Kna October08 Press

KENTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (KNA)

|

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

|

FALL 2008

VOLUME ONE

|

ISSUE No. 2

connect

A LIVELY SUMMER IN KENTON

FALL

events October DINE OUT FOR PENINSULA SCHOOL FUND RAISER

Visit these “Downtown Kenton” restaurants and bars on Wednesdays in October and 15% of your tab will be donated to Peninsula School. (See reverse side for details) —Wed., Oct. 1— Thai E-San —Wed., Oct. 8— Po’Shines Café De La Soul —Wed., Oct. 15— Pizza Fino —Wed., Oct. 22— Kenton Station —Wed., Oct. 29— The World Famous Kenton Club and Paul Bunyan’s Espresso & Deli

•

KNA BOARD MEETING

Wed., Oc. 8, 7pm, 8105 N. Brandon

•

FRIENDS OF TREES DEADLINE Order your tree by Oct. 29! See the insert sent with this newsletter for details or contact [email protected], or call 503-978-1184

•

THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL

An interactive art exhibit by artist Diane Jacobs. Ends Oct. 25th. Disjecta, 8371 N. Interstate Ave. Gallery: Fri/Sat 12-6 pm Artist Talk: Wed., Oct. 1, 7 pm

NOVEMBER KNA BOARD MEETING Wed., Nov. 12, 7pm, 8105 N. Brandon

DECEMBER KNA BOARD MEETING

Wed., Dec. 10, 7pm, 8105 N. Brandon

KNA Emails To receive our monthly e-newsletter send your email address to [email protected] Sorry, the “sign up” link on our website is currently not working.

KNA Co-chairS—Brenda Ray Scott & Angela Moos

Greetings! As summer has come to a close we’d like to thank our volunteers, board members and sponsors for bringing a host of fun summer events to Kenton. From our annual KNA General Meeting and first annual Kenton Cookout, to our Portland Parks outdoor movie and concerts— summer in Kenton was thriving! Thank you to all who made it possible. We started July with seven new board members and spent our first few meetings, along with many residents, brainstorming how our Neighborhood Association can best serve Kenton residents. From these lively conversations, many strong themes emerged such as community networking, environmental concerns, and sustaining the vibrant communications of the past several months. The committees formed around these interests are planning for the year and welcome your involvement! As you notice new developments and new events taking shape, we hope that you’ll ask yourself how you can become involved. Email us at [email protected] to learn more about volunteer opportunities. Lastly, we’re excited to announce our fund raiser for Peninsula School. Dine out each Wednesday this October at participating Downtown Kenton restaurants/bars and 15% of your total purchase will be donated to the school. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to support this local school and our local restaurants too! Details on reverse.

P

by VICKY KIRK

WERTOOLS TO THE PEOPLE

Fall is here and it’s time to wrap up those unfinished home improvement projects. We’re Portlanders after all, and we savor every summer day for outdoor endeavours such as hiking, concerts and barbecues—that is until reality sets in and we rush to batten down the hatches before the dark days of Winter set in. If you have home maintenance projects waiting to be tackled, check out the North Portland Tool Library (NPTL). Yep, a library for tools! Simply walk in, check out a tool and bring it back the next week—for FREE! Now, I know I’m a self-professed tool geek so it’s understandable that I’d get excited about this library of “toys” but really, this is a great way for North Portland residents to save money on home maintenance by borrowing tools seldom used, or too expensive to own. And for those wanting to buff up their knowledge, the NPTL offers periodic skill building workshops.

Did you know? The tool library has over 500 brand new tools in stock, including garden, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical power and hand tools. In most cases they have more than one of each tool in stock but give them a call to see if the tool you need is available. You’ll also find a handy Tool List on their website that you can download for your convenience. The library operates on a first come, first served basis, and they do not place items on hold—so arrive early.

Who pays for the library? The NPTL is a non-profit organization and operates on grant funding, private donations and volunteers. Tools are expensive to maintain and any financial donations are gladly accepted. They also need volunteers to man the library and help maintain tools, and they welcome partnerships with skilled trades people to staff or sponsor free workshops.

How do I register? Visit the North Portland Tool Library during open hours. You’ll need to bring 1) your Oregon ID, 2) your North Portland Utility Bill and 3) a second piece of mail to verify your address.

