The Russell & Williams Community Development Corporation is hosting a ‘Warm the Block’ coat and food drive at Dishman this coming Saturday from 1-4pm. Details below
Warm the Block party at Dishman Sat Dec 13 1-4pm
Blog
Eliot News Throwback Thursday: June 1992
For this (very occasional) throwback, here’s a scan of our oldest archived edition of Eliot News. Kris Kross had the #1 song, the city was set to break ground on a new basketball arena, and [spoiler alert] the Portland Trail Blazers were battling Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the NBA Finals after winning the Western Conference.
ENA is always looking for contributors to another edition of Eliot News. Current events, history, and more are welcome on our pages. Today it’s a byline, tomorrow—or perhaps 33 years later—you’ll see your name here again!
Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes Monday 10/20/2025
Eliot Neighborhood Association
General Meeting Minutes
Oct 20, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center
Attendees
Board
Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson
Guests
Seth Anderson – resident
Max Nash – resident
Jonathan Tasini – resident
Alyssa Whitesides – resident
Dora DeCoursey – resident
Bill Spangle – resident
Lynne Randall – Arc en Ciel Montessori parent
Jim Proctor – Lewis & Clark College
Jona Davis – NECN
Andrew Harnish – resident
Reflections on Talmage Ellis
Pat lamented Mr. Ellis’ senseless death.
The group observed a moment of silence.
Approve September 2025 Minutes
Draft approved unanimously, verbatim.
Motion: Allan | Seconded: Bliss
Neighborhood Safety
Laura feels that Safe Blocks is not doing enough, and that the city is handing us off to the county, believing PEMO’s work has run its course. ENA will be meeting with county commissioner Shannon Singleton in early November.
Ann said “there was a fight in the street on NE Sacramento Street right before I came to the meeting. Also, the elders on the block have handled the human trafficking issues I asked for help at the last meeting.”
Lynne talked about inconsistent results improving safety in and around Dawson Park for her and other Arc-en-Ciel families. Laura and Jennifer shared differing experiences of the park rangers making the park welcoming.
The group discussed ideas for providing consistent, increased services for Dawson Park users.
Jimmy urged for more coordination and collaboration with people who do provide those services.
Allan suggested that parking around Dawson Park be reverted to its pre-2015 state, a full prohibition on the curb around its immediate perimeter. Pat added the idea of one-way streets. The board approved writing a letter to the city asking for these changes.
Motion: Allan | Seconded: Pat | Abstention: Jimmy
Board Elections
The new slate was approved unanimously:
- Andrew Champion
- Laura Fay
- Anders Hart
- Ann Kasper
- Kathryn LePore
- Serena Li
- Pat Montgomery
- Alice Newman
- Cassie Muilenburg
- Allan Rudwick
- Bliss Suh
- Alyssa Whitesides
- Jennifer Wilcox
- Jimmy Wilson
Motion: Jennifer | Seconded: Bliss
Neighborhood Updates
NECN Update
Jimmy remains unable to comment on changes to group leadership. He also shared a document with the city’s accounting for its Byrne grant funds: personnel expenses amount to more than $128,000 of approximately $230,000 already spent.
Treasurer’s Report
Jennifer reports that the transition to OnPoint is complete, and indicated satisfaction with the new banking arrangements.
Land Use & Transportation
The Land Use and Transportation Committee is reopening conversation about traffic diversion on NE 7th as part of the larger Lloyd-to-Woodlawn neighborhood greenway project extending from the Blumenauer Bridge over I84.
Max reported that her petition to support this project had gained over 300 signatures, then shared her observations and research about traffic on NE 7th Avenue.
Ann took an opposing view, asserting that “the issues of diverters on NE 7th Avenue was examined by a huge city process through PBOT, meetings and public input a couple years ago and it was decided by the majority of people who actually live there that NE 7th should not have diverters. We already have 15 speed bumps installed. NE 8th Ave was chosen as the bike street. .”
Adjournment
Adjourned at 8:15 pm.
Free Expungement And Barrier Reduction Legal Clinic on Friday, December 5 from 1p-4p
Free legal help will be available at from 1pm to 4pm on Friday, December 5 at Cascadia Health! You may qualify for help with criminal or eviction record expungement, charge reduction, driver’s license reinstatement and waiving traffic or criminal fines, lifting warrants, and small business business and legal advice.
