Sustainable City Year Reports 2020-21 (Troutdale)

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Browsing Sustainable City Year Reports 2020-21 (Troutdale) by Author "Irsfeld, Brendan"

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    The Overlook: Affordable Housing in Downtown Troutdale
    (University of Oregon, 2021) Irsfeld, Brendan; Arroyo, John; Brown, Anne; Sandoval, Gerard; Knudson, Kaarin
    Graduate students in the University of Oregon’s Community and Regional Planning program collaborated inthree research groups to propose an affordable housing development on a parcel of land close to downtown Troutdale. The parcel is designated as Opportunity Site 7 (referred to as the Overlook Tract) in the City’s recent Town Center Plan. Each proposal examined affordable housing from a specific topical lens: climate justice, racial justice, and housing instability. Due to the restrictions in place resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the three teams worked mainly in a virtual environment under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students presented three forward- thinking proposals for developing affordable housing on the site. The groups incorporated many similar elements while also distinguishing each proposal by introducing unique recommendations. Using a mixed-use design to support future residents emerged as a predominant theme of each proposal. Commercial space can serve as a place that provides community services and introduces vibrancy to the area when incorporated with housing space. Another similarity among each proposal was to improve Troutdale’s downtown transportation network to better accommodate pedestrians and biking. To conceptualize their proposals, students employed a variety of research methods, including quantitative analysis, content analysis, a literature review, case studies, and participating in a virtual design charette led by faculty at the University of Oregon. This research period allowed each team to form a comprehensive understanding of Troutdale as a place and community. Teams envisioned affordable housing with an understanding of the socioeconomic and demographic shifts within the context of local housing markets, with particular emphasis on living spaces for low-income individuals. Efforts were concentrated on the potential of the parcel to provide affordable housing, in addition to residual benefits for the future growth of the downtown area, a vital concern to Troutdale’s city officials. Of the key recommendations from each group, notable features also include: • Utilizing open space within the development for community- supportive activities, such as maintaining a community garden. • Providing first-floor commercial space to introduce jobs and amenities to the area close to downtown Troutdale. • Creating connections between existing built infrastructure and the site, in addition to downtown neighborhoods in Troutdale. • Incorporating placemaking elements, such as public art and community centers, to reflect the cultural diversity of Troutdale’s citizenry. This report briefly presents the central themes, notable highlights, and key recommendations contained within each group’s proposal for an affordable housing development on the Overlook Tract.
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    Planning For a Vibrant Future: Land Use and Economic Development in Troutdale
    (University of Oregon, 2021-06) Irsfeld, Brendan; Rebecca, Lewis
    UO graduate students collaborated in four research groups to propose amendments to the Goal 2 and 9 chapters of the city of Troutdale Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Students employed a variety of methods to inform their research, including: * Comparisons of Troutdale’s Comprehensive Plan to other relevant planning resources (e.g., Metro 2040 Regional Growth Framework) * Review of relavent case studies * Literature review of mixed-use zoning and economic development trends * Collecting and analyzing U.S. Census data * Drawing on local resources, including previous public outreach efforts and conversations with City planning staff The mixed-use research groups emphasized how a mixed-use zoning designation in the Town Center could help the City both develop the area commercially and accommodate housing needs. According to students’ research, approaching mixed-use zoning through the “fine-grained” approach can reduce the cost of land, increase the number of destinations along a street, and help diversify the local economy. The result can lower barriers of entry to investors and entrepreneurs, thereby cultivating a more resilient economy and vibrant community. Recognizing the needs of the Town Center districts, the second mixed-use group envisioned three newzones. Along Historic Columbia River Highway, a Downtown Mixed Use (MU-1) zone would emphasize commercial development, with residential uses complementing the area. Where the Halsey neighborhood and land along SW 257th Drive are located, a General Mixed Use (MU-2) zone prioritizes residential land use complemented with commercial uses. Students reasoned that these zoning designations can preserve the existing character of the downtown (the MU-1 zone) while meeting residents’ expectations for developing vacant land (foundations of the MU-2 zone). Lastly, an Urban Mixed Use (MU-3) zone would accommodate the unique opportunities afforded by the undeveloped Confluence Site adjacent to downtown. The two economic development groups drew on similar themesand identified the emerging trends communities are using to boost their local economies. Emphasizing the risks posed by climate change, each group recommended that Troutdale prioritize a commitment to creating “green collar jobs” in its local economy. Operating an energy-efficient and less wasteful economy can support residents’ quality of life in the decades to come. In addition, each group presented a unique approach for supporting an emerging micro-retail environment and taking advantage of Troutdale’s available industrial land. One approach emphasized “industrial clustering” or the effort to encourage related businesses in a supply chain to locate near each other. Highlighting the increasing need for data processing capacity, students outlined how Troutdale could leverage its competitive advantages in available industrial land and support emerging micro-retail businesses to take advantage of the benefits data centers provide a 21st century economy.