2012 marks the first year of the South Waterfront Farmers Market in Elizabeth Caruthers Park!  The market will kick off with a fun opening day on June 14, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm, and will continue on Thursdays through September 27.  The market will feature 10-12 vendors, including produce and a variety of other locally grown/made foods.  Questions?  Contact South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com.

The fantastic OHSU Farmers Market will reopen Tuesday, June 5!  The market runs Tuesdays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, June 5 – October 30 at the OHSU Auditorium Courtyard near the Mac Hall Fountain.  Expect to find produce, meat, cheese, honey, nuts, fish, mushrooms, bread, dips, jam, many lunch options, fresh juice, gluten free and regular decadent pastries, music and community guests each week!  Questions?  Contact farmmkt@ohsu.edu.

Please RSVP and pay in advance to secure your spot – space is filling up quickly! RSVP to South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

$50 AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (PayPal, cash, or check)

Scott Dominic Catino is a local cheesemaker and dairy owner. Scott and his wife own a 20-acre goat dairy and operate Quail Run Creamery in Gaston, Oregon, featuring the Nigerian Dwarf dairy goat. This 3-hour class will cover cheese history and facts, a basic overview of cheese making, a demonstration of whole milk Ricotta and Chevre making, and a cheese plate tasting, including wine and accompaniments.

Please RSVP and pay in advance to secure your spot – space is filling up quickly! RSVP to South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com.

Wednesday, May 16, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

$50 AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (PayPal, cash, or check)

Other Urban Harvest Classes Coming Up!

June 20, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm: Worm Bin Composting for Condo Dwellers with Francesca Benedetti.  Go home with your own kitchen worm bin from this hands on class!
RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$20 (Paypal, check, or cash)

July 14, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Forage for Wild Fruits of Northwest Forests with John Kallas, Ph.D. of Wild Food Adventures.  Register in advance to secure your spot on this workshop/nature hike!  Also RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$25-$40

August 29, 6:00 pm – 8:00pm: Grillin’ in the Garden with Tim Lanfri of Community Garden Creators.  Enjoy a sampling of grilled delights from Tim’s organic garden while you learn about all the tasty treats that can be grilled besides meat.
RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$10 (Paypal, check, or cash)

Bikes & Brews Clinics: The clinics, on Thursday, May 10 and Thursday, May 24, will cover basic road safety as well as some simple bicycle repair (think fixing a flat, adjusting brakes, lubing chain, etc.) On the days of the clinic, please leave your bike at home. Enjoy brews courtesy of South Waterfront Community Relations.

Bikes & Brews Rides:  On the days of the rides, Thursday, May 17 and Thursday, May 31, let’s meet at South Waterfront Community Relations for a fun ride to a local watering hole – remember to bring your helmet, water, and a few dollars for drinks or snacks.

Bike to Work Breakfast: In collaboration with Portland Bureau of Transportation and Go By Bike, South Waterfront Community Relations will be serving up some breakfast on Thursday, May 17 from 7:00 am – 9:00 am underneath the Tram at the Go By Bike shop. Donuts and coffee will be provided to all those who commute by bike.  So get your helmet and bike and come have a treat before/after your ride.

For further information and/or questions, contact South Waterfront Community Relations Director Pete Collins – Pete@southwaterfront.com.

Clinics:  Thursdays, May 10 and May 24, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Rides:  Thursdays, May 17 and May 31, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

Breakfast: Thursday, May 17, 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Go By Bike Shop (under Portland Aerial Tram)
3303 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR Map It

ALL BIKE MONTH EVENTS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

In late March 2012, a new car-sharing company made its mark in Portland. Car2Go offers a new twist on conventional car-sharing models and brings a unique fleet of cars to the streets of Portland. A subsidiary of the truck-maker Daimler North America, Car2Go leases its Smart Cars to customers by the minute, and unlike its competitors, Car2Go allows users to simply drop the car in any legal parking space within a 34-square-mile area of the city.

Popular in San Diego, Austin, and Washington D.C., Car2Go is excited to make its presence felt in the competitive car-sharing market of Portland. ZipCar and Getaround, competitors of Car2Go, offer slightly different models and may be more suited for your needs for a particular trip. Regardless, check them out when you get a chance!

Sauvie Island Organics, another wonderful farm fresh CSA option offering truly delicious organic produce, has two new drop sites in the South Waterfront at Center for Health & Healing and the Bancroft Building. Space is limited. Sign up at http://www.sauvieislandorganics.com/join.php.

Contact Francesca at francesca@sauvieislandorganics.com or 503-621-6921 for information.

C’est Naturelle Farms, a new farm fresh food delivery option, is ready to accept membership at their new pickup location at South Waterfront Community Relations, Atwater Place, 0841 SW Gaines Street, Suite 115.  Click here to get started!

Located in Oregon City, the farm raises all of their vegetables, herbs, and fruit without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.  They also offer free-range eggs, pastured chicken and turkey, and raw cow’s milk herd-shares.  One of the beautiful things about the program is the option to choose what you want delivered each week, or you can opt for their more traditional CSA basket option.

Visit the website for more information about the program or contact South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-867-5766.

Maggie Stuckey, author of  The Bountiful Container, will lead this fascinating gardening demonstration class.  A couple of lucky winners will go home with the demonstration container or a signed copy of The Bountiful Container. This inspiring book is the bible for Pacific Northwest container gardeners – signed copies will be available for purchase.

Please RSVP and pay in advance to secure your spot – space is filling up quickly! RSVP to South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com.

Wednesday, April 25, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

$10 AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC (PayPal, cash, or check)

Get some fresh air and join your neighbors in a spring cleaning of the district on Saturday, April 21.  The cleanup will include street and sidewalk pickup, riverbank pickup, Community Garden weeding, mulch spreading and cleanup,  as well as vacant lot cleanup.  Munch on pastries provided by Zidell and  wash it down with coffee courtesy of Rilassi Coffeehouse & Tea.

Saturday, April 21, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Meriwether East Amenities Room
0836 SW Curry Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Get involved in the wild and green places in your neighborhood.  April’s meeting will include a discussion of Greenway budget and finance, Greenway phasing and permits, Greenway fencing, need for volunteers for new temporary trail, and an osprey update.

