Oregon Convention Center

MLK Commercial Revitalization Efforts

Building on the ACP's identification of commercial nodes and segments on the boulevard, the MLK Jr. Boulevard Commercial Development Strategy (April 1998) was prepared by PDC to take this planning into implementation. The strategy drew upon a diverse citizen and business advisory committee to assess changes on the boulevard and to evaluate competitive advantages and disadvantages. The strategy was written as a ten-year plan to guide and support commercial revitalization efforts on the MLK corridor. In a parallel process, the MLK Jr. Boulevard Transportation Project final report (April 1998) was prepared by neighborhood and business representatives led by the MLK Action Committee. This plan defined specific street and streetscape improvements meant to enhance such things as the pedestrian environment and parking access, and to be implemented in a series of phases over five years - the first of which was recently completed from NE Fremont to NE Shaver Streets.

Today, planning efforts of the past and significant investments by community-based, private and public entities have created substantial momentum toward commercial, residential and employment revitalization along NE MLK Jr. Boulevard. The Standard Dairy mixed-use project to the south of the study area serves as an example of the most recent type of change on the boulevard. While the community is generally positive about its housing, commercial and retail development, the scarcity of parking availability and negative impacts on the neighborhood are growing concerns. Maintaining the character of the neighborhood, the spirit of the community's longtime residents and the affordability and diversity that made the area ripe for change in the first place, is crucial and a real priority for the community. The Vision Committee echoed this sentiment and their concerns about gentrification and displacement were heard throughout the process.

The Fremont/MLK Vision Study area stands at a crossroads where change may be imminent and the character of the neighborhood is at stake. This vision study is intended to provide the community with the opportunity to guide PDC in its effort to catalyze overall revitalization in the study area, to reclaim a safe, active pedestrian environment, while maintaining the areas's character and the diversity that keeps it strong.

In conjunction with the community, prior planning efforts have helped direct significant possible change on MLK Jr. Boulevard.

Hankins Hardware Storefront Improvement

Next Section

---

for PDC's News & Information E-Mail Lists
Archive of sent E-Mails
Unsubscribe from our E-Mail Lists