Pre-registration is not required but highly encouraged to be sure you are seen. Please pre-register by Friday, November 28 at this link: https://bit.ly/communitylawclinic
ENA Board Meeting Agenda Monday November 17, 2025 at 7:00pm
Eliot Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
Monday 11/17/2025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cascadia Garlington Health Center
3036 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Using Microsoft Teams for the meeting:
Click here to join the meeting
Co-Chairs: Patricia Montgomery and Laura Fay
Agenda (subject to changes):
- Welcome and Introductions – 7:00
- Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items – 7:05
- Review Meeting Agreements [Link] – 7:10
- Approve Minutes from October 20 meeting [Link] VOTE – 7:15
- Neighborhood Safety – 7:20
- ENA Officer Elections VOTE – 7:35
- Consideration of Expectation of ENA Board Members [Link] – 7:50
- ENA Activities for the coming year – 8:05
- Neighborhood Updates – 8:15
- NECN Update
- Treasurer’s Report
- LUTC Update
- Community Outreach
- Adjourn – 8:30
If you are attending and would like to contribute to the Garlington Center food drive, we welcome your food contributions directly at the meeting as well!
No meeting in December – next meeting Monday, January 26, 2026 one week late, in deference to the MLK Holiday
Garlington Center Food Drive
Our neighbors at the Garlington Center are starting a food drive to support those impacted by the cut to SNAP benefits. Folks can bring items to the resource room anytime between 8:30am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday, at 3036 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd.
A list of the most needed items are below:
- Canned meats (tuna, chicken, etc.)
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Pasta
- Tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce
- Canned soups
- Crackers
- Rice
- Canned veggies (especially collard greens)
- Canned beans
- Chilli
- Broth
- Instant foods you can add hot water to (like mashed potatoes, etc)
Ivy School PTA Winter Plant Sale
Our neighbors at the Ivy School PTA are hosting their annual neighborhood winter wreaths and plant fundraiser. Order now to decorate your home with seasonal greenery or beautiful house plants while also helping make a contribution to the Ivy School PTA to fund community events and teacher support.
The PTA partners with local farms Little Prince Nursery of Oregon and Willamette Evergreen Wreaths to provide a wide variety of winter greenery, handmade wears, and indoor plants for all your seasonal needs! Winter decorations are a great way to bring fragrant greenery and joy into our homes, and the beautiful variety of houseplants in this sale make wonderful gifts during this holiday season.
Here is the link to get your order in: Winter Plant Sale
Last day to order is Monday, November 24th. This sale is a little different then the apple sale and some items will sell out!
Pre-order Pick-Up Days and Day-of Sales:
- Tuesday, December 2nd: 2:30pm-6:00pm
- Wednesday, December 3rd: 2:30pm-6:00pm
Please contact Breanne Monahan for questions at ivyschoolpta@gmail.com
Eliot Land Use & Transportation Committee – New day: WEDNESDAY! 11/12/25 at 6:00pm at Albina Library. We will talk about NE 7th
This meeting will be in person at the Albina Library (NE Russell or NE Knott entrance)- upstairs room 2A
Agenda
1 – Public Comment & Agenda Additions
2 – Discussion of traffic calming on NE 7th Ave. This is a citizen-led initiative. Presentation & Discussion (Allan)
3 – Leaf Blowers in Portland Parks letter (Anders)
4 – LUTC elections – committee and officers
5 – Updates & Announcements
– Fremont Bridgehead update – first citizen meeting happened
– Parking update – Zone V enforcement changes delayed until 12/31 – also ODOT blocking parking on N Flint for questionable reasons
– Will invite our area planner to join in upcoming months
– Nov 13 6:30pm (day after the meeting) – ABC’s of land use
– Board meeting next Monday
We’ll lose the room by 7:30pm
ODOT denies permission for parking on N Flint overcrossing, Eliot Zone V parking changes coming 12/31/25
The Eliot Parking Task Force met with Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) over the summer and they talked about a number of changes. As you may know, last year’s permit program for Zone V was not very effective at discouraging Moda Center event-goers from parking in our neighborhood. However, this year the City proposed a new plan, we made some tweaks and it is just taking a little bit longer to implement. We’re seeing December 31st as the implementation date.
One issue that we worked with the City on was trying to add the missing link on N Flint avenue between N Tillamook and N Hancock to the permit area. ODOT engineers say the N Flint bridge across I-5 is strong enough to support parked cars and we have lots of pictures documenting cars parked on the bridge. ODOT has denied this request saying that “because construction staging space is very limited in this area, it needs to be reserved and available for the contractor to use during project construction”.
