Bike-oriented live, work or work/live condosBy Sam Adams
Backbridge Station is situated at the intersection of North Williams, North Vancouver, and N.E. Fremont. It's part of redevelopment underway on a number of vacant lots in the close-in Boise and Eliot neighborhoods. Kaiser says the ground floor will be anchored with 3-5 larger commercial users, which will bring vital services to the area, as well as invigorate the street with lively interaction. In perhaps the most unique aspect of this project, the 41 condo units , (ranging from 750-1800 s.f.,) will all be available for either live, work, or live/work uses. Working with the City of Portland, Kaiser says he has worked to resolve the building code problems that stand in the way of developing true Live/Work space. Backbridge Station will be available to the commercial purchaser, such as a massage therapist, an architect, or a dress designer, as well as to the residential purchaser. The development envisions a dynamic mix of owners, working together to bring new life to a long dormant corner.
The ground floor condominiums will embrace North Williams, and N.E. Fremont avenues with overhead doors that can be thrown open to capture the energy of the area. "We envision these ground floor condominiums to be purchased by those interested in home offices, or other uses which look for a more public appearance," says Kaiser. The balance of the units above will all have large outdoor areas, and will either face the views and the solitude of the East, or the views and the vibrancy of the West. Kaiser gives me hope that that his bike-oriented projects will offer a market-rate but affordable living/business breakthrough solution Portland needs. Posted Thu, 02/15/2007 - 10:42am.
Bike friendlySubmitted by Tommy on Sun, 02/18/2007 - 9:58am.
I am now a renter and soon hopefully a condo deweller. I am going to be getting more focused on beginning to up grade on my bike riding. In the process moving further away from having an interest of owning and operating a moter vehicle. » reply
As long as the project isSubmitted by Anthony on Fri, 02/16/2007 - 12:28pm.
As long as the project is privately financed in its entirety (including no TOD/TIF/tax schemes) and there is plenty of parking for each unit.. I would be interested to see how this turns out. » reply
My partner and I don't own aSubmitted by Jessica Roberts on Fri, 02/16/2007 - 2:47pm.
My partner and I don't own a car and we have no plans to buy one. Why should I have to pay for parking I won't use? A recent NYT article estimated that constructing a garage or parking spot adds $40,000 to the cost of housing. If we want to get serious about affordable housing, how about letting those of us who are already opting out of the car rat race opt out of paying out of pocket for parking! Now, bike parking is a must for us...any word on if there will be a shared bike room or other bike parking accommodation? » reply
BackBridge StationSubmitted by BBS on Sat, 02/17/2007 - 10:22am.
The parking spaces are sold separately so you don't pay for parking if you don't need it and there will be bike lockers on each floor. » reply
living close to work? - what a jokeSubmitted by Greg Tompkins on Sun, 02/18/2007 - 7:43pm.
You know what? I am really tired of them trying to cram the "live close to your work" concept down our throats. I used to live in Beaverton until last April. I made the environmentally responsible choice to move to Portland so I could be right across the street from where I work. Well when my rent came up for renewal it increased by 8%. To add to that, they eliminated the residential parking permit program so that's another $100 a month! So all in all, my rent has really increased nearly 22%! I wrote to Commisioner Sam about this grievous injustice and his office's response was "tough luck". Well I am moving out of Portland. It's too expensive! I am going to return to the suburbs and resume commuting every day into work and enlarging my carbon footprint. If they really WANT people to live according to their vision, then they must make it reasonable to do so. It seems to me that you either have to either be rich or homeless to live in Portland. » reply
Greg says: "Well I am movingSubmitted by First time home buyer!! on Tue, 02/20/2007 - 9:51am.
