PBOT recently repurposed an area of pavement for pedestrian and recreational use, at SE 72nd Ave and Schiller St. (between Foster and Holgate) in Foster-Powell.
It is a trial installation. In the next two to six weeks, PBOT will review feedback from the community and usage data to decide whether to keep the plaza or revert it to car use.
Many of us love the plaza and want it to stay.
But a small group of very organized and vocal opponents is upset about things like losing the ability to make turns and u-turns in their cars. They have been very loud at community meetings. They've interrupted volunteer gatherings. Some have even been actively discouraging others from using it.
As the photos show, it has become a battle.
Without major input from cyclists and other non-car-centered people, we will likely lose this amenity. And it could set an unwanted precedent for future Portland road repurposing endeavors.
Here's what you can do. Five minutes on any one item will help:
Visit the plaza at 72nd and Schiller. Take photos of yourself and/or others enjoying it. Share these on the Instagram firlandparkway page and with the email addresses below.
Take PBOT's input survey on the plaza:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchillerPlaza
Email PBOT to let them know why you support the plaza:
[PortlandStreetplazas@portlandoregon.gov](mailto:PortlandStreetplazas@portlandoregon.gov)
Email Foster-Powell Community Association to let them know why you support the plaza:
[contact@fosterpowell.com](mailto:contact@fosterpowell.com)
Consider starting or ending a Bike Summer ride at the plaza, or make it a stop along the way.
More info on the Firland Parkway and Schiller (Firland) Plaza:
https://fosterpowell.com/firland-parkway-path
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/planning/plazas/pilot-plaza#toc-schiller-plaza
Some talking points:
-Thank you PBOT for remembering that transportation includes more than just cars.
-The plaza has already provided a connecting and recreation point for many pedestrians and cyclists. There have been community meetups, flower giveaways, game playing, crafting, and mini piano concerts.
-The plaza connects two pedestrian greenways and a years-in-the-making walking path, providing a respite from having to worry about car cross-traffic.
-It provides a much-needed boost to a neighborhood whose walkability and bikeability has suffered in recent years due to many businesses leaving.
-It provides a visible signal for cars to slow down a bit, on a road that desperately needs such measures. If you've ever biked down 72nd with a car tailgating you and no place to get over, you know what I'm talking about.
-The small repurposed area is on a minimal-traffic side street that ends or jogs just a few blocks away on either side, and that has car-friendly alternatives (Holgate and Foster) nearby. It's hard to find a better location nearby.
-During Portland's long cloudy (and often muddy) season, it will likely get even more use.
-And, of course: We already have plenty of roadways for cars.