From ODOT’s project website, it looks like “phase 1A” has started construction. This project appears to be bridge maintenance and stormwater facility construction only- unrelated to the main part of the Rose Quarter project that we have been fighting against. These two pieces of the project are 0.8 miles and 0.5 miles away from the project site on the shortest routes to these two projects. Storing materials on bridges is not always the best idea since some previous bridge collapses have been connected with extra materials and weight being stored on them, but I’m sure ODOT’s engineers know this and are taking precautions.
We are disappointed to see ODOT unwilling to take simple action to free up parking near the first 2 residential buildings downhill from I-5 in 50 years. ‘Albina One’, which just opened, and ‘Analog’ which has been open only a few years. We urge ODOT to reconsider this decision.
For more information on the parking zone changes, see this from PBOT or visit their webpage:
| Zone V Permit Changes Coming Soon |
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is expanding the Zone V permit area in the Eliot neighborhood with some changes. Permits make it easier for those who live and work in Eliot to find on-street parking during large events in and around the Rose Quarter. See map below. PBOT will begin installing new pay stations and “Pay to Park” signs soon. The Zone V expanded area and new rules go into effect Dec. 31. Here’s what’s new for visitors without a Zone V permit when the Lloyd Event District is active: – Pay-to-park for on-street spaces (up to $5/hour) – 5-hour time limit – Rules apply year-round For Zone V permit holders when the Lloyd Event District is active: – No payment required – No time restrictions PBOT is installing new pay stations and “Pay to Park” signs soon. The Zone V expanded area and new rules go into effect Dec. 31 |
| Sign up now Residents in the areas of the map—plus businesses, nonprofits, and their employees—may sign up for Zone V permits. PBOT uses a license plate-based system and does not issue physical permits. Apply, submit documents, pay, and manage permits through our online system. Visit Portland.gov/EliotParking to get started. Resident permits The cost of an annual Zone V permit is $135 with two discounted rates of $50 or $105 depending on income. Households can purchase one annual guest permit for $100 and up to 100 daily guest permits in packs of 10 for $22. Income-based discounts have been changed. Percentage thresholds have been adjusted to help ensure the Zone V program is self-sustaining. Employee permits Employees in the shaded areas of the map who need to park for work may purchase an annual Zone V permit for $135. Two discounted rates of $50 or $105 are also available, depending on income. Employees may not purchase guest permits. Business and nonprofit permits Businesses and nonprofits operating in the shaded areas of the map are eligible to purchase guest permits for vendors or visitors. Businesses and non-profits can purchase one annual guest permit for $100 and up to 100 daily guest permits in packs of 10 for $22. Need Assistance Applying for Your Permit? PBOT Parking Permits PBOTParkingPermits@portlandoregon.gov503-823-2777 Stay informed For more information, including permit details or schedule, or to sign up for our email list that will notify you when the Lloyd Event District is active, visit Portland.gov/EliotParking |
Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes Monday 9/15/2025
Eliot Neighborhood Association
Board Meeting Minutes
Sep 15, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center
Attendees
Board
Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Anders Hart
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson
Guests
Cpt Christopher Burley – PPB
Jim Proctor – Lewis & Clark
Sarah Billings – Cadence Apartments community manager
Ann Kasper
Lisa McMahan
Jonathan Tasini
Alyssa Whitesides
Approve Minutes
Approved.
Motion: Bliss | Seconded: [several] | For: unanimous
Neighborhood Safety
Chris presented neighborhood crime statistics. Says county is bringing addiction treatment services to focus areas like Dawson Park.
Sarah described challenges with theft and vandalism at Cadence Apartments.
Ann noted a rise in sex work near NE 7th Avenue. Chris said that he would connect her with the PPB human trafficking division.
ENA Activities
Byrne Grant Next Steps
A draft letter listing priorities still needs polishing.
Additional Activities
Laura urged the board to start planning for 2026.
Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies Project – Jim Proctor
Jim asked ENA to join the Eliot/Boise/Humboldt survey for the university’s Environmental Studies senior project, and to participate in its launch panel next month.
Neighborhood Updates
NECN Update
Jimmy says that the coalition is “under a microscope of change” and not currently free to elaborate.
Treasurer’s Report
Jennifer successfully transferred ENA funds from Beneficial to OnPoint.
Land Use & Transportation Update
Community members re-painted the curb at one corner of NE 7th & Russell, and are looking for other intersections to “daylight” for more cross-traffic visibility.
Planet Fitness will be occupying the previous Nike Factory Store site, and plans to install an outdoor sign.
Anders shared discussion from the LUTC meeting about diverters on NE 7th.
Instagram Account Update
The group had high praise for Brittany Davidson’s work on the account.
