Weekly Roundup: Ahavath Achim, Block 290, 1510 NE Multnomah, and more

Con-way Block 290

Image from the Design Review submission for the Slabtown Square at Con-way Block 290, by YBA Architects

As Portland gets ready to implement Inclusionary Zoning for the first time, the DJC reported* on the discussions being held by the Inclusionary Housing Panel of Experts. The panel is working to “recommend a set [of regulations] that provides affordable housing without discouraging development.”

OPB reported that the Portland City Council voted to refer a $258 million bond measure for affordable housing to the voters in November. If approved, the measure would create 1,300 housing units, at a cost of $75 a year in taxes for the typical homeowner.

Portland Shoupistas asked if the Portland City Council suppressed the supply of housing in 2013 when in many areas of the city it added minimum parking requirements for buildings with more than 30 units. This Wednesday the City Council will consider zoning changes related to parking in Northwest Portland. Members of the NW Parking Stakeholder Advisory Committee are likely to request that the City Council extend the minimum parking requirements into the Northwest District.

A historic synagogue at 3225 SW Barbur Blvd could be threatened by new development, according to the Willamette Week. The distinctive dome of Ahavath Achim was designed by noted mid-century architect John Storrs. A recent Early Assistance application was received by the City for a 30-unit apartment complex on the site.

The Northwest Examiner reported [PDF] that Guardian Real Estate Services is placing the Slabtown Square at Con-way Block 290 on hold as it reconsiders its options for the site. The project was scheduled to go before the Design Commission on May 19th, but was rescheduled to a date “TBD”. The paper also revealed that XPO Logistics, who bought Con-way last year, are “looking to sell the seven remaining unclaimed acres in the [Con-way] Masterplan area to a national developer.”

The Business Tribune wrote about 1510 NE Multnomahthe 677 unit development by Holst Architecture, planned for the parking lot of the Regal Lloyd Center 10 & IMAX. The project had its first Design Review hearing on June 30th.

The Portland City Council voted to approve a policy that will make closing sidewalks and bike lanes a “last resort” during construction projects.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Broadway Tower, according to the Portland Business Journal. The Portland Chronicle covered the demolition of the Oregonians Credit Union building, which was formerly located on the site.

The City has fired the contractor that was developing ITAP, the new permitting software for the Bureau of Development Services. Despite spending $3.9 million on the project to date, the software is years behind schedule and nowhere near complete.

Next City asked if National Treasure designation will save Veterans Memorial Coliseum?

*This article will be unlocked for the rest of this week. After this week it will only be viewable by DJC subscribers.

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