SaveMadisonSouth.Org

The Save Madison South coalition, a group of 2,300 citizens concerned about a parcel of land located at NE 82nd and Siskiyou (across from Madison High School), has learned that Canadian "big box store" developer SmartCentres has declined to purchase this land from local owner Mike Hashem, and have apparently ended their business relationship.

Since the beginning of this issue, our coalition has been actively advocating for an opportunity to work with the landowner about prospective uses of the site that are more in line with neighborhood interests. We see SmartCentres stepping away as an incredible opportunity to start anew and work with the owner to collaboratively produce a workable solution for this parcel of land. You should also know that upon hearing the news about SmartCentres walking away from the deal, we were immediately in touch with Mr.. Hashem's Realtor, Dennis Randazzo, in order to make sure that the he and Mr. Hashem knew that we are willing to work with them.

Save Madison South is very much pro-business and pro-development, and see this development as a lynchpin for the entire section of NE 82nd north of I-84. The group's main issue with SmartCentres was that they were not budging from a 'big box' development model which would have added another 11,000 car trips a day onto NE 82nd, already a state-designated high crash corridor. Additionally, pushing a regional shopping center five blocks into a residential area raised resident and citizen concerns about health, safety, cut through traffic and congestion. We felt strongly that while we highly desire employment and businesses on this site, this was not the right fit for our neighborhood.

After hearing this news yesterday, Save Madison South is now currently working with various parties who can provide relevant models and facilitate connections to developers involved in projects more consistent with neighborhood visions for the site. We have also contacted Judith Mowry in the Office of Neighborhood Involvement (mediation) and will be working with her to engage with Mr. Hashem. Additionally, we have been in touch with Erin Flynn, Planning Director at the Portland Development Commission to help generate planning efforts on this affected area, and have also engaged students from Portland State University's Urban Planning department in working a long-term plan for this area.

Madison South is very much at the table with the owner, and we are seeking to facilitate an opportunity to transform an area of Portland that is in desperate need of planning attention into the next great neighborhood area. We hope that Mr. Hashem realizes that this opportunity is his for the taking, and he can be a hero by leaving a lasting legacy to the city.

The last news announced regarding the proposed Big Box development on NE 82^nd across from Madison High School pertained to the developer, SmartCentres, on 10/2/07, withdrawing the conditional land use permit application thereby canceling the hearing that was scheduled for 10/15/07. No reason was given, although we suspect it had to do with traffic issues, as well as other negative impacts the proposed development would have on safety, livability, property values and nearby business districts. At that time SmartCentres said they hoped to come back with something more acceptable to the city and the neighborhood.

On 11/12/07, neighborhood representatives met for almost two hours with SmartCentres to discuss what, if any, common ground there was. In order to be able to properly convey what transpired, the meeting was recorded. That recording is available to listen to and in addition, it was transcribed as text. To access those files, click here.

No specifics were revealed by SmartCentres, such as the name of an anchor retail tenant. All present agreed that both sides would meet again in December. Immediately after the meeting, the neighborhood representatives met without SmartCentres for another hour’s discussion. The discussion touched on questions that didn’t get fully answered and answers that brought up questions. For example, one question asked was to tell us about a time they had worked with a neighborhood group and consequently changed their original design. The example they gave was a development in Toronto, Canada. They touted the Toronto development as pedestrian friendly and fitting with the neighborhood. After further researching the Toronto development, it was discovered that it has as much controversy and opposition as the NE 82^nd site. For more information about the Toronto site, click on this link: http://www.nobigbox.ca/

On 11/27/07, neighborhood representatives met to discuss the next course of action. Representatives were from Save Madison South, Save Roseway, Madison South Neighborhood Association, Roseway Neighborhood Association, Portland International District, as well as residents of Madison South, Roseway and Montavilla neighborhoods. Some points were: The 11/12/07 meeting with SmartCentres; listening to what those present had to say; and what step to take next. All parties spoke about what was important to them and how they felt. A unanimous decision on what the next step should be was agreed upon.

There is no way to tell what the response from SmartCentres will be. That is why we still need your support. If you have ever followed any battles between developers and neighborhood opposition groups, then you know that often times these things can last for a few years. That is part of a developer’s strategy, to wear down opponents. We are here to stay and will not go away because we live here and we care. So keep up your ‘Think Outside the Big Box’ yard signs. In fact, we have had many people purchase new ones to replace ones that have suffered from several wind storms. Yard signs and T-shirts are being discounted. The price for a yard sign is $10 and a T-shirt is $6. To find out how to get a yard sign or T-shirt, click here.

Our organization has been actively soliciting donations to pay for expert traffic and legal services since November of last year. A war chest has been built up and we have begun using those funds for their intended purpose. However, if you have ever hired an attorney, then you know how fast the bills add up. Therefore, the need for continued fundraising. In addition to soliciting residents and supporters within the neighborhood, representatives of Save Madison South / Save Roseway have had a presence at events and locations around town. Once they hear our story, it’s amazing how many strangers support us, even though they don’t live nearby. Our next big fundraising push will be contacting more businesses, especially local ones who have the most to lose. When we mention these businesses to you in the future, or put them on our website, remember them next time you are in the market for what they sell.

Keep in mind, none of enjoy asking people for money, but we feel passionate about this cause. So do you, or you would not have provided financial support and would have asked to be taken off the list. With that being said, please consider donating what you can, whether it be $1 or $1,000. Consider it an investment in your neighborhood and your property value. Donations can be made out to Save Madison South, PO Box 30266, Portland, OR 97294. Or if you are a techie, you can use our PayPal account, which you can find on all pages of the Save Madison South website.

Did you know that the large piece of land (former gravel pit, land fill and golf driving range) located at NE Siskiyou and 82nd (across from Madison High School) is being slated for development as a "Big Box" shopping center?

Currently, the proposed plans don’t identify an anchor tenant, but do include 240,000 square feet of retail space, and 900 parking spaces. This exceeds the current zoning regulation, which is 60,000 square feet. The developer, Smart Centres, has a track record of developing Wal-Mart stores in their shopping centers, with a majority of their projects ending up being Wal-Marts.

How will this affect the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses? What about traffic issues including cut-through traffic, speeding, on-street parking and congestion? What will be the impact on property values and how will this affect our local businesses? What will the pile-driving, which needs to be done to build on a landfill, do to my home?

Are you concerned? We are. That is why a coalition has been formed, one group called Save Madison South, and another called Save Roseway, to oppose the proposed development as it is currently planned. Whether or not the anchor tenant is Wal-Mart, the affect this size of development would have on the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses would be detrimental. We are not opposed to development of the land that complies with current zoning regulations and fits with the long-term goals of the neighborhood.

Now is the time to join the Save Madison South / Save Roseway coalition. Your participation will make the difference in our fight. Participation could be signing a future petition, writing a letter to the Portland City Council after the developer’s final plans are submitted, or joining one of the Save Madison South / Save Roseway committees. The bottom line is we need you!!

Our neighborhood and the surrounding businesses are a place where we live, shop and enjoy. They are worth saving. Taking steps now can help preserve this livability for the future.