Concrete and cones are taking over 82nd Avenue, as Portland's push to improve pedestrian safety marches on. Construction workers are turning earth and pouring foundations for new crossings at six intersections, reported Portland's Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). As they grind away, base repairs and the installment of signal foundations are also on the agenda.
The construction mayhem means traffic changes for Portlanders. Look out for temporary pedestrian pathways and don't be surprised if you're rerouted during your daily commute – one lane of 82nd Avenue will be a no-go near these bustling zones. Keep an eye out, too, because for a couple of weeks, SE Schiller and SE Clinton streets will be blocked to anything but foot traffic while the new concrete sets.
While the streets are getting a facelift, Portland residents are getting a lifeline. The Portland Housing Bureau is extending a helping hand. The bureau's Eviction Legal Defense Program offers free legal support to those in need, as revealed by the City of Portland's urban planning page. They're directing people towards the Oregon Law Center for eligibility checks and applications.
But it's not all about roadworks and rental woes. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is dangling a carrot for local businesses and organizations keen to go green, with its Community Charging Rebate Program now accepting applications. Those looking to install electric vehicle charging stations have until July 3, 2024, to stake their claim on some of the $2.5 million up for grabs. In a city that breathes progress, ODOT’s program is a nod to the future of transportation, with a green twist.
Meanwhile, Prosper Portland is throwing cash at cultural and economic growth, offering up to $25,000 for local events through its partnership with Travel Portland. It's part of a push to pump vibrancy back into Portland's veins after a series of blows, aiming to bolster both business and community spirit. And for the eco-conscious, the Portland Clean Energy Fund's mini-grants are ripe for the picking, offering a neat $5,000 to groups aligning with climate and social justice goals.