Greg says: "Well I am moving out of Portland. It's too expensive! .............It seems to me that you either have to either be rich or homeless to live in Portland." Hi Greg, Have you really looked into what it takes to get into a home in Portland? You sound like me a couple of years ago. My personal income is below the median income for the city of Portland and I recently just purchased my first home (not a condo) in inner-city Portland. All it took was some reasonable financial planning and a prudent budget. Here are some resources that you may be interested in. #1) The state has a great program providing financial assistance and loans at below market interest rates for first time home buyers. It's pretty incredible actually. Here's the website. http://www.ohcs.oregon.gov/OHCS/SFF_OregonBondHome.shtml #2) The Portland Housing Center provides GREAT assistance in providing classes and counseling for anything related to buying a home. I took their Homebuying 101 class and I can't recommend it enough! Here's the website: http://www.portlandhousingcenter.org I thought buying a home was un-attainable in Portland too, but then I realized that really wasn't the case at all and that I was just making excuses for myself by not taking control of my financial situation and utilizing the resources available to Oregonians. Ultimately, the whole process was far easier than I had anticipated. » reply
it's called a marketSubmitted by Ron on Mon, 02/19/2007 - 9:33am.
Greg, So you are going to move back to Beaverton where you have to have a car to get to work so that you don't have to pay the extra 22%? Why not give up your car and save the $100 a month (plus insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) and pay the extra 8%? Seems like a no brainer to me. Of course maybe you need your car for other things, but we have a nice transit system, bicycles, and flex car. That's what I do although I must admit that we do own a car because we have an infant. I rarely drive it though. » reply
Why on earth would I give upSubmitted by Greg Tompkins on Mon, 02/19/2007 - 10:34am.
Why on earth would I give up my car which I already PAID for? Maybe I happen to LIKE my car! I also started a small business consulting company out of my home - I can't imagine riding Tri-Met to get to all my appointments. I would waste time every day riding the bus. They shouldn't be punishing me because I choose to keep my car. If they wanted me to "reduce my carbon footprint" then they should reward, rather than punish me. The "no brainer" would be to get out of this overpriced ghetto. Employers aren't keeping up with "market demand" in increasing their wages with the housing prices. So in essence, remaining in Portland would actually be a reduction, rather than increase in my monthly take home pay. I am moving back to Beaverton or better yet outside of Metro Region altogether. If Measure 505 doesn't pass then hopefully I can get one of my family's lots in Dayton. But knowing how these dictators operate they want to cram 2 million more people into the tiny Metro area and force them to pay tons of money to live here and drive out all the major employers at the same time! I cannot stand riding on Tri-Met. Every time I have attempted to ride the max, it's so full that I have to stand. I cannot tolerate the stinky bums who constantly harass me. Not to mention it doesn't go to where my family lives out in Dayton. Why should I be forced to live at such a low standard? Is this what they term "livability"? What a joke. » reply
How much does it cost inSubmitted by jim karlock on Mon, 02/19/2007 - 12:39pm.
How much does it cost in subsidies and other expenses top remove ONE car from the daily commute? Compare that with the cost of just providing the road capacity. BTW: please quit reducing road capacity, like appears to be happening at 37th and Sandy, where 3 lanes entering the intersection are being turned into two. Thanks » reply
Ron: As demand for close inSubmitted by jim karlock on Mon, 02/19/2007 - 12:51pm.
Ron: As demand for close in housing increases, so will rents... no surprise. Ron: So you are going to move back to Beaverton where you have to have a car to get to work so that you don't have to pay the extra 22%? Why not give up your car and save the $100 a month (plus insurance, maintenance, and depreciation) and pay the extra 8%? Seems like a no brainer to me. Ron: I rarely drive it though. Thanks » reply
What is your real name andSubmitted by jim karlock on Tue, 02/20/2007 - 12:54am.
What is your real name and what was the question? Thanks » reply
I am very interested in your benefactors, too.Submitted by Roland_Chlapowski on Tue, 02/20/2007 - 10:27am.
Jim, I have to say, your evasion has heightened my interest in the question that has been posed to you numerous times. Do you receive income from any interest-groups or other third parties who have a stake in land use and transportation issues? The American Dream Coalition, maybe? Just answer the question. If anyone else on this blog acted like this, you'd call them "planner breath" and attempt to soil their name and undermine their points. So what are you so afraid of? -Roland Chlapowski. You have my name, number, email, place of work, all that. So I am hardly anonymous or hiding my identity. Is this enough information for you to answer the question? » reply
Don't hold...Submitted by Don't hold your breath on Wed, 02/21/2007 - 12:18am.
