@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>I've been making an effort to use several streets including 92nd more often and to make myself something of a neighborhood pace car! Several kinds of things have happened during this experiment, but for the most part, I think other drivers have actually taken it reasonably well. Most drivers are really pretty decent people and although they speed through our neighborhood, I'm convinced they do this because it's just how people drive here- but we can change that! A lot of times, I've had someone speed up behind me (while I'm driving the posted speed or slightly less) and tailgate me briefly- then they slow down, back off, and when I turn off of 92nd they seem to keep driving about the same speed! Of course, not everyone is like that!</p> <p>Every once in a while I manage to get in front of a more aggressive driver- this thrills me!! They get on my arse, and make it very clear that they want to be going much, much faster- like 50 through the town center or by the park! Sometimes when I've had some one following me who is really impatient, I'll stay on 92nd just to keep them behind me! [laugh] Several times an aggressive driver has been behind me and it seems really clear that they make a decision to take the freeway instead of 92nd- I won't go into a lot of detail as to why I think this but if we manage to make more cars drive slower on 92nd, I think we'd lose a lot of the faster traffic to the freeway. That would be great!</p> <p>Jeff </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=106#post-499 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:47:37 +0000 onecupojoe 499@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>I have looked at the calendar and do not see anything for Lents Founders Day. I understand from Ray that it will be Saturday August 21 in the afternoon.</p> <p>Anyone planning to be there?</p> <p>joe </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-498 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:59:29 +0000 onecupojoe 498@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Twelvizm,<br /> Welcome to the SE 92nd Ave racetrack. It appears that not only police officers but many others feel like this is just one long dragstrip. With the hill just north of you it just adds a little lift to the thrill. Then add the island at the south end of the park and you are asking for trouble.</p> <p>Sneaking up is one thing but doing it at such speeds is really dangerous. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=105#post-497 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:38:56 +0000 Twelvizm 497@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>LIving on 92nd has given me insight into new things. Especially since I work in the storefront that is the closest part of my house, to the street. Police cruisers routinely fly down 92nd, well over the speed limit, without lights and sirens on.</p> <p>Tonight (Jun 26 2010) seems to be especially bad. So, I called police non-emergency to make a complaint. I told them how inappropriate I thought it was that a marked police cruiser, traveling no less than +20 mph over the posted 35 mph, was. And, that a marked police cruiser should have lights and sirens while obviously traveling to a call.</p> <p>The dispatcher quickly dismissed my concern by telling me that a officer needs to "sneak up" on a suspect. While having this conversation, I walked toward the flashing lights on Harold that were the cause of the events that prompted my call in the first place. Then I caught a glimpse, just in time to see a second patrol car speed off, through the intersection of 92nd and Harold, without its lights on, while talking to the operator. I wanted to throw rocks through the phone.</p> <p>The dispatcher then took my information and asked if a Sergeant could call me, to which I obliged. Ironically as I did this, another police cruiser flew past, over the speed limit and without lights and sirens.</p> <p>I love having the Portland Police putting extra effort to make Lents a better place to live. But, not in a wild west manner. If the cops don't even follow the rules here, why should anyone else? </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=16#post-496 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:31:07 +0000 schlich 496@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>No … flooding has not happened yet this year … I did find out that starting in Aug ,Sep they are cutting all the trees off Johnson creek in the 110 area and next year they are bring in heavy equipment and starting to reset the grade of the creek and surrounding area for flood control . I’m still waiting for a copy of the plans from the city I’m just trying to find out if the project was ever put up for public input .<br /> But due to this report it was not put up for public review<br /> Natural hazards mitigation plan: Although POEM formed<br /> a planning team of City bureaus and hired a contractor to<br /> facilitate update of the 2005 plan, the federally-required<br /> plan was not finished by the December 2009 deadline.