If you’ve been to the east side lately, you’ve probably noticed the rapid number of construction projects scattered throughout the local area. Many of these new projects are focused on building apartment complexes aimed at housing the growing number of SE residients. One question that many folks have is, where are all these people supposed to park? Short answer, wherever they can. In fact, 11 apartment complexes are either proposed or under construction and none have accounted for on-site parking.
Apparently the city has encouraged this type of development for a long time – 1990’s - hoping that apartment buildings built without parking would push people to use alternative forms of transportation. While lessening our carbon footprint by way of way bike or public transit is positive, the plan still does not take into account how many of these new apartment dwellers still own cars.
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has taken notice of these concerns and is re-examining the current zoning laws that allow apartments to be developed without any on-site parking. Read more about it here.
Comments