NEWS ARCHIVE
7-29-01, The Tennessean
PORTLAND,
ORE., POLISHES ITS GULCH INTO PEARL
Ideal
infrastructure
Portland pushes development into the urban areas through strict planning
that encourages density. The city has an urban growth circle that encourages
density in the center city, prevents sprawl and preserves green space
and farming.
To
build or renovate in Portland's redevelopment areas, developers must adhere
to strict guidelines and pass an arduous review.
''It's
probably the most public-participatory city I've ever been in,'' Allen
said, adding that it is common for design approval to take six months
or more.
''It's rigorous. … It's expensive,'' he said. ''But the product is
a better city.''
Nashville
has neighborhoods in historic and conservation districts that require
homeowners to follow design guidelines. In the past few years, urban design
overlays have been introduced in areas such as Hillsboro Village.
Parking
requirements for residential development mark a major difference in design
requirements between Portland and Nashville.
The
gulch developers must factor in a certain number of parking spaces. Portland
doesn't require any parking for residential buildings in the city center,
primarily to encourage use of the city's public transportation.
The
bus system is widely used. Drivers unfamiliar with downtown Portland may
find themselves in traffic lanes devoted solely to the buses, or driving
on the tracks behind one of the light commuter trains, which is allowed.
Redevelopment
tends to be focused around the public transportation system, especially
in the River District, which includes Pearl.
''Without
us getting the infrastructure, none of this would have happened,'' Allen
said of the redevelopment around the Pearl District.
Joe
Barker, chief partner in Nashville Urban Venture, said he and his partners
are planning a transportation component in the gulch.
''We
think that is an absolutely key element,'' he said. His group is working
with the city and the office of U.S. Rep. Bob Clement, D-Nashville, on
a plan for an inter-modal structure near the tracks that can accommodate
light rail, buses and parking.
Portland
is even tough on itself. In the Pearl District, for example, the city
is pouring new sidewalks for the second time. The first sidewalk finishes
didn't adhere to what the city sought, so it fired the contractor and
hired a new one to replace the sidewalks.
''They
are very particular about what the sidewalks look like,'' Ball said.
Portland's urban developers take the stringent planning and design guidelines
in stride, though they admit that such requirements drive up land and
development costs.
''People
complain about it,'' Ford said. ''But generally it is good.''
For developers who focus on urban renewal areas, it isn't about just making
money, said Keith Witcosky, a project manager for the Portland Development
Commission.
''There's
a real commitment to community,'' he said.
Developer Williams added, ''Portland works. Everybody's heart is in the right place.''