Overlook Neighborhood Update (Oct. 21)

1) Mayor Wheeler says Hazelnut Grove will move
2) Join OKNA for a neighborly visit to Hazelnut Grove (Oct. 28)
3) Concerned about traffic? We want your input (Oct. 25)
4) League of Women Voters pub night in Overlook (Oct. 24)
5) Legislative town hall with Kotek, Sanchez and Frederick (Nov. 4)
6) Bethel players’ fall production


1) Mayor Wheeler says Hazelnut Grove will move

A representative of Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office visited the Overlook Neighborhood Association general meeting on Tuesday and announced that the mayor is committed to moving the Hazelnut Grove homeless village from its current site near the intersection of N Interstate and N Greeley avenues. She also said that the mayor’s office will oversee issues related to Hazelnut Grove going forward, not Commissioner Chloe Eudaly.

The challenge is identifying a piece of land suitable for Hazelnut Grove to move to. The mayor’s office asks that anyone with ideas share them. They are especially interested in partnering with businesses, nonprofits and religious organizations that have open land or a parking lot suitable to host Hazelnut Grove and other groups.

KGW and KOIN had coverage of the announcement with additional details.


2) Join OKNA for a neighborly visit to Hazelnut Grove (Oct. 28)

All are welcome to join OKNA’s Homeless Outreach Committee for a tour of Hazelnut Grove. Visitors will sit in on the weekly Saturday meeting of residents and learn more about the organization. This is an opportunity to get to know Hazelnut Grove residents and to listen with an open and neighborly spirit. We hope you’ll join us and extend the invite to anyone interested. Questions? E-mail OKNA Board Member Noelle Smith at noellensmith573@gmail.com.

Visit Hazelnut Grove
Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m.
Intersection of N Interstate and N Greeley avenues

3) Concerned about traffic? We want your input (Oct. 25)

A group of concerned residents from the Arbor Lodge and Overlook neighborhoods is collecting public input on unsafe traffic occurrences along the N Greeley Avenue corridor.  Public input will be used to evaluate areas of most concern in order to help us develop traffic studies and to initiate discussions with appropriate city agencies.

Please take a moment to complete the traffic safety survey. It can be completed online or in-person at the traffic safety meeting on Wednesday. Even if you complete the survey online, you’re invited to the meeting on Wednesday to meet neighbors and enjoy free refreshments. Our goal is Safe And Sound All Around.

Arbor Lodge/OKNA traffic safety meeting
Wednesday, Oct. 25, 6:30-8 p.m.
Madrona Hill Café (5937 N Greely Ave.)

4) League of Women Voters pub night in Overlook (Oct. 24)

The League of Women Voters of Portland will hold a pub night social even at the Lucky Labrador Tap Room on N Killingsworth on Tuesday. Attendees can ask questions and learn about the League. Meet fellow Portland residents who are interested in civic education and democracy.

League of Women Voters pub night
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Lucky Labrador Tap Room (1700 N Killingsworth St.)

5) Legislative town hall with Kotek, Sanchez and Frederick (Nov. 4)

North Portland’s delegation in Salem will hold a town hall on Saturday, Nov. 4. House Speaker Tina Kotek, Rep. Tawna Sanchez and Sen. Lew Frederick will recap this year’s legislative session, answer questions and discuss what comes next. The Legislature holds a short session next year.

Legislative Town Hall
Saturday, Nov. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.
PCC Cascade, Terrell Hall Auditorium (Corner of N Kerby and N Jessup)

6) Bethel players’ fall production

Every year, Bethel Lutheran Church’s Bethel Players put on an original musical comedy to raise money for their Drop-In Center, which serves kids in the neighborhood. This year’s production “Desperate Churchwives” will run the first two weekends in November with a free dress rehearsal performance on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. Click here for ticketing details and full schedule.