Informational signs, at Monmouth and 7th Street, show a difference in letter size and color. By Anne Scheck
An old house near the Independence Civic Center that the owners considered a derelict home recently collided with the aim of the Independence code for historic preservation. And, if anything represents the snags for implementing history-protecting measures on privately-owned property, the address at 478 South Main Street seems to be it.
Despite an inspection by a licensed contractor showing the place allegedly was uninhabitable and a cost estimate that would require thousands of dollars just for restoring windows and doors, Joan and Darrol Collins learned their demolition plans didn’t meet city requirements.
It seemed they needed to prove the 18th Century house couldn’t be salvaged. At a hearing this past month before the Historic Planning Commission (HPC), Mr. Collins was told he’d likely have to hold off for 180 days. Then he learned that, after that six-month period elapsed, there was nothing the city could do to prevent the tear-down. The code lacked the capacity to stop it.
Several HPC commissioners asked for clarification – questions that addressed the rights of the property owners. Was it true that HPC commissioners could vote to halt the process for months, only to have no way to enforce the decision at the end of that time? Yes, said Fred Evander, city planner. Later he explained: “It should be noted that, while there is nothing that would not prevent them (the Collins) from demolishing the home, they would have to do certain things – like notice the home for sale – before the home is demolished.”
However, a longtime resident of the area, Brad Harris, who was present at the hearing, advised HPC commissioners that he’d agreed to buy the home, where he wants to put a mixed-use building. At that point, the HPC Commission meeting took what could be characterized as a procedural U-turn. The Collins’s were advised they could withdraw their application for demolition and allow Mr. Harris to proceed with escrow. A short time afterward, Mr. Harris confirmed the sale is pending, and he is “looking forward to building a relationship” with city staff and HPC commissioners. However, in terms of having a historic-district home, “it has been one thing after another,” Ms. Collins said in a follow-up interview.
Several years ago, the couple battled the city over a mandate to put in a sidewalk with special lamp-poles, the kind that would match the old-time look preferred for the downtown historic area.
“This would have cost us so much money,” she said. A later request by the Collins’s to cut down a dying Maple tree was met with challenge, as well. “This was supposedly historic, too,” she said. The couple hired an arborist to show the tree was dead. “Then a big branch fell on somebody’s truck, so they (the city) finally agreed,” she added.
City historic preservation can pretty much be summed by the experience of the Collins family: a lot of it is about trees,
streets and signage.
As Independence strives to bring its code into consistency with the intent for the historic district, the path seems to be about as rough as some aging sidewalks on those early-alphabet streets near downtown. For example, one HPC commissioner considers the “reader board” of the public library – which illuminates activities there – a mistake.
“I don't feel the electronic reader board was an attractive or appropriate choice for the historic district. Was it in violation of any HPC code? No. It was simply a disappointment,” stated Curtis Tidmore, HPC commissioner. To prevent the clash of modern signs with antique ones, some on the HPC believe more sign regulation is needed within the district.
Several merchants on Main Street don’t agree; They have privately objected to new sign requirements they’ve been told are pending. And some in the downtown area openly wonder about the decision-making process of the city with regard to signs, based on the small, blue “way-finding” signs that have been erected on street corners. Jokes about them include the need for a pair of binoculars to read the relatively small lettering. Those narrow sky-blue signs went through “a lengthy internal review process to align with city branding and functionality,” explained Shawn Irvine, Independence economic development director. When the signs were installed, the city did receive some feedback that they were difficult to read, he acknowledged – but these comments came from people driving cars. The signs are solely for pedestrian use, Mr. Irvine pointed out. A few months ago, one of the US government’s historic sign experts, Michael Auer, was contacted by this publication about the city’s quest for a more uniform sign code, which was pronounced “unclear” for the historic district by a city document. Mr. Auer, who now is retired from the National Park Service, referred to a publication that contains his criteria.
It seems pretty straightforward: Identify signs that have been associated with a historic place, product or figure in town, and then use them as a guide. He does point to old artisan materials, like leaded glass, as one desirable aspect. But this is a way to declare an existing sign a “historic” placard – not the means to address what to use for making a new sign or how it should look.
The city’s recent historic-tree census also has raised some questions. Some citizens have suggested that trees shouldn't be the domain of historic preservation, and HPC commissioner Jennifer Flores agreed.
“In no way should a ‘historic tree’ supersede the value, stability and safety of a historic structure,” according to Ms. Flores, who pointed out trees have “life spans” and can become unsafe with time, not more historic.
