Neighborhood Associations talk Third Bridge this Week, Also Trees and Blind School

Several neighborhood associations have Third Bridge discussion on the agenda this week!  And they're all on Tuesday.  If you live in these neighborhoods, consider attending to be sure there are voices critical of the giant bridge and highway proposal.

SEMCA
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 10:00 a.m.
Paradise Island Park Recreation Hall (east side of the park)
3100 Turner Road SE

NOLA
Tuesday, June 11, 2013, 6:30 p.m.
Oak Park Community Church of God (Youth Center in the back)
2990 Lancaster Drive NE

Northgate
Tuesday, June 11, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort Clubhouse
4751 Astoria Street NE

Last month in Northgate Steve Dickey introduced a motion in favor of the so-called "Salem Alternative," but it was tabled for more discussion, which will take place this month.  This is worth noting, as Dickey is a Cherriots executive and husband of a City Councilor. It may be that in Northgate there is a pocket of support for a Third-Bridge-Lite!  So if you live there, consider attending!

Other News - Trees and Blind School Plans

There's been lots of talk about street trees the last few months, and here's some good news about them. SESNA resident (and bike rider!) Jeff Leach has worked with the City to put together a street tree catalogue and tree planting project.  Over the winter they planted over 60 trees, and expect to continue the project over several years - until the neighborhood has the makings of a terrific tree canopy!  According to the City it's the biggest tree planting project in the last two decades.  SESNA's effort was a semi-finalist for a national award, even.

At their next meeting, in addition to talking about the "Salem Alternative" Third Bridge Lite, they will be talking about trees!

Thursday, June 13, 2013, 7:00 p.m.
Aldrich Park
1550 Mill Street SE

The deadline for ordering them is July 1st. (As I understand it, the trees are free, but you have to commit to some care and feeding!) SESNA is also talking about planting along the abandoned Geer line, along Oak and Simpson streets. As Oregon's first bicycling governor, T.T. Geer should always have a special place in the hearts of those who bike.

SESNA and the City are also working, I believe, on rolling the program out to other neighborhoods.  So this is another example of ways that the City is not wantonly cutting down trees, but rather has a pretty strong pro-tree policy and project going.

SCAN

On Wednesday, SCAN will be talking about the Hospital's plans for the Blind School property.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Pringle Community Hall
606 Church Street SE

Not sure about your neighborhood association?  Check the City's guide here.  Links to agenda and minutes are here.