From: Ellen Lippman

Sent: Sun Jun 28 23:47:37 2020

To: Monroe, Staci

Subject: Re: Alamo Manhattan Blocks Update 6/22/20

Importance: Normal

Portland prides itself on its water and access to it. The placement of the tall buildings so close to the water takes away from neighborhood involvement with the river. I would like the developers to consider reversing the placement of the buildings such that there is a natural decent (stepdown) to the water, from tall to smaller buildings for the development.

I do own a studio apartment in South Waterfront, but I don’t believe the view from it will be positively impacted by this suggested change. Rather, the neighborhood and visitors to it would be positively affected from this visual difference. I did not see any serious consideration to asking the developers consider this design change. I think it would make an enormous difference to the neighborhood. It will be a lasting mistake to approve the design as is.

To quote from the Central City 2035 plan:

“Perhaps more than anything else, the Willamette River has shaped the development of Portland and the Central City. The Willamette is integral to the city’s history, identity and place in the region. The 1988 Plan called for “embracing the river,” so parks, plazas, trails and other uses were added to the riverfront. But there is still great potential for the water- front on both sides of the river.” (page 20)

“POLICY 1.SW-2 Support river and riverfront uses and activities along and near the greenway including active and passive recreation; historic, ecological, maritime and cultural displays; and river transit. Encourage shops and restaurants to locate adjacent to the greenway at key locations.”

“POLICY 4.SW-1 River access, greenway and recreation. Encourage improvements along the Willamette River in South Waterfront to enhance resident, employee and visitor access to and enjoyment of the river for activities such as contemplation, recreational boating, swimming and fishing. “

“POLICY 5.SW-2 Open space network. Create an exemplary open space network that embraces the river as the district’s ‘front yard’”

“POLICY 6.SW-1 High performance district. Encourage “high performance areas” that promote energy efficiently and green building technologies and practices at a neighborhood scale particularly in areas with large amounts of planned new development. “

The current design does not prioritize the river nor is it at a neighborhood scale. It does not allow for easy access, with tall buildings built so close to the water blocking the view of neighbors and visitors alike. The city should continue to prioritize the Willamette River and visual access to it. The design is not reflective of the goals of the City of Portland.

Please have the developers alter the configuration of the buildings to put the Willamette River and neighborhood scale as the central driving goals of their design.

Thank you for consideration of this request.

Ellen Lippman