Keeping public officials informed of our individual and collective opinion about developments like this, and their impact on our community, can have a major impact in shaping Portland's future. We have supplied a suggested text (which you can cut and paste, should you choose) for your letters as well as contact information for various public officials you may wish to contact.
Suggested Letter Text:
Dear _____________: As a resident of the Richmond neighborhood, I am very concerned about the proposed development by Urban Development Group of a 4-story, 81 unit apartment building on the corner of 37th and Southeast Division Street. As the current plan stands the main entrance to the building will be on SE 37th with no provisions for off-street parking. We feel to have such a massive development that has no permanent parking provided does nothing to offset its footprint on our neighborhood. It increases density at the expense of the current neighbors.
In general, we encourage development along Division Street, as it is desirable and part of a growing cityscape. However, it should be done in a manner that is responsible, sustainable, and compatible with the character of the neighborhood it affects.
This proposed design for this large apartment building on 37th and SE Division is out of character with the rest of the neighborhood and does nothing to offset its impact. There are no nearby four story buildings; all are 3 stories or shorter. The design calls for no LEED certification and the current design does not fall within the Division Street/Green Street plan, which calls for a smooth transition to the neighborhood.
This building is meant to maximize profit and minimize space. There are no provisions for fixed income people such as the elderly or handicapped. The amount of traffic will be significantly increased and parking in the neighborhood with many old homes without driveways or garages will be significantly decreased. The property values of these homeowners will also be decreased with this kind of development.
Please help us come to an agreement with the developer to change the proposed plan and to change the existing requirements so that new buildings fit within the neighborhood’s character.