The BCD is a place for diversity
A Place for Diversity
The BCD is positioned as a crossroads within the broader Bend community-- a rail line, the Highway 97 parkway, and large streets like Third Street and Greenwood connect many parts of the city. The BCD is also a crossroads for a diversity of people, from ethnic and racial diversity to socio-economic diversity.
Did you know the Midtown neighborhoods adjacent to the Bend Central District (BCD) are more racially diverse than anywhere else in Bend? Hispanic and/or Latinx residents account for almost 25% of residents - triple the ratio in the rest of the City. We also are fortunate to have several Latinx-owned businesses right in the heart of the BCD! Check out Los Panchitos and Colima Market on your next grocery shopping trip.
How can we ensure these populations continue to feel, and actually are, welcomed in the community as the BCD changes? That's one question we hope you will bring to the City's Core Area Open House on Thurdsay.
Damaris, Jessica, and Leticia are the sisters and mom team that run Los Panchitos at 325 NE Kearney Ave. Photo by Monique G. López.
Colima Market at the corner of Greenwood and Third Street has been a mainstay for Mexican grocery supplies and baked goods for many years. Photo by Hannah Turner Photography.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BCD OVERLAY CODE
The Urban Renewal Advisory Board (URAB), Affordable Housing Committee, Planning Commission, and City Staff have recommended some amendments to the Bend Central District’s special overlay code to reduce barriers to housing development and redevelopment within the BCD. There will be a City Council hearing to approve these amendments on Wednesday, February 19th.
BCD Overlay Code Amendment Hearing
Wednesday, February 19th 2020
7pm – sign up for public comment!
City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
Suggested talking points:
Allows for more housing
Supports vertical development
Encourages small businesses and building diversity
Code changes will help implement BCD vision.
The proposed code amendments for the Bend Central District would re-legalize more traditional types of development where people thrive by reducing parking requirements and allowing more types of housing.
CORE AREA OPEN HOUSE
The City of Bend will provide an update on the Core Area Project, which is creating a common vision and implementation plan for the core area of Bend, during an open house on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.
City of Bend Core Area Open House
Thursday, February 20th, 2020
5pm - 7pm
Trinity Episcopal Church (Brooks Hall)
469 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR
There is no formal presentation so attendees may come and go at their convenience. Snacks are provided. Children are welcome at this family-friendly event.
Be sure to provide your input on:
Securing at least 18% of the urban renewal funds for affordable housing
Preventing displacement of existing businesses and residents, especially for racial minorities and people experiencing poverty
How the BCD will remain a welcoming place for people from a variety of backgrounds, especially the Latinx community who already has deep roots there
Encouraging artists, Makers, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs
Attendees will learn more about the vision for the Core Area developed by the Urban Renewal Advisory Board (URAB) and provide general input on the project’s progress to date. The urban renewal recommendation will likely be finalized by URAB on March 17th and sent to City Council for review.
City Council Hearing on BCD Code updates
Wednesday, February 19th, 2020
City Hall, 710 NW Wall St.
URAB Community Open House
Thursday, February 20, 2020
at Trinity Episcopal Church (Brooks Hall) from 5-7 p.m.