“I’ve found many communities struggle with policies that lie at the intersection of urban planning and historic preservation,” noted Meredith Johnson, the author of a dissertation on historic preservation published last year by the University of Pennsylvania. And failing to properly negotiate historic districts may result in losing historic “assets,” she said.
In an apparently pre-emptive move, Philadelphia residents in one neighborhood, Queen Village, took a unique approach – they created their own “conservation district,” giving them more “preservation input.” The project was carried out by the residents, Ms. Johnson said. Queen Village now oozes urban charm.
In another example, Beaufort in South Carolina scrapped its traditional zoning regulations and switched to form-based codes, which can range from public-space standards, such as sidewalks to street trees – and clearly defines the necessary features for a given area.
“Now this would be a difficult switch for most towns,” she said. But zoning codes that include urban-form provisions may help promote appropriate development in a historic district, said Ms. Johnson, who has founded her own firm, Johnson Planning and Preservation LLC.
Independence's downtown area is seen as rooted in history. However, there is some residue from the past that is troubling, too. Mayor John McArdle was asked at the "State of the Cities" address this past month by resident Pat Lohser what could be done about lack of sidewalks on some streets. She lives on one without sidewalks on either side.
"I’m sure we’ll be discussing (this) in our goal-setting sessions," the mayor said, but he added the funding source isn’t yet apparent.
An old house near the Independence Civic Center that the owners considered a derelict home recently collided with the aim of the Independence code for historic preservation. And, if anything represents the snags for implementing history-protecting measures on privately-owned property, the address at 478 South Main Street seems to be it.
Despite an inspection by a licensed contractor showing the place allegedly was uninhabitable and a cost estimate that would require thousands of dollars just for restoring windows and doors, Joan and Darrol Collins learned their demolition plans didn’t meet city requirements.
It seemed they needed to prove the 18th Century house couldn’t be salvaged. At a hearing this past month before the Historic Planning Commission (HPC), Mr. Collins was told he’d likely have to hold off for 180 days. Then he learned that, after that six-month period elapsed, there was nothing the city could do to prevent the tear-down. The code lacked the capacity to stop it.
Several HPC commissioners asked for clarification – questions that addressed the rights of the property owners. Was it true that HPC commissioners could vote to halt the process for months, only to have no way to enforce the decision at the end of that time? Yes, said Fred Evander, city planner. Later he explained: “It should be noted that, while there is nothing that would not prevent them (the Collins) from demolishing the home, they would have to do certain things – like notice the home for sale – before the home is demolished.”
However, a longtime resident of the area, Brad Harris, who was present at the hearing, advised HPC commissioners that he’d agreed to buy the home, where he wants to put a mixed-use building. At that point, the HPC Commission meeting took what could be characterized as a procedural U-turn. The Collins’s were advised they could withdraw their application for demolition and allow Mr. Harris to proceed with escrow. A short time afterward, Mr. Harris confirmed the sale is pending, and he is “looking forward to building a relationship” with city staff and HPC commissioners. However, in terms of having a historic-district home, “it has been one thing after another,” Ms. Collins said in a follow-up interview.
Several years ago, the couple battled the city over a mandate to put in a sidewalk with special lamp-poles, the kind that would match the old-time look preferred for the downtown historic area.
“This would have cost us so much money,” she said. A later request by the Collins’s to cut down a dying Maple tree was met with challenge, as well. “This was supposedly historic, too,” she said. The couple hired an arborist to show the tree was dead. “Then a big branch fell on somebody’s truck, so they (the city) finally agreed,” she added.
City historic preservation can pretty much be summed by the experience of the Collins family: a lot of it is about trees,
streets and signage.
As Independence strives to bring its code into consistency with the intent for the historic district, the path seems to be about as rough as some aging sidewalks on those early-alphabet streets near downtown. For example, one HPC commissioner considers the “reader board” of the public library – which illuminates activities there – a mistake.
“I don't feel the electronic reader board was an attractive or appropriate choice for the historic district. Was it in violation of any HPC code? No. It was simply a disappointment,” stated Curtis Tidmore, HPC commissioner. To prevent the clash of modern signs with antique ones, some on the HPC believe more sign regulation is needed within the district.
