Conclusion

The Bayside Neighborhood Association has taken a firm stand in advocating their needs to the Portland City Council and other municipal departments.  By making sure their presence is felt at meetings where policies are being formulated by the City of Portland; they have gained recognition that includes their being invited to participate in the decision making process.  The BNA has had some advantages that have helped them to develop into a strong organization.  Steering Committee members such as Donna Yellen whose work at the Preble Street Resource Center provide a wealth of information and experience in dealing with the structure of local governments from their beginning.  The members within BNA represent the economic diversity within the neighborhood, from commercial property owners to the single dwelling occupant. Together they have developed priorities with which to focus upon.   

Bayside is  a struggling neighborhood anxious to accept development that includes economic growth, infrastructure improvements, as well as an emphasis on quality of life for its residents.  Up to this point, the goals of BNA and the City of Portland have been in sync.  The fact is that the changes that have occurred up to now have benefited almost everyone.  They have served as a synergistic catalyst for the planners that seek to reshape Bayside and they continue to help Portland in its search to secure service oriented and light industrial enterprise.  This success has enabled BNA to maintain its non-confrontational method of communication that has helped to establish working relationships within municipal departments.

As development increases there is bound to be a divergence between the goals of BNA and that of Portland.  We are curious if the two way flow of communication will stay as open and dynamic as it has been up to this point.  The success of BNA up this point rests squarely upon the dedication and perseverance of its members.  As goals are accomplished and issues become less intense will BNA be able to continue to be the  successful organization it is today?

[ Home ][ Location ][ Development of the Bayside Neighborhood Association ][ BNA's Priorities ][ Housing ][ City of Portland ][ Social Services ][ Vision for Bayside ][ Economic Development ]
[ What's New in Bayside ][ Conclusion ][References  ]