Tuesday, April 17, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Mirabella Portland, Park View Room
3550 SW Bond Ave, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

South Waterfront Community Relations will be giving out handy reusable shopping bags, so bring some cash for the market and stock up on fresh groceries or grab a bite to eat.

This walk is approximately 4.6 miles round trip and is almost entirely flat.  Want to go for a shorter jaunt?  Cut this walk in half by hopping on the MAX (across the street from the market) and transferring to the streetcar on SW 11th Avenue for you return.

Please RSVP Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-972-3289.

Join the South Waterfront Walks There Google Group at: http://groups.google.com/group/swfwalksthere.   

Tuesday, April 17, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Meet at South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Southwest Charter School is having its second annual plant sale.  All sales are pre-order.  Order forms are due by April 12 and plants arrive on May 8, just in time for Mother’s Day.

Forms due April 12
Plants arrive May 8
SW Charter School
0680 SW Bancroft Street, Portland, OR Map It

For information and to get your order form, contact Sarah Gilmore at fourgilmoresinpdx@clear.net

Team up with South Waterfront Community Relations as we partner up with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition (WPC) and others in Portland’s first-ever Walk to Work Day on Friday, April 6. WPC will be coordinating four starting points throughout the city and each group will converge on City Hall around 8:30 am for free coffee, light breakfast, and games.  Community Relations will lead a group from the South Waterfront (meeting location below).  For more information or to see the four official meeting locations click here.

Friday, April 6, 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Meet at South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Portland is a bike-friendly city with great bike infrastructure and a thriving bike industry. Soon enough, Portland will have a new bike toy to add to its collection in the form of Bike Share. Already hugely successful in Europe and in US cities such as Washington D.C., Boston, and New York, Bike Share is a means to get people out of their cars and onto rent-able bikes. Bike Share lets people connect to destinations by simply renting a bicycle at one of the many stations planned throughout the city and then dropping it off at another station. To vote for where the stations should be located (think South Waterfront!), check out this link:  http://www.portlandbikesharestationmap.com/

Portland City Council put out a Request for Proposal for potential bike vendors to operate the bike share program on March 14, 2012. In 2011, the City was granted a $2 million award to fund the program. Bike Share is scheduled to open spring of 2013.

REACH CDC and City Commissioner Nick Fish recently announced that the first affordable housing development located in the South Waterfront District will be named Gray’s Landing.  The building, previously known as “Block 49″, has been named after philanthropist and developer John Gray to honor his longstanding support of affordable housing and his contributions to the built environment in Oregon. Construction on Gray’s Landing is expected to be completed in late 2012 and will provide 209 affordable homes.

Sauvie Island Organics, another wonderful farm fresh CSA option, will have two new drop sites in the South Waterfront at Center for Health & Healing and the Bancroft Building. Space is limited. Sign up at http://www.sauvieislandorganics.com/join.php.

Contact Francesca at francesca@sauvieislandorganics.com or 503-621-6921 for information.

C’est Naturelle Farms, our new CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm fresh food option, is ready to accept membership at their new pickup location at South Waterfront Community Relations, Atwater Place, 0841 SW Gaines Street, Suite 115.  Click here to get started!

Located in Oregon City, the farm raises all of their vegetables, herbs, and fruit without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.  They also offer free-range eggs, pastured chicken and turkey, and raw cow’s milk herd-shares.  One of the beautiful things about the program is the option to choose what you want delivered each week, or you can opt for their more traditional CSA basket option.

Visit the website for more information about the program.

Please let us know if you are interested in participating.  Call or email South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-867-5766.

Please RSVP to South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com.  The class is free, but donations are encouraged.  Donations will benefit Community Garden Creators.

Wednesday, March 28, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Other Urban Harvest Classes Coming Up!

April 25, 6:00 pm - Edible Container Gardening with Maggie Stuckey, author of The Bountiful Container.  Demonstration class, a couple of lucky winners will go home with the demonstration container or a copy of The Bountiful Container.
RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$10 (Paypal, check, or cash)

May TBD: Learn to Make Chevre and Other Soft Cheeses with Scott Catino of Quail Run Creamery.  Hands on class, go home with fresh cheese and a full stomach.
RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$50 (Paypal, check, or cash)   

June TBD: Worm Bin Composting for Condo Dwellers with Francesca Benedetti.  Go home with your own kitchen worm bin from this hands on class!
RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$20 (Paypal, check, or cash)

July 14, 9:00 am - Forage for Wild Fruits of Northwest Forests with John Kallas, Ph.D. of Wild Food Adventures.  Register in advance to secure your spot on this workshop/nature hike!  Also RSVP heather@southwaterfront.com.
$25-$40

Located in Molalla, Oregon, the farm raises all of their vegetables, herbs, and fruit without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides.  They also offer fresh, free-range eggs, pastured chicken and turkey, and raw cow’s milk herd-shares.  One of the beautiful things about the program is the ability to pick and choose what you want to have delivered to the neighborhood pick up site each week!  You can also go with their more traditional CSA “surprise basket” option.

Please visit their website for more in-depth information about the program.  Visit this link for a list of FAQ’s.

Please let us know if you are interested in participating.  Call or email South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-867-5766.

Tuesday, March 13, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations
Atwater Place, Unit 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Contact Geoff Granum, Community Garden Manager, at grow@swfcg.org for information.

Saturday, March 10, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Garden
in the block south of Atwater Place, Portland, OR Map It
www.swfcg.org

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The land will soon be home to buildings that complement the new incoming $1.4 billion MAX light-rail line to Milwaukie, two adjacent Oregon Health & Science University buildings and nearby South Waterfront mixed-use projects.  Zidell’s nephew Matt French will oversee the property’s development.  Zidell and the city are working on development agreements that will dictate uses for the land, currently zoned for commercial and industrial uses.  Possibilities include transit-oriented developments that offer a mix of office, housing, and retail sites.

Please visit their website for more in-depth information about the program.  Visit this link for a list of FAQ’s.

Please let us know if you are interested in participating at the Atwater Place pickup location.  Call or email South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-867-5766.

First to be cleaned up were human health hotspots and ecological hotspots from the area above the river.  This summer complications to the remediation effort arose, involving permitting and working within “fish windows” to protect habitats.  In some areas contaminants were excavated and the bank was graded to a gentler slope.  In areas where contaminants were not removed, the ground was capped with sand and heavy rock was added to protect the sand cap from erosion.  A different kind of cap made of fabric that filters contaminants was placed in other areas.

