By Nancy Zimmermann Chung 

The neighbors of Southern Eliot are working on a new Intersection Repair proposal this spring. In collaboration with the Portland-based nonprofit City Repair, we are planning to paint the intersection at NE Rodney & NE Tillamook Streets. If you live within a few blocks of the proposed intersection, you have probably already seen our flyers on your doorstep.

The intersection painting is an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and express our identity as a neighborhood, transforming an urban thoroughfare into a “public square.” After holding two potlucks, we have drafted a lovely design based on our collaboratively chosen themes: gardens & food, historic Eliot, and diversity/multiculturalism.

If we successfully navigate the City approval process, the painting will take place in late May or early June, during City Repair’s “Village Building Convergence,” a 10-day springtime celebration. Watch the Eliot Facebook page to follow our progress and learn about future meetings (the next one will be Saturday, March 30 at 4:30p.m.).

We want to involve as many neighbors as possible, and we need help with planning, gathering signatures, in-kind donations, organizing volunteers the day of the painting-and, of course, painting the street!

Intersection Painting Project Wish List:

• Pressure washer (to borrow)
• Buckets
• Rollers, paint brushes, and paint trays!
• Large yogurt containers / tofu tubs
• Old tarps
• Large pieces of cardboard
• Large folding tables
• String
• Trash bins
• Sponges and rags
• 1st Aid Kits
• Music / MC
• Cleanup team
• Volunteer coordinators
• Food & Coffee teams
• Measuring tape
• Sidewalk chalk

For more information, or if you are interested in working with us, please contact Nancy at eliot.potluck@gmail.com or (503) 758-4856.