<br /> Additionally, POEM posted information on their website about<br /> a public comment period and a past public meeting, but<br /> this opportunity for public involvement never occurred. This<br /> misstatement, and not providing the opportunities for public<br /> involvement required by federal guidelines, could potentially<br /> jeopardize the City’s receipt of federal mitigation dollars, such as $2.7 million for the East Lents Floodplain Restoration<br /> Project. Even if federal funding is not jeopardized, we remain<br /> concerned that residents were not provided an opportunity<br /> to comment on the mitigation plan, and may have been<br /> misled about comment opportunities.<br /> The quote is from page 17 of the emergency management audit <a href="http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/inde...39&#38;a=301496" rel="nofollow">http://www.portlandonline.com/auditor/inde...39&#38;a=301496</a><br /> I’ve done a lot of this type of work but it does have designed to meet public needs for the area and wildlife that may be living in the area<br /> So my question so little answers </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=16#post-495 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:32:19 +0000 Twelvizm 495@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Any flooding going on with this abnormally wet weather? I thought this would be the year things got nasty. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=16#post-494 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:06:40 +0000 schlich 494@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>i know this is old but i noticed the lents watershed in the portland emergcy magement adit and saw there are funds for johnson creek flooding but no meetings for it has anyone heard anything lately </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=103#post-493 Fri, 28 May 2010 23:44:53 +0000 Rancho Sixer 493@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Everyone keeps talking about Lents! That is so freaking awesome, thanks for posting this article. I can't imagine it was ever this scary place but I admit before I moved here I never ventured out this way. That's what I love about Portland, everything I ever needed was close to me, no matter what neighborhood I lived in in Portland. Now that I'm a Lentster I'm going to support as many businesses in this area as possible. </p> <p>I ate lunch at the new Shiki sushi restaurant that is located in the old Le Sorrelle space. Super nice people and excellent prices on tasty sushi rolls for lunch. They have a small lunch menu where you can choose 2 eight piece sushi rolls for $6.50. They're carrying the delicious Momokowa sakes too, which I love. </p> <p>Lents Commons is rocking great coffee and fun artsy events too: "Poetry Night", "Bad Movie Night", "Open Mic Night"! I hear some complaints about the ambiance but I like what Zach and Ryan are bringing to the neighborhood. Perhaps people are disappointed because they wanted the space to be a nice restaurant? Obviously that's not what their vision is but I'm excited to utilize the space for possible music events we're planning once they get their beer and wine license. We have a a crew of musicians living in Lents that are totally into Lents Commons. </p> <p>We really adore Trillium Artisans! I purchased Mother's Day gifts there recently and stop by often for B-day gifts. There are beautiful yard-art windmill style flowers made out of old vinyl records in there right now. They're amazing! They've also recently started carrying the Ex Libris Anonymous book journals which I'm a huge fan of. Old books turned into journals with acid free paper that is excellent for sketching. </p> <p>Has anyone visited The Lion's Eye? Located at 82nd and Woodstock (a stone's throw from us) It has been our most visited local bar by far. Our Lents crew always meets up there for birthday beers. They have loads of local beers on tap AND sake too! The owner is really friendly and fun and always had the Blazers game on. She remodeled the whole place over a year ago and it's really nice. They have the old arcade game Centepede you can play for FREE and a jukebox you can play anything on, we play the most obscure stuff too! It also has a large outdoor patio with painted wall murals and covers for the smokers. </p> <p>I can't forget to mention Lents Park, it's amazing with lots of old beautiful trees and amazing bird life. There's nothing better than jogging on the path and having Purple Martin swallows flying around you in circles while they catch their breakfast. :) </p> <p>Anyway, my Sweetie and I are very happy we chose to buy in Lents! </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=104#post-492 Thu, 27 May 2010 22:01:10 +0000 Kim 492@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>For those interested in helping the Lents Neighborhood Association raise money for upcoming events (Ramona Street Fair, Movies in the Park, etc) please join us.