Several merchants on Main Street don’t agree; They have privately objected to new sign requirements they’ve been told are pending. And some in the downtown area openly wonder about the decision-making process of the city with regard to signs, based on the small, blue “way-finding” signs that have been erected on street corners. Jokes about them include the need for a pair of binoculars to read the relatively small lettering. Those narrow sky-blue signs went through “a lengthy internal review process to align with city branding and functionality,” explained Shawn Irvine, Independence economic development director. When the signs were installed, the city did receive some feedback that they were difficult to read, he acknowledged – but these comments came from people driving cars. The signs are solely for pedestrian use, Mr. Irvine pointed out. A few months ago, one of the US government’s historic sign experts, Michael Auer, was contacted by this publication about the city’s quest for a more uniform sign code, which was pronounced “unclear” for the historic district by a city document. Mr. Auer, who now is retired from the National Park Service, referred to a publication that contains his criteria.
It seems pretty straightforward: Identify signs that have been associated with a historic place, product or figure in town, and then use them as a guide. He does point to old artisan materials, like leaded glass, as one desirable aspect. But this is a way to declare an existing sign a “historic” placard – not the means to address what to use for making a new sign or how it should look.
The city’s recent historic-tree census also has raised some questions. Some citizens have suggested that trees shouldn't be the domain of historic preservation, and HPC commissioner Jennifer Flores agreed.
“In no way should a ‘historic tree’ supersede the value, stability and safety of a historic structure,” according to Ms. Flores, who pointed out trees have “life spans” and can become unsafe with time, not more historic.
“I’ve found many communities struggle with policies that lie at the intersection of urban planning and historic preservation,” noted Meredith Johnson, the author of a dissertation on historic preservation published last year by the University of Pennsylvania. And failing to properly negotiate historic districts may result in losing historic “assets,” she said.
In an apparently pre-emptive move, Philadelphia residents in one neighborhood, Queen Village, took a unique approach – they created their own “conservation district,” giving them more “preservation input.” The project was carried out by the residents, Ms. Johnson said. Queen Village now oozes urban charm.
In another example, Beaufort in South Carolina scrapped its traditional zoning regulations and switched to form-based codes, which can range from public-space standards, such as sidewalks to street trees – and clearly defines the necessary features for a given area.
“Now this would be a difficult switch for most towns,” she said. But zoning codes that include urban-form provisions may help promote appropriate development in a historic district, said Ms. Johnson, who has founded her own firm, Johnson Planning and Preservation LLC.
Independence's downtown area is seen as rooted in history. However, there is some residue from the past that is troubling, too. Mayor John McArdle was asked at the "State of the Cities" address this past month by resident Pat Lohser what could be done about lack of sidewalks on some streets. She lives on one without sidewalks on either side.
"I’m sure we’ll be discussing (this) in our goal-setting sessions," the mayor said, but he added the funding source isn’t yet apparent.
The CIVICS LESSON: ENDORSING EDUCATION
Proclamation by Commissioners
A few weeks ago, the Polk County Board of Commissioners voted to recognize “School Choice Week.” Asked afterward what such a commendation actually means, Commission Chair Mike Ainsworth said board members sometimes want to show their support in a public way for a worthy topic.
In this case, it was for education of all children, whether enrolled in traditional public schools, in private academies, by online learning or home-schooling – and for students with different learning styles and special needs. From trade schools to technical training to higher education that leads to advanced degrees, education is enriching, Mr. Ainsworth stressed. (Two editorials address related topics in this issue of The Independent, see insert)
Proclamation by Commissioners
A few weeks ago, the Polk County Board of Commissioners voted to recognize “School Choice Week.” Asked afterward what such a commendation actually means, Commission Chair Mike Ainsworth said board members sometimes want to show their support in a public way for a worthy topic.
In this case, it was for education of all children, whether enrolled in traditional public schools, in private academies, by online learning or home-schooling – and for students with different learning styles and special needs. From trade schools to technical training to higher education that leads to advanced degrees, education is enriching, Mr. Ainsworth stressed. (Two editorials address related topics in this issue of The Independent, see insert)
Sam puts on his somber game face. The INDY HOP: CANINE COURT OF COUNTY
Dog Board Determines Dog Justice
It's a dog's life. But oversight, intervention and justice sometimes have to be served when canine behavior goes awry. Loud over-barking in neighborhoods, run-aways that scare other creatures and lack of licenses, collars and leashes.
These are just a few of the offenses that can necessitate the actions of the Polk County Dog Board, a five-member panel of volunteers who
take on the task of hearing dog-related misdeeds. Owners – or should they be called pet guardians? – are responsible for their animal's high-jinx.
