Overlook Neighborhood Update (March 6, 2015)

1) Madrona Park heritage tree update2) I-5 closures to affect North Portland3) Nature in Neighborhoods grants available4) OLCC wants input on marijuana regulations (March 12)5) Climate preparation and action----------1) Madrona Park heritage tree updateThe heritage madrona tree in Madrona Park fell on Presidents Day. Although the city promptly removed the remnants for safety, it has preserved the wood.Neighbors and the Overlook Neighborhood Association are working with Parks officials about what to do next. The neighborhood’s proposal will include placing the tree/logs back in the natural area so that people can see the beauty of the tree, native trees and the importance of planting them.Stay tuned for updates as we learn more.----------2) I-5 closures to affect North PortlandDo you travel on I-5 at night or early on the weekends? ODOT is beginning work to replace the green freeway signs from SW Corbett St. to N. Lombard St. to be more reflective and easier to read. Later this summer, ODOT will also be repaving approximately seven miles of roadway on I-5 between SW Capitol Highway and the Marquam Bridge. Periodically this work will require full freeway closures in the active work areas at night.Overlook Neighborhood Association is coordinating with ODOT to bring you more information at an upcoming OKNA general meeting. Stay tuned to the weekly update for more details as they become available. In the meantime, learn more about this project and get the latest on closure and detour information online.

----------3) Nature in Neighborhoods grants availableWant to restore and care for nature in your community?If you have a vision for getting rid of weeds, improving water quality, creating fish and wildlife habitat or restoring nature in the Portland metropolitan area, a Metro Nature in Neighborhoods restoration grant can help get your idea off the ground.Grants are available for individuals, community groups, businesses, neighborhoods, nonprofits, schools and school groups, government agencies, faith groups and service groups with nonprofit or other tax-exempt status.Metro is especially interested in projects that invite communities of color to participate in the design, development, implementation and future benefits of projects.Thanks to a 2013 parks and natural areas levy approved by the region’s voters, Metro expects to award about $700,000 in restoration grants this year.Metro will provide more information at an upcoming workshop. Pre-Applications are due on April 21.Restoration grant workshopWednesday, April 1, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Metro Regional Center (600 NE Grand Ave.)----------4) OLCC wants input on marijuana regulations (March 12)The Oregon Liquor Control Commission has been hosting public meetings around the state to receive public input on recreational marijuana regulations. On Thursday, March 12, they come to Portland. Under the voter-approved law, personal possession of recreational marijuana becomes legal on July 1 of this year. The OLCC must begin accepting applications for commercial licenses next January, with retail stores to open by late 2016.This is your opportunity to tell OLCC how much or how little you want them to regulate what stores might open in Overlook.Learn more online.OLCC marijuana meetingThursday, March 12, 7 – 9 p.m.Left Bank Annex (101 N Weidler St.)----------5) Climate preparation and actionThe City of Portland and Multnomah County have released the draft 2015 Climate Action Plan for public comment. The draft plan builds on Portland’s 20+ year legacy of climate action and provides a roadmap for the community to achieve an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of a 40 percent reduction by 2030.For more information and to read the draft 2015 Climate Action Plan and submit your comments, visit the project site.