MP2H NW Plan - Character Statement Survey
Survey out now - Help shape the future character of the area around Montgomery Park in NW Portland
Hello MP2H interested parties,
As many of you know, the Montgomery Park to Hollywood (MP2H) NW Plan proposes zoning/code changes to the area between NW Nicolai and Vaughn, west of Highway 30. These changes would allow industrial and employment uses, as well as new housing and opportunities for new jobs, shops, and services. The changes would complement a planned extension of Portland Streetcar to Montgomery Park, via 23rd Ave. and Wilson/Roosevelt Avenues.
In addition to a new zoning plan district to inform and direct future development, the MP2H NW Plan will apply the Design overlay zone (‘d’ overlay) to much of the area. The ‘d’ overlay requires the creation of a “character statement” for the plan area. This statement is created with community members and other stakeholders to serve as a guide for future development projects subject to design review.
Help refine future design guidance
New buildings and public spaces in the district will significantly contribute to the area’s emerging character. At a June 2023 Open House and Design Character Workshop, as well as in earlier phases of the plan, community members shared that they want future development to support and foster the area’s diverse mix of uses and community. They also want the area’s industrial heritage, significant historic resources, and proximity to Forest Park to be honored as more people and businesses call it home.
Staff is asking for community input via a new survey to help refine the draft MP2H NW Plan Area Character Statement. Has the draft character statement captured community perspectives? Are there other resources or elements that should be included or highlighted? Tell us what you think.
We want to hear from the community on what works, needs improvement or may be missing in this draft MP2H NW Plan Area Character Statement. We also want to hear more about what makes this place special. This statement will inform development for years to come, so we want to make sure that it articulates the history, places and future aspirations that are important to the community. Your feedback will be used to revise the character statement, which will be a part of the MP2H NW Plan Proposed Draft, expected out in early 2024.
A little more background - What is a Character Statement?
Character statements supplement the Portland Citywide Design Guidelines for each designated center, from town centers like St Johns and West Portland to the Central City. Following a template, the statements provide specific context aligned with and supporting Guideline 01: Build on the Character and Local Identity of the Place.
Character statements are a placemaking tool and speak to three important aspects of an area’s future development: community character; architecture and urban design character; and natural and scenic resources. The NW Plan Character Statement will document the Montgomery Park NW Plan Area’s unique context, including its existing and emerging character, e.g., proximity to Willamette River and Forest Park, history of industrial uses, and the area’s future diverse mix of uses and community.
What comes next?
Staff introduced the plan to the Planning Commission, Design Commission and Historic Landmarks Commission in August and September 2023. Now they are developing a Proposed Draft of the MP2H NW Plan, informed by public comments and technical, infrastructure, and economic analysis. Feedback from this NW Plan Character Statement survey will inform the character statement part of the Proposed Draft, expected to be released in late 2023 or early 2024. The Planning Commission and Design Commission are anticipated to hold formal public hearings on the entire plan, including the character statement, in Winter 2024. After that the plan goes to City Council for public hearings, tentatively in Spring/Summer 2024.
Take the survey
Please tell us what you think. The survey is open until Monday, November 6, 2023.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system; and, policy and actions to address climate change.
For more information on the MP2H project, please visit the MP2H project website.