Landscaping and some remediation will continue through next year, after which Zidell will be responsible for maintaining involvement in development over the next five years, to ensure that remaining contaminants are not disturbed.  In total, the project includes:

• About 2,700 linear feet of cleaned river bank.
• Two-and-a-half acres of removed invasive vegetation.

Some 15,000 newly planted shrubs and 212 new trees.

Please contact South Waterfront Community Relations at communityrelations@southwaterfront.com with questions.

What is an EcoDistrict?

What’s the EcoDistrict Program? The Portland Sustainability Institute is leading an EcoDistrict strategy for the City of Portland to promote neighborhood-scale sustainability and achieve citywide performance goals.   It includes a framework, a set of tools for implementation, and five pilot districts.

What are EcoDistrict Projects? Projects fit into three major categories:

• Green Buildings: weatherization, building retrofits, green building policies
• Smart Infrastructure: buildings, renewable energy, district energy and water, green streets, smart grid, parks and open space, transit access, bike systems
• People & Behavior: food composting, community events, education, engagement, demand management, and local food

District stakeholders decide which programs make the most sense for their EcoDistrict.  The projects in South Waterfront will likely focus on Infrastructure and Behavior because the green building performance is already so strong.

What are the potential results? EcoDistricts provide a framework to create better neighborhoods with improved livability and sustainability performance.

How do we create a South Waterfront EcoDistrict? The Portland Sustainability Institute has developed a five-phase approach for creating EcoDistricts based on best practices from around the world.  South Waterfront is one of the first neighborhoods to apply the approach.

1. District Organization: Engagement and local governance
2. District Assessment: Setting goals and determining project priorities
3. Project Feasibility: Making the business, technical, and social case for project priorities
4. Project Development: Implementing projects over many years
5. District Monitoring: Performance measurement to show the impact of projects

Why South Waterfront? Identified as an EcoDistrict pilot in 2009, South Waterfront is already a model for green building and planning techniques.  In addition, South Waterfront Community Relations has the potential to lead neighborhood-based activities. The redevelopment for the Schnitzer campus on the north end of the district is an opportunity to achieve even higher sustainability performance. South Waterfront Community Relations signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Portland Sustainability Institute and City of Portland to become an EcoDistrict in 2011.

What will the South Waterfront EcoDistrict look like? The vision for the South Waterfront EcoDistrict will come from the community and the City will partner in its implementation. Because the existing neighborhood has such strong green buildings, EcoDistrict projects will likely focus on infrastructure and behavior programs to achieve sustainability performance goals. The OHSU redevelopment on the north end of the district provides a major opportunity to demonstrate the potential for new development to achieve mixed-use, high performance EcoDistrict goals.

Will EcoDistricts be required? No, the EcoDistricts Program is not currently a regulatory initiative and does not currently include policy or tax requirements.

Why are EcoDistricts a good idea?

• For Municipalities: EcoDistricts support a neighborhood sustainability assessment and investment strategy to help meet broader sustainability policy and economic development goals. EcoDistricts put demonstration projects on the ground, save local money and resources, and stimulate new business development.
• For Utilities: EcoDistricts create a model for integrated infrastructure planning to guide the development of more cost-effective and resilient green infrastructure investments over time. EcoDistricts also provide a mechanism for scaling conservation and demand-side management goals by aggregating district-wide projects.
• For Developers and Property Owners: EcoDistricts create a mechanism to reduce development and operating costs by linking individual building investments to neighborhood infrastructure.
• For Businesses: EcoDistricts provide a platform to deliver district-scale infrastructure and building products and services to market.
• For Neighbors: EcoDistricts provide a tangible way to get involved in improving and enhancing the neighborhood’s economic vitality and sustainability, as well as a new form of organization.

Where can I get more information? www.pdxinstitute.org/ecodistricts

In this class, Master Preserver and Food Safety Advisor, Cara Haskey, will guide each participant through preparing and processing a pint of tomatoes using a pressure canner.  Included in the price of the class are all the canning materials and ingredients, handouts with instructions, recipes and helpful tips, samples, plus a pint of tomatoes to take home. Enjoy a glass of complimentary wine during the class, courtesy of SWCR.

You must register and pay in advance by contacting Heather Bayles at heather@southwaterfront.com or 503-972-3289.

Wednesday, September 21, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Relations Townhome
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

$40 AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

South Waterfront Community Garden Potluck
Time to harvest and make something mouthwatering!  Please bring a dish and your favorite bottle of wine to share.  If you are musical or have a favorite short story/poem, feel free to entertain your fellow potluck-goers as you share a lovely summer evening of wine and food.  Please see the garden bulletin board for further details or email: grow@swfcg.org for more information.

Saturday, August 27, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
South Waterfront Community Garden
Just South of Atwater Place
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

South Waterfront Community Relations brings monthly Urban Harvest gardening and cooking classes to the district.  Click HERE for information about this month’s June 22 educational offering:  Fall and Winter Harvest:  How to Prepare in Midsummer.

• Atwater Resident Progressive Party – The Atwater Resident Progressive Party kicks off the Atwater Place Designer Showcase week and features different delicious dining courses and wine for Atwater residents in gorgeous model units 806, 814, and 219.Please contact the sales center to RSVP at 503-953-8795 or info@atwaterplace.com
  
  Atwater Place Designer Showcase 2011
  Thursday, June 9, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
  Atwater Place
  0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

  FREE AND OPEN TO ATWATER RESIDENTS ONLY

   

• Public Grand Opening – Atwater Place, Portland’s best selling condominium building, is bringing back their wildly successful Designer Showcase for 2011.  The showcase features new model creations by Cielo Home, EWF Modern, and J Meyer & Associates.  The event opens to the public on Sunday, June 12 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and guests will be treated to Voodoo Doughnuts.Please contact the sales center to RSVP at 503-953-8795 or info@atwaterplace.com

  Atwater Place Designer Showcase 2011
  Sunday, June 12, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
  Atwater Place
  0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

  FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Grow Yoga:  Free June Yoga Thursdays at Atwater Place – The Atwater Place Designer Showcase celebration extends throughout the month of June with South Waterfront Community Relations’ Grow Yoga program.  Starting on Thursday, June 2 at 6:00 pm, enjoy free yoga with a view in serene, light-filled Atwater Unit 808 courtesy of Atwater Place Designer Showcase.  Follow up your yoga practice with a complementary glass of heart-healthy red wine provided by South Waterfront Community Relations.

