Albina Vision Trust: Reimagining Renewal

     

    The Lower Albina Neighborhood in Portland, the area around and north of the Rose Quarter along the Willamette River, was the site of several urban renewal and infrastructure projects through the 1950's 60's and 70's. Construction of the Memorial Colosseum, the I-5 freeway, and Legacy Emmanuel Hospital displaced thousands in what was one of Portland's most diverse neighborhoods, and the heart of the black community. In the decades since, real estate investors, city policies and further urban renewal plans have worked to raise housing prices and effectively gentrify not just Albina but much of North Portland.

    Led by local Portlanders, Albina Vision Trust has laid out a plan to reclaim Albina as a livable, affordable place for families, honoring the neighborhood's history by bringing back the life that it once had. Most urban renewal plans are implemented with a focus on economic growth, the results of which often result in the pushing out of existing residents for a new, wealthier population. In their own words, the AVT is trying to "turn urban renewal on its head." In the Trust's 50 year plan, they are attempting to walk the tightrope between new development and affordable living. What they've devised is a combination of shared spaces and affordable housing where the prime real estate (i.e. looking over the Willamette) is publicly shared in the form of a park.

    The 50 year plan has its share of obstacles. Part of the renewal hinges upon Portland Public Schools selling its headquarters. A major infrastructure project would also have to be approves, covering sections of I-5 in order to build upon and connect Albina to the Willamette once again. All the while the AVT will have to combat the economic and political forces that have continued to raise rent and property values, displace black Portlanders, and have contributed to Portland's problems with housing access.

    To learn more, contribute, and stay informed on the important progress of the Albina Vision Trust, you can go to their website here: Albina Vision Trust  In addition to plans for the future, the also have resources to educate yourself on Portland's history of displacement.

    These are the first steps towards undoing the damage of economic driven urban renewal and gentrification in Portland, and steps toward a better and more livable city.