"Every dog deserves their day in court," said Greg Hansen, county administrator. So should accused dogs put on a solemn face and wear a tie to the courthouse? "The dogs don't go," Mr. Hansen explained. It's the owners – or rather, pet guardians. Furry, four-pawed violators have no individual accountability in judgments doled out by the Dog Board.
Dog Board Determines Dog Justice
It's a dog's life. But oversight, intervention and justice sometimes have to be served when canine behavior goes awry. Loud over-barking in neighborhoods, run-aways that scare other creatures and lack of licenses, collars and leashes.
These are just a few of the offenses that can necessitate the actions of the Polk County Dog Board, a five-member panel of volunteers who
take on the task of hearing dog-related misdeeds. Owners – or should they be called pet guardians? – are responsible for their animal's high-jinx.
"Every dog deserves their day in court," said Greg Hansen, county administrator. So should accused dogs put on a solemn face and wear a tie to the courthouse? "The dogs don't go," Mr. Hansen explained. It's the owners – or rather, pet guardians. Furry, four-pawed violators have no individual accountability in judgments doled out by the Dog Board.
GUEST EDITORIAL on HB 4059 By REP. MIKE NEARMAN
Rep. Mike Nearman Rep. Mike Nearman (Republican) has served in the state legislature since 2015. He was raised in Oregon and lives in Independence, in an area between the city and West Salem. He has been active in local politics for more than a decade but he has defined himself as "mostly, just another citizen." He holds degrees from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Western Oregon University in Monmouth. He wrote the following editorial at the request of Trammart News & Publishing which produces The Independent. His bill has the support of many local families. --AS
IN AN ERA where public schools are failing to deliver results to many students, it's more important than ever to support students who are educated outside the traditional public school educational system. Students learn in different ways and find different ways to succeed and many of those paths lead to private schools, charter schools or homeschooling. In this spirit, I was proud to sponsor HB 4059 which would require state licensing boards to regard a homeschool high school diploma as the same as any other high school diploma.
Currently, homeschool graduates who wish to be professionally licensed by the state – for instance, a license to practice cosmetology or become a barber -- need a high school diploma or GED. It's a shame to hold back the aspirations of these young people.
Quite frequently, homeschooled students perform better than their public school counterparts. This is a small, but essential bill.
Sadly, I had a conversation with State Representative Margaret Doherty (D-Tigard) who is the Chair of the House Committee on Education, where House Bill 4059 was assigned. She informed me that the bill will not receive a hearing, so it will not pass this session. I will be happy to bring it back in a future session, where I hope it gets the treatment it deserves.
IN AN ERA where public schools are failing to deliver results to many students, it's more important than ever to support students who are educated outside the traditional public school educational system. Students learn in different ways and find different ways to succeed and many of those paths lead to private schools, charter schools or homeschooling. In this spirit, I was proud to sponsor HB 4059 which would require state licensing boards to regard a homeschool high school diploma as the same as any other high school diploma.
Currently, homeschool graduates who wish to be professionally licensed by the state – for instance, a license to practice cosmetology or become a barber -- need a high school diploma or GED. It's a shame to hold back the aspirations of these young people.
Quite frequently, homeschooled students perform better than their public school counterparts. This is a small, but essential bill.
Sadly, I had a conversation with State Representative Margaret Doherty (D-Tigard) who is the Chair of the House Committee on Education, where House Bill 4059 was assigned. She informed me that the bill will not receive a hearing, so it will not pass this session. I will be happy to bring it back in a future session, where I hope it gets the treatment it deserves.
GUEST EDITORIAL: WORK FOR WILLING WORKERS
By Deb Patterson
Deb Patterson Deb Patterson (Democrat) is running for Oregon State Senator in District 10. She has been a long-term advocate of healthcare for all and, most recently, wrote about the vulnerability of homelessness, in the Statesman Journal. She supports
improving affordable college and vocational education opportunities. She is the mother of two young adults, one with special needs, and is a former healthcare administrator and ordained Congregational clergy. Ms. Patterson, a member of the Oregon Disabilities Commission, wrote this editorial to coincide with the March issue of The Independent, in recognition of “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month." --AS
How does one find a job? Some are lucky enough to find work in their family’s business. Some find work through a friend or through another networking contact. Some jobs require a college education, others require vocational training, and most require a driver’s license.