Grow Yoga:  Free June Yoga Thursdays at Atwater Place
Thursdays in June, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Atwater Place, Unit 808
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Visit www.ohsu.edu/farmersmarket for details.

OHSU Farmers Market and Market Basket Program
Tuesdays, May 17 – October 4
Market:  11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Market Basket:  3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Top level of Sam Jackson Parking lot, in front of OHSU Auditorium, near the Mackenzie Hall fountain Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

South Waterfront Community Relations will be celebrating Bike Month in lots of fun ways and invite you to join us:

• Bikes and Brews: A free bike repair workshop series held on May 10 and May 31, featuring complimentary beer and snacks.  Please see the Featured Events section above for more information. 

• New South Waterfront Bike Tool Library:  Don’t have the tools or space you need to tune up your bike or fix that flat?  Borrow tools and/or repair space from your friendly South Waterfront Community Relations Bike Tool Library. 

• Sharing is good.  Especially when it helps more people to get out of their cars and onto a bike! If your old bike is feeling neglected, give it fulfillment by donating it to the new South Waterfront BikeShare program.  Once enough bikes are collected to implement the program, SWF BikeShare bikes will be available for checkout to South Waterfront residents and their guests for day trips.

Contact South Waterfront Community Relations Director Pete Collins for information about the above programs.  pete@southwaterfront.com or 503-972-2830.

Portland Bureau of Transportation sponsors the annual Bike to Work Breakfast during Bike to Work Week.  The tradition continues on Tuesday, May 17 from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at Pioneer Courthouse Square.  Roll up on your bike and friendly PBOT staffers will be there to serve you coffee, doughnuts, bagels, eggs in a nest, and fresh fruit.  More information here.

Bike to Work Breakfast
Tuesday, May 17, 7:30 am – 9:00 am
Pioneer Courthouse Square
SW Broadway and SW Morrison Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE BIKE COMMUTING PUBLIC

• Basic Maintenance Demonstration: The May 10 workshop is a lecture on the basics of everyday maintenance for your bicycle, covering parts identification, chain lubrication, frame, wheel and brake cleaning, and proper air pressure.
  

• Flat Repair Demonstration: The workshop on May 31 is a lecture and step-by-step demonstration on how to properly repair a flat tire.
  

Both workshops will include instructional handouts to take home with you, a peek at South Waterfront’s new bike tool library, and complimentary beer and snacks.  Please RSVP to communityrelations@southwaterfront.com.

Bike Repair Workshop Series:  Bikes and Brews
Tuesday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 31, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Community Relations Townhome
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Class space is limited – advance registration is required. To register, email South Waterfront Community Relations Manager Heather Bayles, heather@southwaterfront.com.

SWF Urban Harvest Garden Class:  Seed Starting 101
Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Community Relations Townhome
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

$10 donation suggested
**EVENT CANCELED**

There is a wealth of tasty options right here in the South Waterfront for eating fresh, local, sustainable food.  South Waterfront Urban Harvest will not just be a one-night event; it will be a growing, evolving celebration of good food featuring an exciting new seasonal learning program and kicking off with a delicious and informative evening of samples, free drawings for fantastic prizes, and brief presentations from:

• Francesca Benedetti – Sauvie Island Organics
• Geoff Granum – South Waterfront Community Garden
• Eecole Copen – OHSU Farmers Market
• Jeremy Solly – MadAboutGardening.com

A sampling of fresh, creative cuisine from Chef Tim McCusker of The Rustic Palate will be served, as well as local beer/wine.

Please RSVP to: communityrelations@southwaterfront.com

South Waterfront Urban Harvest Kickoff
Wednesday, March 23, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Community Relations Townhome
Atwater Place, Suite 115
0841 SW Gaines Street, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

South Waterfront Community Relations and OHSU are collaborating to bring a new fresh and local produce option to the South Waterfront:  the 2011 South Waterfront Farm Stand!

To help us better understand your shopping preferences please fill out this brief survey:  Farm Stand Survey

Farm Stand information including location, dates, and times will be announced soon.

Is your furry best friend for the environment?  Help your dog put his or her best paw forward in the South Waterfront through responsible pet ownership.  Simple steps include:

• Leashing your dog – enjoy your dog’s company on-leash in the South Waterfront, for your dog’s safety as well as to show respect for wildlife, our green spaces, and your neighbors and their leashed dogs.
• Scooping the poop – special bag receptacles and garbage cans throughout the community and in all green spaces are so convenient and make this an easy step.  Who doesn’t enjoy a poop-free walk through the park?
• Letting Fido run free – responsibly.  South Waterfront is home to the South Waterfront Dog Club, the District’s only off-leash area for dogs.  Not managed by the City, maintenance of this dog park is paid for by low annual dues from its members:  South Waterfront Dog Club.  The nearest City-managed off-leash area is located at nearby Willamette Park, a half hour walk or 5 minute drive to the south:  Willamette Park Off Leash Area.  Another fun alternative is The Dog House doggie daycare, your dog’s own indoor playground, located at 3720 SW Moody:  The Dog House.

Sounds easy, right?  That’s because it is!  Take the Portland Parks & Recreation pledge so that you and your pooch can both say, “I’m for the environment!” or “Woof!”.

Follow this link for information and to get your pledge form:  Dogs for the Environment. Fill it out and send it back to the address listed.  Portland Parks will send a bright green Dogs for the Environment bandanna for your dog to proudly sport around town.

Portland Parks & Recreation is planning to step up education and enforcement of the leash and poop-scooping laws – violation of either of these laws may result in a $150 fine.  If you notice violations at specific times of day/locations within the South Waterfront, feel free to call 503-823-DOGS to let Portland Parks know.

Let’s all be for the environment!