Roland, I wouldn't hold your breath. It is curious, though, isn't it/ » reply
recent data?Submitted by Ron on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 4:41am.
What does that mean? "Recent data" that you made up in your head? Metro's artificial shortage of land? Do you think metro prints land like dollar bills? Yes we have urban growth boundaries, but we have to grow food too don't we? Oh, and your comments about car drivers subsidizing anything is ludicrous. Face facts Jim, driving a personal automobile is one of the most subsidized activities that one can undertake. Did you happen to catch the Bob Woodruff special on brain injuries in Iraq? Factor that into your cost per gallon then get back to me about what driving a car is subisidizing. » reply
forgot this...Submitted by Ron on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 4:56am.
JK says: That accounts for about ½ of the cost of housing in the region, so it is probably safe to say that 1/3 or MORE of you rent is going to support Metro’s artificial shortage of land. Do you expect anyone to take you seriously when you just invent numbers? Seriously, do you pull them out of a hat and sprinkle them in your posts? Oh, and I've seen your website which is equally puzzling... » reply
Those are not inventedSubmitted by jim karlock on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 5:40pm.
Those are not invented numbers (except as stated within the quote), they are based on research based on real estate industry stats. see: ti.org. Also see: americandreamcoalition.org/penalty.html As to my web site, what are do you find puzzling? * The proof that MAX has 3x the death rate of local cars. * The links to newspaper articles and city council minutes that shoe that MAX did not cause development? * Or maybe you didn’t like to find proof that a hybrid car uses MUCH less energy that a bus and not much more than MAX (not counting construction energy). * Maybe I need to improve my proof that increased density increases congestion? * Were puzzled by Metro’s data that high density costs more than low density? Come on, what did you really find puzzling? Thanks » reply
Come on, what did you really find puzzling?Submitted by Debunked on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 10:09pm.
The fact that you continue to not answer the straight forward questions posed here to you be people with names, with no names, with phone numbers, with made up names. What do they need to do, stand on their heads? It is the same question you ask others. » reply
"Debunked" be sure to seeSubmitted by jim karlock on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 10:44pm.
"Debunked" be sure to see DebunkingPortland.com for new insite on Portland's problems. Thanks » reply
What I find puzzling Jim isSubmitted by Ron on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 10:38pm.
What I find puzzling Jim is that you would refer people to a site with specious numbers and confusing inferences. Any idiot can lie with statistics, but when you attempt to lie with statistics and then cloak your methodology in a confusing and disorganized website that forces people to click on 5 or 6 links to actually verify the numbers that you are using, you appear dishonest. I know you are passionate about pavement and roads and cars and parking lots, but if you are going to cite numbers and then reference back to your confusing website, nobody will go there more than once. Its just not a compelling reference. » reply
Ron: Any idiot can lie withSubmitted by jim karlock on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 10:55pm.
Ron: Any idiot can lie with statistics, but when you attempt to lie with statistics and then cloak your methodology in a confusing and disorganized website that forces people to click on 5 or 6 links to actually verify the numbers that you are using, you appear dishonest. As to lying - that is the speciality of the planning class because if they told the truth, they would all be suddenly un-employed. If you find any errors on my site, please let me know & I’ll correct them as I have done in the past Thanks for the advise. JK Visit DebunkingPortland.com for the truth about Portland. » reply
Non-Transit Use CreditSubmitted by Greg Tompkins on Mon, 02/19/2007 - 1:23pm.
How about they provide a tax credit to those who agree NOT to use transit? Maybe they can provide free parking to those of us who own hybrid/electric cars or otherwise "reduce our carbon footprint" by living and working close together. I loathe riding Tri-Met! Last time I rode a bus the whole thing reeked of bums and booze. It seems really stupid to me that they can build a $3 billion MAX system and then not even break even on operating it! All the while they jack up rents sky high and lie to us that this is an "environmentally friendly city". B.S.! It's filthy dirty and they dump sewage into the river. Other cities around the state have been punished severely for this type of action. How is Portland getting away with it? The "livability advocates", meanwhile, probably all live in Lake Oswego and drive their Lexuses and BMW's into town every day while the rest of us suckers get screwed over. Let's do something truly progressive. Get rid of Tri-Met and subsidize everyone to purchase environmentally friendly vehicles and make the area grid and freeway systems better. QUIT PUNISHING THE CAR OWNERS!!! » reply
Glad to see progress on thisSubmitted by Lenny Anderson on Wed, 02/21/2007 - 11:24am.