Do you remember the days when job openings were posted in the “help wanted” section of a print newspaper? Now most jobs are listed online on many different platforms.
Do you remember when most jobs were full-time? Now many people piece together a living, or supplement their income, through work in the “gig economy.”
For some people, namely, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), networking and accessing information about job openings and how to apply is particularly difficult. Participating in the “gig economy” is not really feasible.
In Oregon a lawsuit called Lane v. Brown was settled in 2015, which dismantled the system of “sheltered workshops” where people with IDD were employed at sub-minimum wages (an average of $3.72 per hour in 2013). Now the state is required to help people find integrated, competitively paid employment whenever possible.
Finding such work is easier said than done, though, even though the unemployment rate is low. In January 2020, Oregon had a 3.6% unemployment rate, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, but among people with a cognitive disability, only about 30% of the adult population was employed. This is a dramatic difference from the 75% of the adult population without a disability who were employed. (There also remains a large pay discrepancy: the average wage for a person without a disability is $44,400, with any disability - $30,800, and with a cognitive disability - $22,200.)
What can be done? As the mother of a young adult daughter experiencing IDD who now is happily employed after two years of searching, and who has seen the life-changing aspects of this opportunity, I would urge the community to help meet the need for competitive, integrated employment for others with IDD.
Some employers in the region have already made some real strides. TJ Maxx has done a wonderful job of including folks with developmental disabilities all across the state. Salem Health and the State of Oregon also employs a number of folks with IDD, as do several other area employers.
How are they able to do this?
Workers with IDD succeed in this work through the assistance of job developers, who help to find tasks that they can do, and who identify potential employers. Job coaches help folks to practice the needed skills on the job (a type of on-the-job training) to succeed.
Most people with IDD want to work, as work is an important component of meaning. This March, during Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, I would urge employers to consider hiring a worker with IDD, many of whom will become loyal, dedicated employees. Partnerships for Community Living in Monmouth can provide more information, as can area Vocational Rehabilitation offices.
improving affordable college and vocational education opportunities. She is the mother of two young adults, one with special needs, and is a former healthcare administrator and ordained Congregational clergy. Ms. Patterson, a member of the Oregon Disabilities Commission, wrote this editorial to coincide with the March issue of The Independent, in recognition of “Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month." --AS
How does one find a job? Some are lucky enough to find work in their family’s business. Some find work through a friend or through another networking contact. Some jobs require a college education, others require vocational training, and most require a driver’s license.
Do you remember the days when job openings were posted in the “help wanted” section of a print newspaper? Now most jobs are listed online on many different platforms.
Do you remember when most jobs were full-time? Now many people piece together a living, or supplement their income, through work in the “gig economy.”
For some people, namely, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), networking and accessing information about job openings and how to apply is particularly difficult. Participating in the “gig economy” is not really feasible.
In Oregon a lawsuit called Lane v. Brown was settled in 2015, which dismantled the system of “sheltered workshops” where people with IDD were employed at sub-minimum wages (an average of $3.72 per hour in 2013). Now the state is required to help people find integrated, competitively paid employment whenever possible.
Finding such work is easier said than done, though, even though the unemployment rate is low. In January 2020, Oregon had a 3.6% unemployment rate, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, but among people with a cognitive disability, only about 30% of the adult population was employed. This is a dramatic difference from the 75% of the adult population without a disability who were employed. (There also remains a large pay discrepancy: the average wage for a person without a disability is $44,400, with any disability - $30,800, and with a cognitive disability - $22,200.)
What can be done? As the mother of a young adult daughter experiencing IDD who now is happily employed after two years of searching, and who has seen the life-changing aspects of this opportunity, I would urge the community to help meet the need for competitive, integrated employment for others with IDD.
Some employers in the region have already made some real strides. TJ Maxx has done a wonderful job of including folks with developmental disabilities all across the state. Salem Health and the State of Oregon also employs a number of folks with IDD, as do several other area employers.
How are they able to do this?
Workers with IDD succeed in this work through the assistance of job developers, who help to find tasks that they can do, and who identify potential employers. Job coaches help folks to practice the needed skills on the job (a type of on-the-job training) to succeed.
Most people with IDD want to work, as work is an important component of meaning. This March, during Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness month, I would urge employers to consider hiring a worker with IDD, many of whom will become loyal, dedicated employees. Partnerships for Community Living in Monmouth can provide more information, as can area Vocational Rehabilitation offices.
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