A town hall to address plans for the Sellwood Bridge reconstruction brought a standing room only crowd of activated residents to the SMILE Station in Portland on Sept. 23. Residents came to address hopes and concerns about the project with State Representative Carolyn Tomei, State Senator Diane Rosenbaum, Multnomah County Commissioner Deborah Kafoury, Clackamas County Chair Lynn Peterson and Metro Councilor Carlotta Collette. Other political notables in attendance included former governor Barbara Roberts and 2008 U.S. senatorial candidate Steve Novick.
Though recognizing the urgency for the reconstruction, residents expressed concerns about the current plans, specifically the proposal of a five-lane ramp on the west end. Residents argued that such a capacity increase would bring more cars into their neighborhood, causing more congestion in a corridor where the speed limit already seems difficult to enforce. They also questioned how the project would impact their goals of a pedestrian-friendly community.
The officials explained that they are still trying to come up with a solution with a smaller footprint.
"All of the electeds in the room share a commitment to a walkable Sellwood community," said Councilor Collette, after the event.
Residents also expressed surprise that the bridge plans include rails for an eventual streetcar line. One man asked why it was necessary to include bike and pedestrian crossing on the reconstructed bridge, especially considering the new MAX, bike and pedestrian crossing being planned as part of a MAX connection to Milwaukie.
Though there no immediate plans for streetcar across the bridge, the officials emphasized the need to look long term. They said that the bridge will be around for 100 years, and it's better to include streetcar rails now rather than tearing up the bridge when it is time to add streetcar. They also highlighted the need for multi-modal access to the bridge, saying that each person who chooses to cross the bridge on bike or foot is one fewer person crossing by car.
Commissioner Kafoury also gave an update on funding for the project, which now looks more promising due to the legislative authorization for Multnomah and Clackamas counties to raise vehicle registration fees for the project. Commissioner Peterson added that funds from an increase in registration fees in Clackamas County could also be used after the completion of the Sellwood Bridge project to fund other local projects in Clackamas County.
The speakers were happy with the attendance and level of discourse throughout the event, highlighting the importance of public participation.
"Sellwood should be proud of its neighborhood activism and engagement," said Collette. "It's clear that residents are staying informed and highly engaged as the project develops, which is really exciting to see."