Do you want fresh produce delivered directly from a local farm to your neighborhood?  Join the Sauvie Island Organics Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program and receive a weekly share of fresh, local, organically grown vegetables.  They are inviting South Waterfront community members to join them for the 2011 season by offering pick-up at Atwater Place.  The farm has Family Share, Individual Share, and Salad Share options available.

For more information and to get signed-up please visit the Sauvie Island Organics website at www.sauvieislandorganics.com and click on the Our CSA tab.

Federal fish biologists have given the go ahead for one of the biggest Willamette River cleanup plans to date, endorsing barge builder Zidell’s plan to revamp 3,000 feet of shoreline and cap contaminated river sediment.

The project should open 15 acres of prime South Waterfront land for development and set the stage for a long-awaited riverside greenway.

Read more about the Zidell river cleanup.

Future Land Use – Panel Discussion

Are you wondering what the South Waterfront land use and retail landscapes will look like in the near and distant future?  Join us for an evening of discussion of a wide range of land use topics, including The Tamarack apartment building, OHSU Schnitzer Campus plans, retail businesses in the works, and a first hand account from a local business owner of the joys and challenges of starting up in the South Waterfront. 

Panelists include:

• Michelle Haynes – REACH CDC
• Brian Newman – OHSU
• Kia Hartley – Urban Works Real Estate
• Dr. Todd Beck – South Waterfront Dental

Light refreshments will be provided.  Please RSVP to: communityrelations@southwaterfront.com

Future Land Use – Panel Discussion
Wednesday, February 16, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Umpqua Bank
3606 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR Map It

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Have you walked by the beautiful gardens along SW Gaines Street (across from Atwater Place) and wanted to know more? Do you want delicious, fresh vegetables, but uncertain how to get them down here in South Waterfront?

If you want to get your hands dirty, and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor, then learn more about the thriving South Waterfront Community Garden.

If you want to enjoy local, sustainable veggies, but do not have the time to keep up with gardening, then maybe try on Sauvie Island Organics Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Every week during the growing season, a bin of amazing, healthy veggies are dropped off at South Waterfront Community Relations’ townhouse. All you have to do is swing by and pick it up. Easy!

Clean up South Waterfront this Saturday, September 25th. Activities include picking up debris in the South Waterfront District. Volunteers will be treated to coffee and rolls before the event.

Date: Saturday, September 25th

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Meeting location: 0836 SW Curry Ave., in the East Meriwether Amenities Room. Map It!

Metered street parking is available on-street. There is limited free parking along Curry Ave., east of River Parkway (must pick up a parking tag from the Meriwether concierge).

Questions: Contact Kay Dannen; dannen@sojpdx.com; 503.478.6404

Today the DJC reported that a new child care center will be opening in the South Waterfront this fall.  Click here to read more.

Article in the DJC this week about a unique opportunity for South Waterfront to implement a district wide energy infrastructure.

http://djcoregon.com/news/2010/04/21/ohsu-plans-ahead-for-south-waterfront-district-energy/

Join the South Waterfront, and the rest of the world, on Saturday March 26th for Earth Hour.  At 8:30 pm (PST) turn off all the lights in your home to help raise awarness about global warming.  For more information about Earth Hour visit the following resources:

Earth Hour: Office US Website
City of Portland: Earth Hour Page

There are only a few spots remaining for the 2010 CSA season, if you are interested in joining please contact the SIO CSA today for more information or to sign-up.

Francesca Benedetti
CSA Coordinator
Sauvie Island Organics
Office: 503.621.6921
Mobile: 503.312.0183
www.sauvieislandorganics.com
Email: francesca@sauvieislandorganics.com

Simmer away those wintertime blues with exotic Hot Pots at Bambuza.  Cook dinner at your own table every Tuesday night in January. Bambuza will offer a special menu that includes a featured appetizer and hot pot selection for $14.90 per person (minimum two people).

The Oregonian reported today that Zidell has submitted plans for cleaning up their parcels of land in the South Waterfront – most likely to make way for development.

Read the Oregonian Story Here and Here.

Our neighborhood farmer, Mark Harvey, of Old House Dahlias (oldhousedahlias.com) was recenlty highlighted in the Oregonian for his pioneering urban farmer attitude.  Way to go Mark!

Read the article here:  A field of sustainable dreams blooms under South Waterfront towers

Let’s celebrate Oregon’s bounty by discovering how sustainable food is grown, harvested, produced, shipped, prepared and served across this great state. South Waterfront Community Relations has assembled some of our region’s foremost food experts, from farmers, restaurant owners, chefs, and grocers to help dispel myths and give us the facts on sustainable dining.

The Sustainable Food Panel will include:

John Orlando, owner of Meriwether’s Restaurant
Steve Cohen, Food Policy Program Coordinator for the City of Portland
Mellie Pullman, Board Member of the Food Alliance
Earl Hook, Chef of Meriwether’s Restaurant
Josh Volk, Farmer for Meriwether’s Skyline Farm
David Yudkin, President of Hot Lips Pizza
Ann Forsthoefel, Executive Director of Portland Farmers Market
Sheila Nicholas, Owner of Anam Cara Cellars

Eat while you’re learning: Meriwether’s Restaurant will provide some delicious appetizers using ingredients from their Skyline Farm.

SWF Sustainability Speaker Series
Wednesday, October 28,  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Umpqua Bank | South Waterfront
3606 SW Bond St. Portland, OR  97239 map it

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
RSVP appreciated, but feel free to stop by
RSVP: communityrelations@southwaterfront.com or 503.222.7788

Oregon is a stunningly beautiful state. Unfortunately, there is a lot of work to do to keep it that way. One challenge is water quality. Right now, every major river in Oregon fails federal clean water standards. The first step towards cleaner, healthier rivers is proper enforcement of environmental laws. Attorney General John Kroger is committed to improving environmental enforcement in Oregon. But to succeed he’ll need help.

Come be part of the solution!  Join Attorney General Kroger and other local officials for a discussion about the current challenges facing the Willamette Watershed and what steps we need to take to clean up our state.

Thursday, October 1
6:30pm – 8:00pm
John Ross Plaza Studio
3623 SW River Parkway
Portland,OR 97239

If you plan to attend please RSVP to Julie Rutherford at julie.rutherford@doj.state.or.us.

To learn more about the Oregon Department of Justice’s efforts to protect our environment please see the Department’s homepage at www.doj.state.or.us.