</p> <p>What: Fundraising Committee Meeting</p> <p>When: Thursday June 3, 2010 @ 630pm</p> <p>Where: Lents Commons </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-491 Wed, 26 May 2010 00:23:45 +0000 schlich 491@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>i agree some trees and turning it into a (green space) would be better and that would cost much and after watering for 2yr it would suport its self and a sign that says wellcome to lents in (neon) lol </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-490 Tue, 25 May 2010 20:38:17 +0000 Twelvizm 490@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Even if there's no way to get people into that area, some signature beautification would be ideal. Maxine Miller talked about some sculptures that sounded very ideal for the area. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=103#post-489 Tue, 25 May 2010 20:35:55 +0000 Twelvizm 489@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Story copied from:<br /> <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/05/much-maligned_lents_in_southea.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/05/much-maligned_lents_in_southea.html</a></p> <p>Much-maligned Lents in southeast Portland may be primed for renaissance<br /> By Eric Apalategui, Special to The Oregonia...<br /> May 21, 2010, 12:00PM<br /> The improving neighborhood attracts new businesses with its reasonable rates </p> <p>Ryan Cloutier chose Lents for a new coffee shop and performance space not just for what the east Portland neighborhood is, but in large part for what it's not: trendy enough to be expensive or packed with similar businesses. </p> <p>"To do what I wanted to do, I needed a lot of space, but I couldn't pay a lot of money," said Cloutier, who with a business partner opened Lents Commons last month in the corner of a nearly 100-year-old building at the center of Lents.<br /> View full sizeEric Apalategui, Special to The Oregonian<br /> Ryan Cloutier and a partner opened Lents Commons, a new coffee shop and performance space, in Portland’s Lents neighborhood because they liked its big potential and small lease rates. It’s location also could be a plus — it’s easy to get to and centrally located near much of Portland, east Multnomah County and newer communities and agricultural areas east of I-205.</p> <p>In Lents, Cloutier found a neighborhood with a sense of community without already being "too saturated with coffee," he said. "In Alberta or Belmont, you can throw a rock and you hit a coffee shop." </p> <p>With significant help from a large urban renewal project, long-forgotten Lents appears ready to rise. But the community around Southeast Foster Road and in the shadow of Interstate 205 still has a ways to go before it can be a place where people stop and shop, like busy little Montavilla three miles north, rather than just pass through on their way elsewhere. </p> <p>"I think it's going to be the next neighborhood in Portland to really grow," said Adam Simmons, who just opened Lents Creative, a branding and multimedia business. The longtime Portlander is new to the neighborhood but has lived around other neighborhoods that underwent revitalization. "I'm actually surprised that Lents hasn't already had its renaissance." </p> <p>In addition to Lents Commons and Lents Creative, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar called Shiki recently opened in one of the retail storefronts in Assurety Northwest's new headquarters building, a sparkling centerpiece development aided by the Portland Development Commission's investment and demonstrating what Lents could become. </p> <p>Three new businesses might not be news in trendier neighborhoods, but Cora Potter, chairwoman of the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Advisory Committee, considers it evidence the area is taking steps in the right direction.</p> <p>"It's got a lot of good bones," Potter said of Lents. </p> <p>It also has other things going for it: </p> <p>The Portland Development Commission is managing the urban renewal project that includes improving streetscapes, parks and other infrastructure, and purchasing and preparing acreage for new investments or funding remodeling projects for buildings in need of a facelift. Its debt limit was increased more than threefold to $245 million two years ago.<br /> It's easy to get to and centrally located near much of Portland, east Multnomah County and newer communities and agricultural areas east of I-205.<br /> The new MAX Green Line is introducing more people to the area, and Portland is planning to eventually bring streetcars into the neighborhood.<br /> It has vacant land and empty commercial buildings available at reasonable lease rates and purchase prices.<br /> A floodwater detention project funded by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency promises to end frequent overflows from Johnson Creek that have stifled industrial growth east of I-205.