Lents Town Center
Completed Projects: Neighborhood Street Paving

Overview

Improving residential neighborhood streets has consistently been high on the list of neighborhood concerns expressed by Lents residents. This desire was incorporated into the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Plan approved by the Portland City Council (“Council”) in September 1998, which called for an annual program to improve dirt and gravel streets, as well as pedestrian and bicycle improvements in order to stimulate and support desired commercial and neighborhood revitalization. A neighborhood canvassing survey conducted in late 2001 by PDC after formation of the Lents URA again confirmed that street improvements were a high priority for Lents residents, and petition support has steadily increased throughout the life of the Lents Residential Street Improvement Program.

In May 2000, PDC adopted the Lents Town Center Residential Street Improvement Program, which supports the following goals and objectives of the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Plan:

• Increase livability of residential neighborhoods;
• Invest in local streets – as appropriate and desired by residents;
• Provide a pedestrian-friendly environment; and
• Help manage traffic flow and increase safety.

In January 2001, the Council approved the formation of the Lents I and Lents II Local Improvement Districts (LIDs). In September 2001 Council approved the formation of a third LID for SE Boise St. in the vicinity of Earl Boyles Park, for which park improvements are now slated. The Phase I and Phase II LIDs were constructed and financed as part of the Lents Town Center Residential Street Improvement Program. Final assessment for these LIDs was completed in July 2002.

Boise St., before (left) and after (right)

In August 2003, Council approved the formation of a fourth LID, the Lents III/SE 104th & Ramona LID. In November 2003, Council approved the formation of a fifth LID, the Lents III Extension LID. In August 2004, Council approved the formation of a sixth LID, the SE Ellis St. LID, which supports development of new affordable housing in Lents. This LID is being funded solely by property owners, but takes advantage of economies of scale in combining construction with the two other PDC-funded LIDs.

SE Reedway, before (left) and after (right)

The Lents III/SE 104th & Ramona and Lents III Extension LIDs being funded by PDC were constructed as part of a single construction contract commencing in Spring 2006 (late FY 2006). Streets to be improved were specifically identified in the Local Improvement District Formation Ordinances. The duration of construction spanned FY 2006 and FY 2007. Design work was completed and was significantly under budget due to the economies of scale in combining three LIDs. Remaining total project budget expense in FY 2006 and FY 2007 was estimated at $1,549,600 (net of the property owners’ share).

Relationship to the URA Plan

This project supports the Transportation goal of the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Plan by providing “safe and convenient access to homes and businesses within the Area.” The project also supports the Neighborhood Revitalization goal by investing in public infrastructure.

Questions? Contact:

PDOT Project Manager
Andrew Aebi
503-823-5648
PDC Project Manager
John Jansons, e-mail
503-823-0409
Portland Department of Transportation

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