Together we can keep Oregon beautiful.
Hope to see you there!

Mark of Old House of Dahlias will be selling dahlias every Friday, beginning Sept. 25, from 12 to 6 pm.  The South Waterfront dahlia stand will offer pre-cut dahlias, 10 stems for $7. 

There will also be a Dahlia Festival open house Saturday and Sunday from 10-5 at his Old House of Dahlias at 8005 S.E. Mill St. (between Stark and Division off 80th).

www.oldhousedahlias.com

Who would have thought I could look out the window of my downtown condo and see a tractor plowing through a muddy field? Amazingly, I have the most incredible view of the Ross Island Bridge, the Willamette River, Zidel’s barge builders, the OHSU buildings and the Tram. Now I will get to see dahlia’s in bloom, thanks to Mark Harvey of Old House Dahlias.

Mark was living in Southeast Portland with his sister. She got married and  moved out, so he needed a source of income to be able to keep the home they bought together. He decided to grow dahlias. For two years he planted the flowers at his home until he decided to expand. He began planting the flowers in Corbett on a leased farm. He kept the dahlias as a display at home and sold the potted ones while raising tubers. From February of 2009 until the end of April, dahlia disasters keep happening: cuttings got too hot in his greenhouse, next he moved them outside and they got root rot. So he tried putting 75 flats in his garage, but there was not enough light for growth. Finally he began to look for a piece of urban land to plant his dahlia cuttings. He had a friend living in the South Waterfront who told him about the land right on the river. So he approached the developers to get their permission to lease the land until the housing market improves. Once he got permission to use the land, he began to grow the cuttings in his garage.

So one morning in May I look out my window and see a green tractor and two men, one wearing a cowboy hat. Being from Montana, I was curious and went down the elevator to introduce myself to this cowboy. It was Mark and his recruit… Dad, of course. His father, Dwight, told me that Mark just has it in his blood to be a farmer. His grandpa farmed in Nebraska. Mark is an environmentalist and worked for the Department of Fish and Wildlife for five years. Now he works during the week for his brother-in-law at Pacific Foods in Canby. But on the weekends, he becomes an urban farmer. His goal is to sell cut flowers in the fall.

The most recent Dahlia disaster came in June with temperatures in the 90’s. For the first time since I can remember, we were able to attend the Starlight parade with no umbrella or raincoat. Mark thought he had until July to solve the problem of not having an outlet to water his flowers. Dahlias are a kind of desert flower, however, Mark planted mostly cuttings and only a few tubers. It’s July now and half the field is finally green, the half with the tubers. The cuttings are still struggling a bit from the heat, but July 4th weekend Mark showed up with a water truck that he borrowed from his brother-in-law. For two days he patiently watered, talking to the condo residents and napping intermittently on the lawn. In September, the South Waterfront residents will all benefit from a field of dahlias in the midst of high-rise buildings, thanks to the persistence of an urban farmer! Check out Mark’s website: www.oldhousedahlias.com

Portland RiverFest returns to South Waterfront this year on Saturday, August 22. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates life on the river with live music, food and drink, attractions and fun activities. Last year’s RiverFest was a huge success, and this year is shaping up to be even better. Festivities take place throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. on the expansive South Waterfront greenway. Mayor Sam Adams and other city officials will be present to kick off the celebration. Look for a complete schedule of events coming soon. Festival highlights include:

*   PDX Jazz at RiverFest Mary Kadderly, Darrell Grant & On TheTerritory, Stephanie Schneiderman, and Tom Grant with Shelly Rudolph
*   Food & drink vendors
*   Open marketplace with over 50 booths, including Handmade NW
*   River education center
*   PURE river blessing ceremony
*   Urban Willamette photo essay
*   Art exhibition by Portland sculptor Mike Suri presented by Heidi McBride Gallery.
*   Columbia River InterTribal Fish Commission lodges
*   Kid Fun Zone
*   Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde big canoes & drummers
*   Dog activities, including games & prizes

Join your fellow river lovers in restoring, appreciating, and recreating on the Willamette. The festival at South Waterfront is part of a four-day celebration along the Willamette that runs from Thursday, August 20 through Sunday, August 23. Other RiverFest events include the Freshwater Trust Portland Triathlon, bridge tours, Portland Spirit/KINK Cruise, kayak tours, walking tours, SOLV riverbank cleanups, Portland Audubon events, and more. For a complete four-day schedule of RiverFest activities, visit www.portlandriverfest.org.

Saturday, August 22, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Old House Dahlias, a Portland-based farm located in SE Portland, has planted over 5,000 dahlias in lot 27 just north of Meriwether East. Blooming should start with Foxy Lady in late August and be in full force by the middle of September. All dahlias are grown green with organic products. Most of the varieties make good cut flowers, which you will have the opportunity to purchase. For more info about our little South Waterfront Dahlia farm and Old House Dahlias’ yearly Dahlia Fest in September, call Mark Harvey at 503-771-1199 , or go to oldhousedahlias.com.

Through a generous donation from Williams & Dame Development and Block 37 Investors, LLC, a temporary site for the South Waterfront Community Garden is born! The residents of South Waterfront worked with Community Relations to plan and construct the garden this spring, resulting in 13 garden beds on the lot south of Atwater Place. The beds are completely full this year, but don’t despair. If you are a South Waterfront resident you can become a Friend of the Community Garden and help out. Contact the Community Relations office at communityrelations@southwaterfront.com for more information.

We will be providing garden updates in both the E-Current and here on the Green Living Blog: stay tuned for more Garden related news and events

PCC and South Waterfront Community Relations have teamed up to bring continuing education classes to the South Waterfront! Sign up today for one of these three courses being offered during the spring term:

Container Gardening: Hands-on instruction to create lush floral arrangements for your garden or patio. Go home with one planted pot completed in class! For more information: Click Here.

Tai Chi, Beginning: A gentle approach to exercise emphasizing mind/body harmony, relaxation, centering and coordination. For more information: Click Here.

About Your Dog: Gain insight into your dog’s behavior and leave with tried-and-true tools to communicate effectively for a long, happy life with your dog. For more information: Click Here.

