City Council approves a new land use and transportation plan for Lower SE Portland

News Article

Changes will allow for more neighborhood businesses and address gaps in transportation infrastructure

On May 2, City Council voted unanimously to approve the Lower SE Rising Area Plan amendments. The plan's land use amendments will allow for more neighborhood businesses and housing opportunities in Brentwood-Darlington and portions of nearby neighborhoods including Mt Scott-Arleta, Woodstock and Lents. The adopted ordinance also includes a directive for including the plan's transportation projects in an upcoming update to Portland's Transportation System Plan.

The plan legislation was jointly sponsored by Commissioner Rubio and Commissioner Mapps, reflecting that the plan was a joint effort of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability and the Bureau of Transportation. City Council's May 2 vote followed their listening to public testimony on the plan during the April 25 hearing. The plan's land use amendments will come into effect on October 1, 2024.

During City commissioners' closing comments on May 2, Commissioner Rubio thanked community members for their involvement in the plan over the past few years. Commissioner Mapps praised the plan's combined land use and transportation approach, relating that the plan was "responsive to the reality that living in a community is both about where you go and how you get there." Commissioner Gonzalez noted that the plan area has long experienced underinvestment in infrastructure and added that "this plan is a good step forward to starting to bridge the gaps." This sentiment was shared by Commissioner Ryan, who related that the plan's amendments and its safety improvements were important for improving the area as a great place for families.

Preceding their final vote, City commissioners heard public testimony during their April 25 meeting. The majority of this testimony was in support of the plan. Pamela Hodge, a Brentwood-Darlington resident who was a member of the plan's community advisory committee, had this to say about the plan:

"The adoption of the Lower SE Rising Plan will, almost 40 years after annexation, finally establish the framework for becoming a "complete" neighborhood with other amenities common to most City neighborhoods .…and, ultimately, create a more livable neighborhood where residents can thrive."

Watch the April 25 City Council hearing

Watch the May 2 City Council decision

What's in the Lower SE Rising Area Plan?

The Lower SE Rising Area Plan's zone changes expand opportunities for more neighborhood businesses and affordable housing, along with transportation improvements to make it easier for people in the plan area to meet their daily needs close by. The Plan changes include:

• Designation of a Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood center, with zone changes to allow for a neighborhood business district to serve as a hub for commercial services, along with expanded multi-dwelling zoning nearby to allow for more people to live close to services.
• Zone changes along transit corridors to allow more small businesses and a greater range of housing, including more affordable options. Note that proposed zone changes do not require any changes to existing houses and other development; rather they allow more options for future property uses.
• Transportation improvements to make it safer and easier to walk, bike and take transit in the area. The plan includes recommendations for transportation safety projects along major corridors, such as adding pedestrian crossings and filling in sidewalk gaps. The plan also includes neighborhood greenway projects on quieter streets to provide safer ways for people to walk and bike to parks, schools and other community destinations.
• Community stabilization approaches that support continuation of the area's existing low-cost apartments and manufactured home parks. The plan's zone changes are focused strategically along transit corridors and in mixed-use centers - the majority (71%) of the plan area will retain existing single-dwelling zoning, further contributing to community stability.

Read the adopted plan