The Uptown Planners held their monthly meeting last night to hear and make recommendation on community planning. Representatives from Safeway, parent company to Von’s made their second presentation to the Planners and interested neighbors. They have made many modifications to the proposed remodel of the present Von’s store at Dove and Washington streets. Neighbors, mostly from Mission Hills, complimented the representatives for listening to and responding to the community’s concerns over the original design. Safeway biggest obstacle now seems to be that the city wants them to widen University behind the store. The Uptown Planners will vote on a recommendation to the city at their June meeting.
The Planners also gave a thumbs up supporting the concept of a Portland-style streetcar idea that has percolated up from a group of Hillcrest neighbors, community leaders, property and business owners. Planner Jim Mellos, Bankers Hill attorney and Five Points property owner, presented a Five Points proposal to break away from both the the Mission Hills BID and Uptown Partnership. His group is working towards the formation of a Community Development Corporation (CDC). The Uptown Planners meet at 6pm on the first Tuesday of each month at the Joyce Beers Community Center.
