Other News...

The Cell Tower Saga

by David Wiens

On March 7th, a bureaucratic email was sent to multiple Sumner residents. Along with a lengthy PDF, the body of the email contained the undramatic phase: "Decision: Reversed". Those two words signified an unmitigated victory for many Sumner residents in their battle against plans to build an unattractive Cell Tower in the northern quadrant of Sumner Neighborhood.

The Backstory

• Last October 2024, Sumner residents became aware of plans by a company named TruNorth to build a new 100-foot cell tower. While technically on commercially zoned property, the proposed Webster Street tower would be only yards away from multiple residential houses.
• In the following months, nearby neighbors quickly organized and worked to build a united front of opposition, citing the imposing visual nuisance, decreased property values, and a general degradation of the area's character. Credit for leading this effort belongs mostly to residents Erin Middleton and Denell Graham (though many others lent their support).
• Despite Sumner’s well-organized opposition, Portland Permitting & Development approved the cell tower permit on December 9th, 2024
• In a last-ditch effort, the Sumner Association of Neighbors (SAN) filed an appeal of the decision, and the appeal hearing took place on January 27th.
• As noted above, the appeals officer reversed the permit decision and denied the permit on March 7th. The grounds for rejection were insufficient documentation that an attempt had been made to upgrade existing cell towers in the area. With the permit denied, development cannot continue.

Present and Future

Going forward, there is a dash of uncertainty whether this book is closed or whether TruNorth will make another push to gain the permit to build a Cell Tower at the same location. But for now, neighbors are cautiously jubilant.

To celebrate the Appeals victory, Sumner resident Denell Graham threw a potluck get-together in her backyard. When cutting the Cell Tower Cake (somewhat reminiscent of the Dark Tower of Mordor, though actually a delicious edifice of brandy snaps), Denell’s son Solomon began a chant of "Take it down! Take it down!" which was joined by others in a light-hearted moment of solidarity and merriment. The saga may yet get a sequel, but most are hopeful that the tale is concluded.

Rocky Butte Farmers Market will soon reopen for 2025

The Rocky Butte Farmers Market returns for another year. And given its benefits to our neighborhood, this year SAN has decided to become a sponsor! When: Every Saturday from 9AM to 1PM, May 24th through October Where: NE Siskiyou & NE 80th Ave

For more info, visit www.rockybuttemarket.com

Sumner Newsletter: An Update

by David Wiens

This Sumner Newsletter (sometimes by the name of "Sumner Sun") is an admittedly inconsistent enterprise. The publication interval is not well defined. Sometimes it is email-only, while other times it is mailed out. Styling is varied, to say the least.

But in the current year, we are aiming to reset and possibly redefine what the neighborhood newsletter looks like! If you are interested in helping with the newsletter, please email sumner.publicity@gmail.com

And as always, to add your email address to the email mailing list, go to www.sumnerpdx.org and submit using the sidebar form on the right.

A Word from the Sumner Chair

by Yvonne Rice

What is a Neighborhood Association? Neighborhood associations are groups of residents who meet to accomplish goals in their communities. Members include homeowners, renters, business owners, school faculty, religious institution officials. I, and others, that have been lucky enough to serve on the Board took this volunteer position to ensure neighbors voices were always heard and when no one else was willing to serve, we kept the neighborhood association active. We have made a concerted effort to always include ALL neighbors, listen to their concerns and offer help and assistance. How have we done this? We have been there and always been accessible. We have coordinated community meetings and events such as cleanup’s, Neighbors Night Out, shredding events, a neighborhood parade, just to name a few with hardly any volunteers. We have been there to support neighbors when drug houses (five to be exact, including the house on the hill) were making their neighbors lives a living hell. It was never just the Neighborhood board. We helped bring neighbors, city bureaus, the City of Portland and Portland Police together. Did it happen overnight, no.  The average time took two to three years and while it was extremely challenging, it was always so rewarding with such a positive ending and we were there for the neighbors and met a lot of great people.