Adjournment
Adjourned at 8:31pm
ENA Board Meeting Agenda Monday October 20, 2025 at 7:00pm
Eliot Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
Monday 10/20/2025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cascadia Garlington Health Center
3036 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Using Microsoft Teams for the meeting:
Click here to join the meeting
Co-Chairs: Patricia Montgomery and Laura Fay
Agenda (subject to changes):
- Welcome and Introductions – 7:00
- Reflections on Talmage Ellis – 7:05
- Review Meeting Agreements [Link] – 7:10
- Approve Minutes from September 15 meeting [Link] VOTE – 7:15
- Neighborhood Safety – 7:20
- ENA Board Elections – 7:50
- Neighborhood Updates – 8:05
- NECN Update
- Treasurer’s Report
- LUTC Update
- Community Outreach
- Adjourning early to allow time for Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies Project – 8:15
Next meeting Monday, November 17, 2025
FREE street and yard trees from Friends of Trees
Friends of Trees is planting FREE street and yard trees in Eliot! We have a wide variety of species for you to select from, and provide planting support, tree care education, and free watering for street trees. Sign up here for your trees today: friendsoftrees.org/get-a-treeIf you’d like to participate in our Eliot neighborhood planting event on January 17 but not receive a tree, please sign up here: friendsoftrees.org/event-calendar
Eliot Land Use & Transportation Committee 10/13/25 at 6:30pm VIRTUAL
This meeting will be online – we’ll be using google meet:
Agenda
1 – Public Comment & Agenda Additions
2 – [Kevin Bond and Nicholas Starin from BPS] – the Central City Code Amendments project
3 – General discussion with BPS staff about any topics of interest. (see the bottom for a list of projects they have been working on)
4 – Discussion of next steps for getting the city’s attention about diverter on NE 7th. Draft letter here
5 – What day of the week should we meet? Arguments: The newly opened Albina Library has nice rooms that are open later Tuesday and Wednesday. Boise NA has its board meetings on the 2nd Monday of the month so we can’t attend it if we don’t cancel this meeting. We have been meeting on Mondays for years
6 – other updates
– Fremont Bridgehead update – Allan is dragging his feet
– Parking update – Zone V enforcement season coming again in October, new signs with paid parking are coming but haven’t arrived yet. Link to more details
Eliot LUTC Meeting
Monday, October 13 · 6:30 – 8:00pm
Time zone: America/Los_Angeles
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/zss-vqyk-jca
Or dial: (US) +1 563-293-5954 PIN: 887 956 769#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/zss-vqyk-jca?pin=4246301771784
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General update from City planning staff:
In case you or other interested folks in Eliot aren’t already subscribers, you can sign up for email notifications for when we publish the monthly long-range planning project updates. The September newsletter is available here.
This monthly newsletter is a handy way to get the current status of BPS’s active land use planning work, including upcoming events and hearings, opportunities to engage with the projects, find out when new materials are published, and how to comment or testify.
Out of all the current BPS planning projects besides CCCAP and RAPP happening in your part of town, I would point out:
- The Affordable Housing Opportunities Project, which is a continuation of a targeted series of zoning map amendments intended to help encourage affordable housing production. This latest project is focused on non-profit affordable housing providers. You can view where zoning map changes are proposed on the Map App. There are two sites near your part of town. This project was just recommended for approval by the Planning Commission and heads to City Council for a public hearing next.
- The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project, while not directly impacting Eliot may be of interest to folks in your part of town. The project is intended to update City policies that regulate bulk fuel facilities in northwest Portland along the Willamette River. There are several virtual and in person outreach events happening while the project is inviting public comments through Oct. 17 on a proposed set of preliminary alternatives.
- There are also a number of active planning projects with citywide applicability, such as:
- The Code Alignment Project was just approved by City Council and is intended to streamline permitting and help with housing production and economic recovery.
- The Economic Opportunities Analysis (EOA) is a project to forecast growth in Portland’s industrial and other business districts, then designate an adequate 20-year supply of developable land for businesses and jobs. A related project is the Columbia Corridor and Industrial Lands Environmental Overlay Zone Project. These two projects just published Discussion Drafts, have outreach events scheduled, and are taking public comments until Nov. 10.
- The Legacy Business Preservation Study is exploring policy options to better support the long-term viability of local independently owned businesses. The study has a questionnaire open until Oct. 31.
- The Public Infrastructure Environmental Code Project will facilitate needed improvements to public infrastructure and allow for management of trees, vegetation, and other natural resources in publicly owned and maintained natural areas. This project had a Planning Commission hearing and recommendation in the summer and goes to City Council for a public hearing next.
