Getting More Awesome: SW "Ankeny Alley"
Posted by: josh | From: June 29, 2006
The Oregonian reports that the "most European" street in Portland, SW Ankeny between 2nd and 3rd, may get even more European. The businesses on the street would like to see it made into a pedestrian-only street, sure to allow the neighborhood to blossom.
As awesome as the idea is, it won't happen unless they find a way to pay to "make the request, change signs, possibly move underground utilities and take on other costs" associated with the change. The businesses don't want to pay. They hope to get it incorporated into Old Town revitalization projects that already have funding. I'm happy to have it come out of the city budget or the businesses' -- I just want to see it happen.
It wouldn't cost much at all to install some removable bollards at each end of the street to keep cars out during certain hours. This is done in European cities all the time.
Posted by: Steve at June 29, 2006 3:50 PM
I know, "move underground utilities"? It's not clear to me why that would be necessary.
We are dealing with a bureaucracy here, so it's not just like, "Hey, this would be a good idea, so let's do it," but still. It would be nice if it were a little easier. On the other hand, the businesses should at least get over the cost of "making the request." Making the request is your responsiblity, businesses.
Posted by: josh at June 29, 2006 4:50 PM
I really want this to happen. A district like this is Portland's missing piece.
Posted by: jeff at July 17, 2006 9:16 AM
here's an idea...>
http://www.rebargroup.org/projects/parking/index.html
Posted by: Tom the Intern at October 23, 2006 4:28 PM
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There are plenty of outdoor cafes all over the world. The costs saved in not having to maintain the pavement wearing out from cars and trucks will pay the costs of blocking it off. Or the cost of the street could be property taxed, proportional to each business' frontage. Unfortunately if it happens, places like Valentines will see big rent inceases. Hey, throw up some temporary barriers and see how it works!
Posted by: rob at June 29, 2006 12:17 PM