Glad to see progress on this project. Its located on a corner, Fremont & Williams, where PDOT staff recently recommended eliminating on-street parking to insure the free flow of auto traffic north on Williams and east on Fremont, contrary to everything we say we are doing to create safe and multi-modal streets. » reply
EXPENSIVE!!!Submitted by Greg Tompkins on Wed, 02/21/2007 - 7:56pm.
I actually looked at the pricing for these condos. What a ripoff! How are they planning to address housing affordability in this city? They keep cramming more and more people into the tight UGB. I live in Portland near Lloyd Center and today I found my rent is going up AGAIN! Actually, MUCH faster than my salary is. Add to that the fact the City decided to eliminate the residential streetside parking program. I am giving serious consideration to moving back to Beaverton or even out to McMinnville and resuming my polluting activities while driving to my employment in Portland every day. If the state would fix their stupid land use laws and free up more land for residential development it would fix this artificial supply and demand problem we've got here in the Metro area. » reply
Greg Tompkins: I actuallySubmitted by jim karlock on Thu, 03/01/2007 - 11:18pm.
Greg Tompkins: I actually looked at the pricing for these condos. What a ripoff! How are they planning to address housing affordability in this city? They keep cramming more and more people into the tight UGB. I live in Portland near Lloyd Center and today I found my rent is going up AGAIN! Actually, MUCH faster than my salary is. Greg Tompkins: Add to that the fact the City decided to eliminate the residential streetside parking program. Greg Tompkins: I am giving serious consideration to moving back to Beaverton or even out to McMinnville and resuming my polluting activities while driving to my employment in Portland every day. Greg Tompkins: If the state would fix their stupid land use laws and free up more land for residential development it would fix this artificial supply and demand problem we've got here in the Metro area. Thanks » reply
Karlock, truth?Submitted by Debunked on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 12:38am.
I'll repeat the most recent question since you seem to keep dodging it: "Jim, I have to say, your evasion has heightened my interest in the question that has been posed to you numerous times. Do you receive income from any interest-groups or other third parties who have a stake in land use and transportation issues? The American Dream Coalition, maybe? Just answer the question. If anyone else on this blog acted like this, you'd call them "planner breath" and attempt to soil their name and undermine their points. So what are you so afraid of? -Roland Chlapowski. You have my name, number, email, place of work, all that. So I am hardly anonymous or hiding my identity. Is this enough information for you to answer the question? » reply
If you really are RolandSubmitted by jim karlock on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 1:54am.
If you really are Roland Chlapowski, why did you use another name when you posted this? If you really are Roland Chlapowski, email me from your city address. Thanks » reply
Jim, It is clearly evidentSubmitted by Dan Callaway on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 9:54am.
Jim, It is clearly evident based on your consistent refusal to answer any question that relates to your background, that you do indeed have a financial interest or have received income from interest groups or third parties that have a stake in land use and transportation issues. It is my understanding that this website is primarily a site for community members and for interaction between local citizens, not for posting spam from lobbyists such as you appear to be. I, and probably most people who visit this website, enjoy reading only input from local community members who don't have financial interests in advocating particular positions. So, unless you clear the air once and for all, it would be prudent to suggest you take your campaign to forums more appropriate to individuals of your type. Thanks, » reply
Lobbying?Submitted by Clay Fouts on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 11:02am.
If Jim spends more than sixteen hours per quarter filling this blog with his "statistics" and is working under the auspices of an interest group, does that mean he has to register with the city as a lobbyist? » reply
Credibility?Submitted by Zeke on Fri, 03/02/2007 - 9:14pm.
