There's a lovely long article in the InPortland section of the Oregonian today that focuses on recent gains in revitalization and improvements in Portland neighborhoods.  Successes are due in part to the participation, imagination and energy of the City's neighborhood assocaition system.  The article states that attendence at the City's whopping 92 neighborhood groups is up 30% over the past 5 years.  The article highlights some  recent neighborhood accomplishments including efforts by Woodlawn residents and businesses to revitalize (and not gentrify) the area and  St Johns's long journey out of obscurity and neglect.

FROM THE OREGONLIVE

"When plans were pitched for a new Triple-A baseball stadium in Lents, a quintet of neighborhood associations — Lents, Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Powellhurst-Gilbert and Pleasant Valley — made their concerns heard. Among the objections: a proposal to finance the stadium with urban renewal money typically steered toward neighborhood improvements.

Portland Beavers owner Merritt Paulson cited that vehement opposition when he abandoned plans last month to build the stadium in Lents Park."That squeaky wheel does make a difference," said Mary Walker, a Powellhurst-Gilbert representative."

READ THE ARTICLE AT OREGONLIVE