Location and hours: 2209 N. Schofield (side entrance to basement of the Kenton Firehouse). Hours: Saturdays 9 am - 2 pm, Tuesdays 5 pm - 7:30 pm. www.northportlandtoollibrary.org, or call (503) 823-0209. Denver Avenue Streetscaping: Construction is scheduled to begin Spring/Fall 2009 and is currently in the design and engineering phase. Kenton Library: The developer of the chosen site at 8226 N. Denver is currently in the final negotiation stage with Multnomah County. We are hopeful they will reach a contract this Fall. We’ll keep you posted. TriMet Development Site: Sockeye Development is continuing its search for an anchor tenant for the 2-acre site on the north side of Argyle between N. Denver and N. Brandon. A credit worthy tenant is one component necessary for a financially feasible mixed use development.

KENTON HOUSING Beating the odds by ANGELA MOOS KENTON RESIDENT, REAL ESTATE BROKER ROOTS REALTY

While the national trend in real estate has created many hesitant buyers, this has not been the case in the Kenton Neighborhood this summer. Those buying homes in Kenton understand the benefits of a “close-in” neighborhood offering great public transportation, sunny backyards for urban gardening, public parks, wildlife, and bicycling trails. Kenton’s average sale price over the last 3.5 months is $232,400, with 43 homes sold within an average of 38 days. This reflects a strong market in comparison to total market time average of 121 days for the entire Metro area. All of North Portland continues to have an increase in appreciation value over 2007. According to RMLS Residential Market Highlights, August 2008 home values were 3.8 % higher than a year ago.

Tip for Sellers: What attracts buyers are homes priced right and looking top notch. Attention to maintenance details, freshly painted interior walls, refinished hardwoods floors, curb appeal and staging makes a difference! Angela Moos Roots Realty, 4238 SE Belmont Street [email protected], 503-232-2475 X3

Did You Know? Kenton’s unofficial boundary is between I-5 and N. Chautauqua to the west, and between N. Lombard and Columbia Blvd. to the north. The official boundary expands north to West Delta Park and the Expo Center.

Public safety corner by Havilah Ferschweiler CRIME PREVENTION COORDINATOR

Many residents don’t know who to contact in the event of vandalism, loud noise, a vicious dog or any number of neighborhood concerns. So, below you’ll find a convenient list of the most popular North Portland resource numbers. You may want to cut out this list and keep it handy in case you encounter a challenge in your neighborhood. And as always, let me know if I can be of assistance on any crime prevention issues. Contact me at 503-823-4098 or email [email protected]. CUT AND SAVE THIS DIRECTORY

the KENTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION presents

DINE OUT

FOR PENINSULA SCHOOL FUND RAISER EAT AT THESE RESTAURANTS AND 15% OF YOUR CHECK WILL BE DONATED—TAKE-OUT ORDERS VALID OCT. 1: OCT. 8:

Crime, safety & problem-solving directory for Kenton residents

9-1-1.....Emergency 503-823-3333.....Non-emergency

Authentic Thai food, family atmosphere, non-spicy options.

Nominated for Historic Designation

PO’SHINES CAFÉ 8139 N. Denver, (503) 978-9000, 7am-3pm

by BRENDA RAY SCOTT

THAI E-SAN 8233 N. Denver, (503) 517-0683, 11am-10pm

Coffee drinks, breakfast and lunch (Dinner is only served Fri/Sat). OCT. 15: PIZZA FINO 8225 N. Denver, (503) 286-2100, 4-10 pm

Pizza and Italian comfort food. Introducing a new Fall menu! OCT. 22: KENTON STATION 8303 N. Denver, (503) 286-9242, 11am-11pm

Family friendly restaurant/pub. Kid’s menu. Free pool tables. OCT. 29: THE WORLD FAMOUS KENTON CLUB 2025 N. Kilpatrick, (503) 285-3718

Smokey Mt. BBQ dinners, cocktails/live bands, 6:30-2:30 am. —and— PAUL BUNYAN’S ESPRESSO & DELI 8419 N. Denver, (503) 289-0808 Deli sandwiches and daily specials, 6 am-4 pm.

Safety & Nuisance RESOURCES

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

1.

Ask you server for a “Peninsula Pass” and have them enter your total purchase on the pass.

2. Deposit the pass in the fund raiser box when you leave. 3. Thank the restaurant for their generous support! INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. HELP SPREAD THE WORD!

