Stephenson Elementary School Proposed Closure
Portland Public Schools is embarking on a Right-Sizing project which could potentially close Stephenson Elementary School. The PTA has started a Stand with Stephenson Campaign to support keeping the school open. Their Open Letter clearly outlines the issues. Please visit their site for details and guidance on how you can support their campaign by writing letters to the school board & other elected officials, attending a school board meeting, joining the PTA or joining a PTA committee.
Arnold Creek Neighborhood Association
Next Meeting
Tuesday, November 10th
6:30 – 7:30 pm
Link to join this virtual meeting on Zoom can be found in the Agenda.
Meetings are open to the public. Everyone is welcome.
A Note from the ACNA President
Greetings Arnold Creek Neighbors-
We are putting together a strong slate of officers for the ACNA Board next year. But we are still seeking 1 more District Delegate from each of the following neighborhood districts:
North District: the section north of SW Arnold St.
South District: the section south of SW Stephenson St and east of Eagle Crest Dr.
East District: the section south of SW Arnold St, east of SW Lancaster Rd and north of SW Stephenson St.
If you haven’t yet considered joining our ACNA board, I urge you to consider it now, before our annual elections next February. With a board position in ACNA, you are able to help build consensus and guide decisions that can benefit, you, your family and the neighborhood around you. You are helping to build community!
The position requires attendance at our one hour monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm (except in July, August and December when we don’t meet) and voting on issues of importance to the neighborhood. The total time required is only 9 hours over the course of a year. Contact me at president@arnoldcreek.org to learn more about our open positions for 2027.
Cheers,
Nancy Mattson
Proposed Board Slate February 2027
President
Hindi Iserhott
Vice-President
position open
Secretary
Nancy Mattson
Treasurer
Sue Randall
Communications
Sharon Keast
East District (1)
position open
West District (2)
Michael Sardior
Jen Beasley
North District (1)
position open
South District (2)
Elizabeth Marantz
1 position open
At-large (3)
3 positions open
New Southwest Portland Community Garden
Laura Niemi, City of Portland Community Gardens Program Manager | Land Stewardship
In late 2022, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) dedicated funding for a community garden in SW Portland, where there is a lack of space for community members to grow their own food. This dedication was the result of advocacy by the Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC), an equity and community- centered effort between 38 organizations, including nonprofits, businesses, philanthropic partners, neighborhoods, and local government agencies.
PP&R and SWEC members reviewed multiple properties for a new community garden in the general vicinity of Holly Farm Park and Jackson Middle School. This general area is home to a diverse community of people from all over the world, including East African immigrants and refugees. These neighbors have historically been underserved, and typically live in rental units without access to places to grow fresh, healthy food. In partnership with community-based organizations, a portion of the garden plots would be allocated for underserved neighbors.
The partners identified two options currently owned by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) – an undeveloped right-of-way at SW 49th and SW Comus, and two properties and right-of-way at SW 35th and SW Stephenson. Both locations were thoroughly evaluated and determined appropriate for a community garden. PP&R is moving forward with further analysis and negotiations with PBOT to construct and operate community gardens at both locations.
A new community garden will benefit all people living and working in the area by beautifying our urban neighborhoods, increasing our resilience to climate change through carbon sequestration, and reducing stormwater runoff. A new community garden will provide opportunities for garden users to gather, learn, spend time in nature, and most importantly, grow fresh and affordable food.
To learn more about Portland Community Gardens, visit: Community Gardens | Portland.gov
View the SWEC Community Garden Workgroup website.
Image from City of Portland website
Draft garden design (above).
Arnold Creek 2025 Transportation Survey Report
BP-53 SW 35th Safe Shoulder Walkway – a safer shoulder walkway on SW 35th from SW Arnold St to SW Stephenson St is ranked the top priority between three Arnold Creek transportation projects defined in Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Southwest in Motion (SWIM).
Join advocates for implementation of SWIM project BP-53. Contact ACNA Transportation Chair Andy Robbins, transportation@arnoldcreek.org.
Tryon CreekHighway 43 Culvert Replacement Project
Environmental Services, which manages wastewater and stormwater to protect human health and the environment, is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers to replace an undersized culvert that carries Tryon Creek under Highway 43. This project will reopen the creek to salmon and other fish species.
Project Area
The project is located where Tryon Creek passes under Highway 43 near Tryon Cove Park in Lake Oswego.
Image from Environmental Services website.
Volunteer
Let us know what skills you have and how you would like to help.
Current need for volunteer to manage social media, including the ACNA Facebook page. Connect and engage Arnold Creek neighbors. Create a sense of community and belonging. Commitment is approximately an hour per month. Email president@arnoldcreek.org.