Plan for city-owned lot includes affordable housing and Natural Grocers store.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
Portland’s plan for a city-owned lot — once set for a Trader Joe’s — includes affordable housing and a Natural Grocers store.
The proposal was unveiled Tuesday at a press conference.
Colas Construction, a minority-owned Portland general contractor, will lead both projects.
Mayor Charlie Hales and Commissioner Dan Saltzman stood alongside African American business and civic leaders Monday to say the developments represent key steps in reversing the displacement of longtime minority residents.
“We should celebrate, but we can’t rest,” Hales said, citing Portland’s profile as a national destination for transplants.
(SOURCE: OregonLive.com)
The project’s initial form was panned when the city announced Trader Joe’s would be a focal point. Community members said the grocery store would spur gentrification.
The Grant Warehouse development relies on $4.5 million in urban renewal money from the Interstate Urban Renewal Area.
PDC officials say that comes from $36 million in urban renewal money slated for affordable housing — $20 million of which was specifically raised to address concerns about growing gentrification. Housing officials say the new development on the Grant Warehouse site will leverage other city funds, and will cost more than $4.5 million.
(SOURCE: OPB)
RELATED NEWS: Portland City Council to determine $20M anti-gentrification proposal; Trader Joe’s will not reconsider Northeast Portland store; Urban renewer