<br /> And a strong group of community leaders, including longtime residents and newcomers, is eagerly working for change.</p> <p>"I think our biggest hurdle right now is perception," said Potter, who moved to Lents four years ago. "We're fighting 30, 40 years of negative stereotyping out here." </p> <p>"It's been a very forgotten part of the city of Portland," said Gary Sargent, who has operated Sargent's Motor Sports on Foster east of I-205 for more than 20 years and also volunteers on the urban renewal committee to help the area regain its stature. "This used to be a crossroads." </p> <p>By the 1980s, Lents already was hurting from neglect when construction of the interstate forever divided the neighborhood. The taste in residents' mouths was still sour when the city started urban renewal in 1998, and the project didn't make as much progress as expected during its first decade, said Kevin Cronin, senior project manager at the PDC. However, expansion of the project area, work timeline and investment limit in 2008, along with new leadership in the area, has sparked progress. </p> <p>"We were making huge strides (right after the project's expansion), and then the market collapsed," Cronin said. "What we really need is the economy to turn around to complete the picture." </p> <p>Two years ago, talk of moving the Portland Beavers to Lents brought a brief spotlight, even though the idea fizzled, said Nick Christensen, another recent arrival who serves as president of the Lents Neighborhood Association. </p> <p>"I think people realized Lents wasn't this scary place you don't want to go at night," he said. "It's a safe, fun place to be."</p> <p>--Eric Apalategui. Special to The Oregonian </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-488 Sun, 23 May 2010 20:45:54 +0000 Cora 488@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>oops- sorry schlich - looks like the filter ate your user. Please re-register and be sure to fill out as much information as possible. </p> <p>The Letter of Intent for the grant was sent early this year. There are a lot of things going on, but projects often take 3-5 years from initial public input through funding to shovels in the ground. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-487 Sat, 22 May 2010 06:38:12 +0000 Anonymous 487@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>so how long has it been since the letter was sent 2 or 3 years just remeber if they dont live here there not to fast to spend money just look ant the property at 9240 SE WOODSTOCK BLVD with the plastic all over it that sure does make lents look good whats being done with that seeing there are no permits pulled on it<br /> sorry off topic it just makes me mad that we want to make lents look good and nobody wants to help they just want to talk about it for 10 years and they say no but thats our elected officals </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-486 Fri, 21 May 2010 22:54:17 +0000 Jeffrey 486@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>So all we have in terms of concepts are the drawings we generated from the workshop? It hasn't been discussed design wise in any art committee meetings or anything?</p> <p>I assume that that means that the Loeb Fellows aren't spending any time on it yet either? </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-485 Fri, 21 May 2010 19:41:23 +0000 Cora 485@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>We're not in a concept design phase yet. PDC has submitted the Letter of Intent to Metro for the next round of Nature in Neighborhood grants. We're waiting on Metro to see if we can go ahead and apply for the grant. </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-484 Fri, 21 May 2010 18:40:26 +0000 Jeffrey 484@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Do you (Cora) have any update as to where they are now in the design process? I haven't heard much since the design workshop other than that I understand that pedestrian access to the area probably won't be a part of it. Has anyone seen any updates or idea variations emerge yet?</p> <p>Any update would be great! </p> http://ilovelents.com/forum/topic.php?id=102#post-483 Fri, 21 May 2010 15:34:20 +0000 Jeffrey 483@http://ilovelents.com/forum/ <p>Well for one thing, I appreciate your enthusiasm and interest!! I'll try to get you some contact information of people that would be good to talk to. If there's any way that we could achieve multiple goals at a minimal cost- I'm for it! What would I look for in an ideal plan? My quick brainstorm:</p> <p>Beautification.</p> <p>Making the space accessible and useful.</p> <p>Increasing connectivity between the East and West sides of Lents.</p> <p>Adding much needed parking to support the town center.</p> <p>Creating safer crossings at the off ramps.</p> <p>Reduction in the speed of traffic.</p> <p>Perhaps incorporating Robert Liberty's idea of treating freeway runoff in a similar manner to what has been done at the Convention Center.</p> <p>We'll talk!</p> <p>Jeff </p>