New information was made available today regarding the North Pearl District Plan. North Pearl is defined as Lovejoy on the south, 16th to the west, and the water on the north and east sides.
The following is from PortlandOnline.com:
What is the North Pearl District Plan?
The North Pearl District Plan (NPDP) is a comprehensive planning project that is considering the urban form and type of community that will emerge in the northern portion of the Pearl District. This plan is not intended to result in the creation of a new district but rather provide a blue print for how development in this area will continue the expansion of the Pearl District northward and better connect with the Willamette River and adjacent neighborhoods to the north and west of the Pearl.
Background
In March 2005, the Portland City Council adopted a series of Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan Map amendments proposed as part of the North of Lovejoy Plan. This planning effort focused on future development immediately surrounding two of the three parks identified in the park network identified by the 2001 River District Park System Urban Design Framework (also known as the Peter Walker Master Plan).
The primary changes emerging from this effort were:
- Parks Zoning and Comprehensive Map Amendments: The zoning and comprehensive plan designations of three parks identified by the Walker Master Plan were amended from the Central Employment (CX) to Open Space (OS) with the intent of recognizing the long term use and ownership of these facilities.
- Height Changes: The maximum building height provisions around the parks edges to the South, Southwest and West were modified such that the portions of the sites closest to the edge of the park are capped at 100′; however, the portions of these sites located further from the parks are allowed to obtain a maximum height of 225′. This creates a “step down” to the parks designed to ensure greater of access to sunlight within the parks.
- Additional Development Capacity: Building mass and density within the Central City Plan District is regulated by floor area ratio (FAR) standards. Within the project area the maximum FAR was previously capped at 2:1. The amendments adopted by Council increased maximum FAR to 4:1 allowing for increased housing densities and overall development potential in the project area.
In addition to these regulatory amendments, a design charrette was conducted to analyze the urban design and development potential of the project area and adjacent areas. Beyond the confines of the project area, the charrette identify a need to further investigate the overall urban design and development framework affecting the greater geography of the Central City located north of NW Lovejoy. The charrette findings proposed a transportation analysis, improved connections to the river, the rehabilitation / redevelopment of Centennial Mills, and the need for addition waterfront parks and open space. The North of Lovejoy project also concluded that there is a desire to see that new River/Pearl District development maximizes ongoing community building efforts. Thus, a follow-up project addressing the future of the northern end of the Pearl District was proposed.
North Pearl District Plan
The North Pearl District Plan (NPDP) will focus on the future of development within a portion of the Central City Plan District extending north from NW Lovejoy Street to the western shore of the Willamette River.
During this planning process the Bureau of Planning, with the assistance of other City bureaus and a citizen’s and stakeholder Project Advisory Group (PAG) will consider:
- Urban Design & Development Framework. How do we develop an urban design and development framework for this area that ensures that development in the North Pearl builds upon earlier successes of the Pearl District, makes a strong connection to the riverfront and adjacent neighborhoods, and maximizes private investment and public benefit, all in a manner that results in a strong, vibrant, and diverse community?
- Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan Amendments. Portions of the project area are affected by zoning requirements that may restrict development potential and thus the degree to which private development can result in public benefits (such as tax increment financing or development bonuses that provide public amenities). This project will include a review of the existing regulatory framework and range of development bonus incentives available through the code. Potential amendments to these Zoning Code provisions will be considered where determined appropriate.
- Community Building Analysis. Development within the plan area will complete the last significant phase of large scale development in the Pearl District. Thus, this project presents an opportunity to guide private and public development investment such that a new neighborhood emerges that represents our best thinking, goals and aspirations for urban development within the Pearl District and Central City. To these ends, the project team will work closely with the PAG, interested parties and the public at large, as well as the Planning and Design Commissions, and lastly City Council to ensure that issues such as housing diversity and affordability, access to public amenities (such as parks), and urban design quality and sustainability are addressed by this plan and subsequently through the update of the Central City Plan.
Are there ways to participate in this project?
PAG meetings are open to the public as are briefings and hearings with the Design Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. The time and location of upcoming PAG meetings will be posted on this web site. Information about public open house events as well as briefings and hearings with the Design and Planning Commissions will also be posted at this site. In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments please contact Troy Doss, Senior Planner, with the Bureau of Planning at 503-823-5857 or at mailto:troy.doss@ci.portland.or.us
Project Team
The North Pearl District Plan is a joint planning effort led by the Bureau of Planning with assistance by the Portland Development Commission, and Portland Office of Transportation. Additional assistance will also be provided as needed from Portland Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Development Services.
The project team also is complemented by the services of JD White, a division of BERGER/ABAM Engineers Inc., who facilitate meetings of the Project Advisory Team, and the firm of Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects who are lending urban design assistance to the project including the facilitation of a two day urban design and development charrette.