Dates and times vary by class.
All classes will be held in the John Ross Plaza Studio.  PCC code: JROSSP
3623 SW River Pkwy., Portland, OR 97239 map it

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC – enrollment through PCC is required

The Daily Journal of Commerce gave us an update last week about the next block to be developed in the South Waterfront.

“A new, mixed-use development has been designed by Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects for the South Waterfront District.  The Tamarack, which will have affordable apartment units as well as ground-floor retail and office space, will occupy what is known as Block 49 at the south end of Portland‘s South Waterfront District.”  For the rest of the article, click here.

At the end of January the South Waterfront Community Relations office invited all of the movers and shakers of South Waterfront to participate in a District Update.  They host these meetings twice a year and it gives everyone a chance to hear from the folks in charge how the district is progressing.  For those of you who did not or could not attend they have released a summary from that event – click Here for a PDF.

The January edition of the Portland Monthly had a nice long expose about our new Mayor – what I find most interesting is the long introduction that takes Amanda Burden on a tour through South Waterfornt.  Definately worth a read – which you can now do online (finally!) – read it here: Becoming Sam Adams.

http://www.portlandonline.com/ONI/index.cfm?c=43746&a=218694

Thanks for helping to make this city such a great place to live!

Location:  Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, 915 SE Hawthorne Boulevard | 2 -4 PM | Public Welcome

The Ross Island Vision Team (made up of Audubon Society of Portland, Greenworks, PC, Urban Greenspaces Institute, Willamette Riverkeeper, Melissa Meideros and Christina Frank) invites you to join them, along with Portland Parks and Rec. to discuss plans for the future management and restoration of  Ross Island. Here is the agenda for the meeting:

> Presentation by City of Portland to manage and restore the 45-acre site on Ross Island that are currently in public ownership.

> Presentation by Ross Island Vision Team regarding future restoration and management of entire 4 island complex.

> Volunteer Opportunities at Ross Island

> Strategies to establish a No Wake Zone in Holgate Channel

> Next steps to establish a formal structure for the Friends of Ross Island.

For more information, please click here.

What an amazing inaugural event for the South Waterfront – Riverfest was a big hit on Sept. 6th – with over 2,000 people attending the event to see Bobby Torres…

the Devin Phillips Funk Band….

the Oregon Ballet Theatre…

and much, much more.  In case you missed it, be sure to check out our Community Gallery and click on the Category for “Events.”

However, if you were there and took photos of the event, please feel free to add them to the Community Gallery, just click here.

(photos provided by Kent Anderson.)

On Saturday, during the Riverfest festivities in South Waterfront (pictures to come), Dan Kent, the executive director of Salmon Safe gave a plaque to Homer Williams of Williams & Dame Development officially announcing that the South Waterfront is the first neighborhood to ever receive Salmon Safe certification. Certification means the neighborhood’s design and operations exceed regulatory mandates to protect the Willamette River and is a leader in restoring the health of the Willamette River and tributaries. This is a huge achievement for the South Waterfront district and yet more proof that this neighborhood is working hard to be the “greenest” in the nation.

On Saturday September 6th from 11am – 5pm, you’re invited to a big party celebrating green living on the Willamette River at Riverfest ’08′s South Waterfront Day. This FREE family and dog-friendly festival focuses on restoring, appreciating and recreating on the Willamette. South Waterfront Day is chock-full of events; they include:

• PDX Jazz presents Concerts in the Park:
  • 11am – Portland Revels
  • 11:15am – Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra
  • 12:50pm – Bobby Torres
  • 2:20pm – Devin Phillips Funk Band
  • 5:00pm – Calynco Steel Drum Band

• Live Performances:
  • Oregon Ballet Theatre, feat. a duet from Swan Lake, apprentice performances and a 30 minute class for the public.
  • PICA / TBA: Sojourn Theatre performances of BUILT at the Discovery Center – 2:30, 4:30, & 6:30 pm.
• Sailing Regatta presented by West Coast Sailing – over 30 boats will compete for prizes; 3 – 5 pm.
• Open Marketplace including over 40 South Portland Business Association vendors.
• Bridge Stories and Portland Aerial Tram Ride / Walk: meets at lower Tram station at 10am & 1pm.
• Food, Wine, and Beer Vendors: featuring Ponzi Vineyards, Deschutes Brewery, Bambuza Vietnamese Bistro, Macadam’s Bar and Grill, Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille, and Jimmy’s Smokehouse.
  • Don’t forget: FREE wine and beer tasting at1:30PM.

• SWF Art Exchange: enjoy sounds from the Calynco Steel Drum Band from 2:30 – 5pm.
• District Walking Tours: tour the South Waterfront and learn about the district’s sustainable features, 12, 1:30, & 3:30pm.
• Audubon Society of Portland: Birds of prey.
• Willamette Shore Trolley: Trips from SWF to Lake Oswego at 11 am, 1, 3, 5 & 8pm and trips from Lake Oswego to SWF at 10am, 12, 2, 4, & 6pm.
• Sand Mandala: the Wholistic Peace Institute brings five Tibetan Monks from the Gaden Segyued Monastery in India to create a breathtaking and healing sand mandala at OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.
• Family Fun Zone: Many kids activities including interactive sports and games, face painting, balloon artists, cookie decorating and free ice cream from the Umpqua Bank Ice Cream Truck.
• Raffle: Enter to win fabulous prizes! You don’t need to be present to win, the drawing will be held at 4pm.
• PDXDog Town – Well behaved dogs are welcome at our dog-centric festivities! Dog day spa, creativity center, dog adoption groups, training classes and police dog demos will be going on all day. Costumed dog parade and competition at 11:30am, costume prizes given at 12:15pm.
• Free Bike Tune-Ups: provided by En Selle.

On September 6th, living in South Waterfront will not only mean inhabiting the banks of the largest north flowing river in Oregon. Being in SWF on that day will also put you right in the heart of the action for Riverfest ‘08.

Riverfest has three goals: make the Willamette River a focus of fun and learning; actively improve river and watershed health through increased community engagement; and promote economic activity on the riverfront.

The festival, which kicks off on August 28th with The Oregon Symphony Waterfront Concert, features events throughout the city. It will be a big affair here in South Waterfront; Saturday September 6th is South Waterfront day, and the district will be pulling out all the stops.

