May 21, 2010

The Portland Development Commission (PDC) now has funds available for community livability projects in the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Area (URA). The Community Livability Grant Program, administered by PDC, began in the Interstate Corridor URA in 2006 and has awarded almost $1 million to a variety of projects. Based on the program’s success and neighborhood impact, grants will be expanded to the Lents Town Center URA. Awards can fund projects that involve physical improvements to community facilities, open spaces or historic/cultural preservation. The program invests in assets that improve livability for residents and enhance the unique nature of the Interstate Corridor and now Lents Town Center neighborhoods.

Up to $250,000 in Community Livability grants will be awarded in the coming fiscal year, July 2010 through June 2011. Eligible applicants include neighborhood associations, business associations, and public or non-profit tax-exempt entities.

Individuals or groups interested in submitting an application are strongly encouraged to learn more about project eligibility, completing the application, and the evaluation and selection process, by attending an information workshop at the New Day Center for Art, Art Room, 5516 SE Foster Road, on Tuesday, June 2, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Grant applications are due to PDC by Monday, July 12 at 5 p.m. Applications will be reviewed in July and August by the Lents Town Center URA Community Livability Committee which will make recommendations back to PDC. Decisions will be announced by September 1, and projects can begin as soon as the grantees have formalized a Letter of Agreement with PDC.

Since 2006, PDC has awarded more than $950,000 in Community Livability Grants, ranging from $5,000 to more than $100,000. Projects receiving awards have included:

  • A wheelchair ramp for a community medical center;
  • New shade trees and benches at Humboldt School;
  • Heating, electrical upgrade, and doors for a new art center in Kenton;
  • Exterior building improvements for a community center in Boise;
  • A new furnace and energy efficient improvements for a child care center;
  • Historic building improvements, including acoustic upgrades, new solar power and sustainable storm water runoff.

Details about the grant program and a downloadable application are available at: www.pdc.us/LentsCLG, or contact Kevin A. Cronin at cronink@pdc.us; 503-823-3305.