(PORTLAND, Ore.) Hello Portlanders! It's Friday, Sept. 1 - Here's your daily round up of all the news happening in the City of Roses.
1. Deadly crash early Friday shuts down part of NE Sandy Boulevard
Northeast Sandy Boulevard from 109th to 112th was shut down after a man died in a crash early Friday morning. Just after 5 a.m., a vehicle crashed into utility equipment at Northeast Sandy Boulevard and 12th Avenue, knocking down some cables. Police said the downed cables were not live wires. Responding paramedics found the driver dead at the scene. Northeast Sandy Boulevard is expected to be closed for several hours. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact crimetips@portlandoregon.gov, attn: Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 23-229827.
2. $500K grant to fund study into solutions for infamous SE Portland railroad crossings
In southeast Portland, stalled trains, most infamously at Milwaukie and 12th Avenues, plus 8th Avenue nearby, have long been a frustration for drivers, pedestrians and other street users. But on Thursday, U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, who represents part of southeast Portland, along with City Commissioner Mingus Mapps, announced a $500,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to look into solutions to the issue.
Both Bonamici and Mapps said they’ve found themselves trapped at these train crossings, and in addition to the everyday frustration, it can create real challenges for people.
“If someone is trying to get to a doctor’s appointment or a meeting, it can be incredibly frustrating and challenging and, frankly, not safe for people trying to find a way to get around the train,” Bonamici said.
Despite the new grant, it may be awhile before the issue is fixed. The 18-month study is expected to begin in December, so any recommendations likely won’t be ready until mid-2025.
3. Montavilla Jazz Festival returns to venues across Portland this weekend
The Montavilla Jazz Festival returns Friday for its 10th year. The event runs through Sunday and includes performances at venues across the city, including two free performances at Mount Tabor Park. The festival focuses on Portland-based musicians and this year’s headliner is the internationally-acclaimed drummer Alan Jones.
Visit the Montavilla Jazz Festival’s official website for ticket information. The first performance begins at 6 p.m. on Friday at the Mount Tabor Park Caldera Amphitheater.
Thanks for reading! See you next week with all the latest Portland news.
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