PO Box 15033

Portland, OR 97293

May 5, 2005

Dear Will,

On April 20, 2005, the HAND Board voted to endorse the installation of speed bumps on SE 21st between Division and Powell. Over 60 people attended the meeting, and we heard testimony from 14 residents. Of these, 12 spoke in favor of the project, and two were opposed. The HAND Board voted 7 to 1 to support the project, with one abstention.

Although the Board strongly endorsed the project, it is important that I convey a few of the issues raised. The voices opposed to the project were primarily concerned with the potential for diversion of traffic from SE 21st onto other neighborhood streets, especially SE 25th and SE 26th. While PDOT's technical evaluation of the project indicated that diversion was unlikely, it cannot be ruled out. If a significant level of diversion does occur onto SE 25th, SE 26th, or any other neighborhood street, residents and the HAND Board alike will expect PDOT's full and immediate attention to work with us to find a solution. While we see the need to slow traffic on SE 21st, we are not willing to do so at the expense of our other neighborhood streets.

Also, through our resolution, the HAND Board has made it clear that we do not see traffic calming on 21st as a goal accomplished, but rather as a single step in our ongoing efforts to address traffic issues throughout the neighborhood. We expect PDOT to continue to work with us as partners in this effort.

Will, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize the work that you have put into this project, both in public and within PDOT. It is apparent that you are fully committed to addressing traffic safety issues, even when the solutions are not easy, and I think that HAND and the other neighborhoods you have worked with owe you a debt of gratitude. Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Chris Eykamp

HAND Chair