Two wonderful pieces of news for the neighborhood.
1. The Pioneer Square BIA expansion was passed unanimously by City Council on Monday September 23rd. This ensures that Pioneer Square will have resources for on-going economic development for years to come. What does this mean to me you ask? If you want additional information please visit our BIA Expansion page on our web-site or e-mail BIA@pioneersquare.org and one of our team will answer your questions. On behalf of the BIA Ratepayer Board, I would like to thank all of the neighborhood business owners and staff who stepped up to ensure that this happened. It was truly a team effort. Well done everyone!
2. Yesterday afternoon the City Council passed a piece of legislation that allows the development at 200 Occidental to move forward (PDF of Council Bill). The Community Benefits of this development include several components….activating the east edge of Occidental Park (something the neighborhood has long wanted/needed), brings much needed market rate residential apartments to Pioneer Square, and lastly, the developer will be purchasing and installing a Portland Loo….something else Pioneer Square has long needed. This too was an effort that required many partners. Our thanks to everyone who worked on the various aspects of this project.
Thanks to everyone for their on-going support and belief in a better Pioneer Square. See you in the neighborhood!
Leslie Smith
Executive Director
ALLIANCE FOR PIONEER SQUARE