Karlock's credibility was already undermined by his cherry picking of data and his willingness to call names. The fact that he refuses to answer a question that he has demanded others answer only further places him in the internet hall of shame. The question is how long he can keep dodging the question...and how long he will stay away this time before he dares to show his face again. Pretty funny for a guy who pretends to shine the light on others. » reply
Zeke Karlock's credibilitySubmitted by jim karlock on Sat, 03/03/2007 - 1:20pm.
Zeke Karlock's credibility was already undermined by his cherry picking of data Zeke and his willingness to call names. Zeke The fact that he refuses to answer a question that he has demanded others answer only further places him in the internet hall of shame. The question is how long he can keep dodging the question... Zeke and how long he will stay away this time before he dares to show his face again. Thanks » reply
Why the heck would I answerSubmitted by jim karlock on Sun, 03/04/2007 - 11:50am.
Why the heck would I answer anything for someone who constantky lies about his identity. Forget it. Thanks » reply
You RefuseSubmitted by Doesn't Matter on Sat, 03/10/2007 - 12:49am.
You don't answer the same question put to you by people who tell there name, to people who do not tell their name or to people who lie about their name. You are worse than a politician. Tell the truth JK. As you always say, what do you have to hide? » reply
I see you are still hidingSubmitted by jim karlock on Sat, 03/10/2007 - 11:43pm.
I see you are still hiding behind a false identity. Thanks » reply
I have the feelingSubmitted by Mr. Tired on Mon, 03/12/2007 - 9:36pm.
I don't think that it's just one person asking you these questions JK. Sam Adams asked you himself. Plenty of people with both names and not have asked. I know that not all of the people without "real" names were me. What more do you need? I'm not a paid troll. Are you? Why won't you tell the truth? What are YOU hiding behind? » reply
JK is my hero!Submitted by Greg Tompkins on Sat, 03/03/2007 - 2:26am.
Mr Karlock, You are my hero! I was in attendance at the Lake Oswego town hall meeting that you got browbeat from my buddy Macpherson for videotaping. These liberal simpletons need to be held to account. Can you post photos on your site of what kind of housing arrangements they all have? I think it would be very interesting. I am very disturbed to see how quickly this state has denigrated and nobody wants to accent responsibility for anything. I have yet to receive any type of acknowledgement from Mr. Adams regarding my concern. He must be busy planning the next taxpayer-funded tram or controversial art project. It seems to me they are rewarding and encouraging mediocrity. A recent trip on our lovely and “livable” MAX today was very dehumanizing. One individual even told me to “GO F MYSELF” after I called him into account for spitting on the floor of the car. I saw a huge fight break out this evening and the driver did little to stop it even though fists were flying. And to think they are trying to punish everyone for owning cars and making everyone buy into this stupid concept of “livability”??? They may as well build a giant prison and put us all in it because that’s what it’s starting to feel like in this pathetic town. "The City that Works". They should call it "Dysfuncional and Quixotic Ideas Town" instead. » reply
$310K for the cheapest unit!Submitted by Steve on Sat, 03/10/2007 - 12:27pm.
$310K for the cheapest unit! Forget about starvin' artists in live-work space! Oops, I guess Sam will need to find some way to subsidize this further now. Maybe he could find some way to attract employers who pay decent wages instead. » reply
For, should anythingSubmitted by fuck on Sun, 10/28/2007 - 7:35am.
For, should anything external to him, and in no way connected with him by right, affect this object, it could not affect himself as a subject, nor do him any wrong, unless he stood in a relation of ownership to it. Simple and sensible forms of social control lead to social stability, and to the creation of model social subjects; and in the process, corruption, and all its corresponding disruptive vices, are usefully driven out from society. We might here briefly look at one other example of a crime which is threatened with bondage, in order to further grasp the reasons for the severity of such punishment: adultery. » reply
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i'm not sure what to think
i'm not sure what to think about condos in general. "owning" an apartment with no land has always seemed like a bad long-term investment, but then, fools and their money...
but i really, really wish i could live in the new building housing the bike-thru black sheep bakery in the otherwise industrial district near the hawthorne bridge. i notice they're not advertising condos or apartments available, probably because they got taken immediately.
more housing like that, near bikeways and great businesses, and not too far from downtown, is a great idea (ignoring for now the fact that even as a dink, i probably couldn't afford to live in any new condo).