The City Cast Portland podcast had Sarah Iannarone, executive director of the nonprofit The Street Trust, on recently to talk about traffic safety. But we also asked her for three places to visit when we’re in her neighborhood. Here’s what she had to say about Mt. Scott-Arleta:
“The Portland Mercado is so amazing. I love it. It was actually a Prosper Portland project that transformed an old gas station at the corner of 72nd and Foster Road into an economic development project in partnership with a Hacienda CDC. So, you’ve got all kinds of food carts and minority-owned businesses in there.” (I also love that place.)
“And then there is the Mount Scott Community Center and Park, which has amazing Doug Fir trees and a swimming pool with a slide and a [whirlpool]. And like, if you didn't have a birthday party at the Mount Scott Community Center, wow. They even have a roller skating rink in the basement where you could do archery. It's amazing.” (I haven’t roller-skated there, but maybe meet you there!)
Arleta Triangle has been cleared of cars and turned into a pedestrian-friendly plaza. (@mtscottarleta)
“And then, last but certainly not least, is the Arleta Triangle Project,which started as a tiny little placemaking project. And then, under City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, who formerly had the transportation bureau, we actually built a public plaza there as gun violence prevention. So we even made the connection there between what open streets and safe streets mean for things like drive-by shootings. I’m always in love with that beautiful Arleta Triangle there.” (I might have to go and check this out, because I don’t quite get it from the description. You?)
“And those are all on Southeast 72nd between Foster Road and Woodstock there. So, you’ve got a nice little stretch in my neighborhood. Come on out, take a walk.”