- Regulatory Improvement Code Amendment Package 11 (RICAP 11) is part of an ongoing series of projects that make minor updates to Portland’s zoning regulations to remove barriers to development. This project had a Planning Commission hearing next month and is scheduled for a work session and recommendation this month.
If you ever want to hear from a BPS planner at your committee meetings or any time, feel free to reach out to the individual project staff contacts or contact the district liaison for the area.
Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes Monday 7/21/2025
Jul 21, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center
Attendees
Board
Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson
Guests
Alex Garcia – MCDA
Sgt. Dan Romanowski – PPB
Cpt. Chris Burley – PPB
Max Nash – Resident, Families for Safe Streets
Maimuna Uzzell
Kirsten Sessions
Alyssa Whitesides – Resident
Approve Minutes from June 16 meeting
Added Jimmy Wilson (fils) as guest
Motion: Laura | Seconded: Alice | For: unanimous
Neighborhood Safety
Alex says that the Donald Sharma (Stop N Go) case is moving along with the first of possibly 2-3 settlement conferences upcoming. County budget cuts have eliminated the neighborhood DA position originally used to prosecute this case.
Alex and Chris had an extensive discussion about high standards for both burden of proof in drug cases and release on security (bail).
Multiple approaches are being taken toward safety around the park, apartments, and clinic on N Morris. PPB is trying to disrupt activity before the clinic opens. Many are trying to connect with apartment management. Resident protection remains a delicate balance.
ENA Activities
Dawson Park Summer Party
This Party On Portland event is on 8/2/25 from 11am-5pm with ice cream sandwiches, basketball, dominoes, and more. Laura called for volunteers. Special guests are lined up, but more promotion, sponsors, and prizes are needed.
Byrne Grant next steps
Serena collected the poll results, and the top two items were programming, e.g. concerts and movies and support for existing organizations interrupting violence, both in Dawson Park. Laura will bring the priorities list to Safe Blocks.
After discussing the best way to present these ideas, consensus coalesced around several action items: share the list of requests with Safe Blocks, inquire other Byrne Grant neighborhood associations about how much input they have had in spending decisions, invite Molly Esteve to the next board meeting/summer event, and draft a letter to District 2 councilors asking to fund Dawson Park concerts in summer 2026.
Joan Ivan Memorial
Serena extensively researched memorial options: a park bench is extremely cost-prohibitive, but a planting with Friends of Trees is feasible, although specifics like cost, location, etc. will take time.
Motion to allocate allocate up to $300 for memorial: Allan | seconded: Laura | Approve: unanimous
Board members were happy with Brittany Davidson’s work. Laura will invite her to the next (September) meeting.
Soul District Business Association
Cassie met with Fawn Aberson of the Soul District Business Association. Fawn says that the former Nike Factory Store is leased, the SBDA is looking for support for its annual Dream Run event, and that she will ask the Russell & Williams project to potentially add a representative to the board.
Neighborhood Updates
NECN Update
Jimmy: coalition held its leadership election.
Treasurer’s Report
Jennifer: switch to banking with OnPoint Credit Union remains in progress.
LUTC Update
Allan: next month’s meeting will be a walk down NE 7th. The Rose Quarter event parking district will have meters active on event days.
Community Outreach
Cassie: topics have been covered by previous items.
Public Comment
Max shared concerns about conflict between vulnerable road users and vehicles on NE 7th and poor visibility at Russell. She would like to see more active or passive enforcement to daylight this intersection, preventing drivers from parking too near the corner and obscuring cross traffic.
Adjournment
Adjourned at 8:33 pm
ENA Board Meeting Agenda Monday September 15, 2025 at 7:00pm
Eliot Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
Monday 09/15/2025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cascadia Garlington Health Center
3036 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Using Microsoft Teams for the meeting:
Click here to join the meeting
Co-Chairs: Patricia Montgomery and Laura Fay
Agenda (subject to changes):
- Welcome and Introductions – 7:00
- Review Meeting Agreements [Link] – 7:05
- Approve Minutes from July 21 meeting [Link] VOTE – 7:10
- Neighborhood Safety – 7:15
- ENA Activities – 7:30
- Byrne Grant Next Steps
- Additional Activities?
- James Proctor, Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies Project – 7:45
- Curb Painting on NE 7th – 8:00
- Neighborhood Updates – 8:15
- NECN Update
- Treasurer’s Report – new bank account
- LUTC Update
- Community Outreach
- Instagram Account Update?
- Public Comment – 8:25
- Adjourn – 8:30
Next meeting Monday, October 20, 2025