2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 92

THE PORTLAND PLAN
Healthy Connected City

Element 2

Vibrant Neighborhood Centers
What neighborhood centers will look like, how they will function, and their
sense of place will vary across the city. For example, a neighborhood center
in Southwest might feature compact development along a restored stream,
while an urban edge of buildings might enliven an Inner Eastside main street.
They will contribute to the distinct identity of different parts of Portland by
serving as places for community interaction and providing new opportunities
for public gatherings and public art. Development in centers will enhance built
and natural local landmarks and will be as varied as Portland’s neighborhoods.

Guiding Policies
Integrate parks, plazas or other
gathering places into neighborhood
H-19 centers to provide places for
community activity and social
connections.
Protect and enhance defining places
and features of neighborhood
H-20 centers, including historic
resources, with special attention to
redevelopment areas.
Design civic spaces to include public
art and to highlight the culture
H-21 of neighborhoods and diverse
communities.
Promote energy and resource
conservation at a district
H-22 scale in neighborhood hubs
through compact development,
rehabilitation of existing buildings
and energy efficiencies.

Portlanders who live in neighborhoods with active transportation options,
like safe pedestrian and bicycle routes and with transit that connects them
to work, school, shops and services, can make walking and biking a part
of their daily lives. This can make it easier to get the recommended levels
of exercise and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like obesity,
heart disease and diabetes. More people using active transportation can also
reduce vehicle emissions and lead to better air quality, reducing Portlanders’
exposure to pollution and helping respiratory problems like asthma. Using
active transportation modes can also help reduce household costs.

Invest in underserved areas with
disadvantaged populations,
H-23 incorporating tools to reduce
displacement.

What is active transportation?
Active transportation refers to transportation that involves physical activity,
including walking, biking and using transit (because usually one must walk
or roll to the bus or train).
A recent study of residents in Charlotte, NC, found that users of the city’s
new transit system were 81 percent less likely to become obese. “The Effect
of Light Rail Transit on Body Mass Index and Physical Activity” American
Journal of Preventive Medicine. Volume 39, Issue 2 , Pages 105–112, August
2010.
Automobile trips that can be safely replaced by walking or bicycling offer
the first target for increased physical activity in communities. Changes in
the community environment to promote physical activity may offer the
most practical approach to prevent obesity or reduce its co-morbidities.
Restoration of physical activity as part of the daily routine represents a
— US Center for Disease Control
critical goal.
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April 2012 | www.pdxplan.com