Burnside Triangle Advisory Group Presentation of recommendations to

Burnside Triangle Advisory Group Presentation of recommendations to Portland City Council March 19, 2003 Jacob Brostoff Melinda Jetté Mike Piña

What is the BT? • • I-405 SW Washington W Burnside SW Park

Who is BTAG? • Representatives of GLBT patrons, businesses and residents of the Triangle • Empanelled by Council in April 2002 • Charged with assisting bureaus with West End Plan implementation

What’s in the Triangle? • History • Currently serving primarily gay men

Why now? • West End Plan • A neighborhood changing • Risk of losing neighborhood assets

What we did • History tours • Media • Survey

What the survey says • Strong support for GLBT-identified district • Loyal patrons • Consensus: – Improve the public realm – Acknowledge and celebrate history – Create community center – Strengthen businesses

The BT is a great neighborhood “It is a great area, and I appreciate feeling ‘at home’ there. It’s wonderful to walk arm in arm and not fear for my life, too much. ”

Strong GLBT small businesses “ I would love for this area to become a vibrant place for everyone in the gay community. I want to see business prosper, grow because of our support. ”

Improving the built environment “Maintain existing small businesses, improve sidewalks to be more pedestrian friendly, acknowledge heavy bicycle use, and support these patrons with adequate bike racks. ”

Queer community/community center “A big #1 for a GLBT community center. ”

What we recommend • Interbureau team • Community Center • History and public recognition • Improvements to the public realm • Housing and services • Preserve and strengthen businesses