Crime Prevention Coordinator 503-823-4098 Havilah Ferschweiler Police

business spotlight

503-823-2120 North Precinct 503-823-2121 Neighborhood Response Team Problem Solving Numbers 503-823-7350 Noise Control 503-988-3066 Multnomah County Animal Services 503-823-DRUG 24 hr. drug reporting 503-823-4TAG

Graffiti hotline

503-595-4890 Neighborhood Mediation 503-872-5070 Oregon Liquor Control complaints 503-823-SAFE

Neighborhood traffic concerns

503-823-7306 Dilapidated or dangerous buildings 503-823-7306 Tall grass, trash or debris in yards

LOVETT DECONSTRUCTION by JESSIE BURKE You may have noticed the A-frame sign at the corner of N. Willis & Denver and wondered just what that business hidden around the corner is about—Lovett Deconstruction Warehouse is Kenton’s newest addition, and best kept secret. Founded by Der Lovett in 2005 this “deconstruction” company disassembles residential and commercial buildings for remodeling or demolition, and has recently evolved to include a resale salvage yard for vintage building items. Deconstruction is an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional “wrecking ball” demolition. While working at the Re-Building Center (a popular building material reuse center) in the nineties, Der met co-worker Preston Browning, whom later started RBC’s Re-Find Furniture to create furniture using unlikely, salvaged materials. Last April the two joined forces to create the Lovett retail salvage yard. They offer personable service and seasoned product and carpentry knowledge. Preston focuses on selecting hard to find and desirable pieces and individually prices each one for convenience.

503-235-5333 Women’s Crisis hotline

During my interview with Preston, two customers came in to peruse the shop. He mentioned that some of the wood they were looking at had come from the Ace Hotel during their remodel, and the doors at the end of Preston offers his customer creative ideas on using this the corridor were from an vintage perforated sheet metal—Just one of many old church organ closet. unexpected items found at the new retail salvage yard. The beautiful counter at the back of the shop is from a shipping yard. Knowing the history of each piece seems to add even more value, which makes their prices all the more fantastic for those who love to find a deal. To learn more visit www.LovettDeconstruction.com.

503-229-5576 Consumer hotline

Location/Hours: 2030 N. Willis Ave. (West of the Paul Bunyan Statue).

503-823-7309 Abandoned Vehicles 503-823-5195 Parking Enforcement 503-823-5216 Street Light hotline 503-823-7305 Code Compliance 503-797-1835 Illegal trash dumping 503-731-3100 Child abuse hotline 503-988-3646 Senior helpline and Elderabuse

Paul Bunyan

Open Thursday thru Saturday, 9am–5pm.

Kenton’s iconic statue which stands guard at the intersection of Denver and Interstate Avenues has been nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. The Kenton Neighborhood Association (KNA) learned of the nomination made by a University of Oregon architecture student. The KNA Board approved a letter of support for this nomination with the caveat that it would only be valid if the designation does not lead to restrictions on future development of the area. Neighbors new to Kenton may not be familiar with the story of the statue’s creation as an iconic commemorative postwar road-side attraction spurred by the Oregon’s Centennial Celebration. Learn more at historickenton.com. Public comment, either in favor or against this nomination, can be made in person Friday, October 10 at the Cannery Pier Hotel in Astoria. This State Advisory Committee meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. (Paul’s nomination is expected at 10:30 a.m.). You can also call 503-986-0678 or email [email protected] or. Should the nomination be accepted by the National Register, this designation will make it possible to seek funding through several sources to care for the statue. For more info on this process visit oregonheritage.org.

KNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS The board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 pm, Kenton Firehouse, 8105 N Brandon. All residents are welcome. Officers Co-Chair Co-Chair Secretary Treasurer

Brenda Ray Scott Angela Moos Susan Abe Ian Denny

Board Members/Committees Ken Arbuckle Leslie Mills Jessie Burke Zach Mills Patricia Collins Penny Schumacher Larry Fellows Jared Tormohlen Willa Watkins Steve Kayfes Richard Watson Marisa Lara Vicky Kirk Other Involved Residents Constance Weatherman-Crass, Rose Garden Steve Rupert, Land Use Comments and article suggestions welcomed: [email protected] Connect Newsletter and E-News Editor: Vicky Kirk