Highlights include a SWF Neighborhood Park concert, produced by PDX Jazz with Bobby Torres, Devin Phillips Funk Band and Portland Youth Jazz Orchestra. Look for performances by Oregon Ballet Theatre, and as part of PICA’s TBA Festival, Sojourn Theatre. Countless attractions and activities will be on offer including a sailing regatta, large retail marketplace, food, wine & beer vendors featuring Salmon Safe Ponzi Vineyards and Deschutes Brewery, 85 foot hot air balloon, art exchange, children’s activity city, PdxDog ™ Town, bike tune-ups and an exciting announcement from Salmon Safe.

SWF Community Relations needs resident ambassadors for this event. Please contact communityrelations@southwaterfront.com or go to www.portlandriverfest.org. Public welcome.

Our own South Waterfront Sustainable Lifestyle and Transportation Committee, along with the folks with South Waterfront Community Relations have put together a series of talks with local gurus of sustainability. The first talk was in April with Eban Goodstein, Professor of Economics at Lewis & Clark College and author of several books about sustainability and it’s affect on the economy.

The next talk in the series is coming up next week – July 10th to be exact – and will feature Regina Hauser, the Executive Director of the Oregon Natural Step Network. Hauser will pick up where Prof. Goodstein has left off, by presenting on the Natural Step framework, which provides the principals and steps to take to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. For more information on this event, please click here.

The last event will feature Michael Armstrong, the Deputy Director of the City of Portland’s Office of Sustainable Development. The date of this event has yet to be determined – so stay tuned! I hope to see everyone at the upcoming speakers, they are particularly relevant to the culture of the South Waterfront.

November’s issue has a great article about the state of LEED certification in America called “Can LEED Survive the Carbon Neutral Era?” which addresses the challenges that the LEED certification is facing and how LEED standards are evolving. The article even highlights landmark LEED buildings in the USA – including the South Waterfront’s very own OHSU Center for Health and Healing – click on the image to the right of the article. Between those two articles and the article “Beyond the Spectacle,” which describes Dubai’s development plans, of which most will be certified by the UAE’s LEED system, it seems to me that sustainable development is becoming the standard rather than a luxury. If that is the case it still baffles me as to why the Homebuilders Association of Metropolitan Portland has a problem with Portland’s carbon tax initiative (see Oregonian article here). Seems to me that if they are already building green as many developers claim to be they should be excited about the potential tax rebates they could qualify for.

In a recent article published by Kevin Maney in the Conde Nast Portfolio, a discussion regarding the effects of bottled water is introduced. Since water bottles consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aka oil, it is estimated that 17.6 billion barrels of oil are used in their manufacturing. That roughly projects out to the use of enough fuel to power one million vehicles annually.

The EPA monitors municipal water systems and grades them accordingly. Most places in the United States succeed in producing water that is safe and some even add fluoride. The two largest producers of bottled water, Aquafina and Dasani actual do nothing spectacular in the creation of their water. Aquafina’s water comes from filtered municipal taps while Dasani’s water comes from a plant in Canada that also produces cars and paint.

As far as municipal systems go, Portland was recently rated as having the second best drinking water in the nation. The EPA was quoted as saying that the water is so pure coming from the taps that filtration was not needed. Several other cities across the United States can claim almost the same thing which leads us again to question why we are wasting the precious oil on bottling water. Let’s not just hold water responsible. Bottled sodas and juices are also at fault. Imagine how much oil could be saved to heat our homes and power our vehicles if fluids were not plasticized.

The dams that make Hydropower impede fish runs and the reservoirs behind dams warm the water above natural temperature or in some cases release deep reservoir cold water into a normally warmer river. Both these situations harm native river ecosystems. So by reducing the need for more energy we reduce the need for dams built to supply power. Since some dams across the country are reaching the end of their physical life the opportunity to remove them becomes an option. These are serious issues that not only affect the human population of the world but also affect the rest of the world’s wildlife. Without a wide diversity of life on the planet we will have a very lonely planet.

   Next on the hierarchy of transportation is public transit, of which South Waterfront is unparalleled in the US, with the exception of New York City, because of the Portland Ariel Tram. The  Tram makes for a easy connection between one of Portland’s largest employer, OHSU, and the Portland Streetcar. The Tram also allows for OHSU to expand on the land they own in South Waterfront such as they have done with the Center for Health and Healing at the base of the Tram. Also by having the base of  the Tram surrounded by the high density residences in the South Waterfront neighborhood will make for an easy commute for OHSU employees or patients who live there without any other transportation link. The Streetcar loop through the district makes it easy to exit a full streetcar on the southbound trip and do pickup on the northbound trip. The Streetcar also connects South Waterfront in a linear route through the heart of Portland; River-place, Portland State University, MAX Light Rail and multiple Bus routes, Downtown, the Pearl District and Northwest Portland. Bus routes on SW Macadam Avenue provide addition links out of the district. Automobile use in South Waterfront is also easier because of the grid style street-scape just as it is friendly to pedestrian and bicycle use. Flex cars are also parked in the district for those who do not own or those people who need a 2nd car occasionally. 

By our calculations, the average American home uses 10,968 kWh of energy annually. This figure averages data from several sources that provide information about average annual home energy consumption. Instead of using just one figure, we created an average from figures provided by a number of sources. These sources include the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, the US Department of Energy and Underwriters Laboratories By comparing the projected annual energy usage for South Waterfront residences with the average annual household consumption of energy, we calculated the anticipated annual energy savings for South Waterfront. Natural gas use was included in the calculations. Therms – the units of measurement for heat – were converted to kWh to obtain a standard unit of measurement across all of our energy calculations. 29 Therms is equivalent to one kWh.

Energy Savings in Dollars

To get the energy savings in dollars, the energy savings in kWh was multiplied by 7 cents per kWh, which is the cost per kWh of electricity in Oregon and Washington according to the Department of Energy’s Information Administration Website.

This annual water usage for SWF was then compared to the national average water use per person per year, multiplied by the same number of occupants.  The annual water savings was then equated to number of showers saved per year.  The average shower was calculated at 20 gallons of water or 8 minutes of shower time with a 2.5 gallon/minute water flow.

Smartwater.com, npr.org, supplyht.com and the American Water Association were sources for this information.

www.branchhome.com

www.nau.com

www.gaiam.com

www.fabulouslygreen.blogspot.com