The Powell-Division corridor between downtown Portland, southeast Portland and Gresham is one of the busiest transit corridors in the region. Every day, over 18,000 people get on frequently-packed buses on Powell and Division, to go to work, school and other destinations.
The future of transit and development in this corridor is in sharp focus at several upcoming events hosted by Metro's Powell-Division Transit and Development Project, in advance of an important September 29 meeting of the project's Steering Committee.
A summer of listening
The project's staff have spent the summer talking with stakeholders in the corridor, holding open houses and attending community events like the Native American Youth and Family Center's annual Powwow, the Jade District Night Market, the Gresham Farmers Market and more. They have also promoted a short online survey that closes Friday, Sept. 19.
At each event and online, project staff have heard a lot from the community about what they'd like to see in the future of transit on Powell and Division: where it should go, what it should look like and how frequent it should be.
This week, staff shared the input received so far, along with an analysis of transit alternatives, with the project Steering Committee in a summary document and draft public engagement report. The Steering Committee will meet on Monday, Sept. 29 to consider these alternatives and move forward those they determine to be most promising.
Not too late to share your thoughts
Before the Steering Committee's meeting, the project staff are holding several opportunities to learn about the next steps and share more feedback:
- Open house - 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 18 at the Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave, Gresham
- Talk with staff session - 8:30 to 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 23 at Division Midway Alliance, 2536 SE 122nd Ave, Portland
- Open house 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 24 at Ron Russell Middle School, 3955 SE 112th Ave, Portland
Additionally, staff urge the public to attend the upcoming Steering Committee meeting, at 4 p.m, Monday, Sept. 29 at St. Philip Neri, 2408 SE 16th Avenue in Portland. The meeting will begin with comments from the public and be followed by an open house from 6 to 7 p.m.
Watch Metro News next week for more coverage of the choices ahead for the Powell-Division project.
Learn more about the Powell-Division Transit and Development Project