About

Division/Clinton considers all businesses within the area bounded by SE 12th to SE 60th and SE Stephens to SE Powell as members. DCBA's mission is "to promote the general welfare of the residents, businesses, and property in the Division/Clinton area."

The Division Street Main Street Plan is starting its engineering phase, the Bureau of Environmental Services is planning to "green" portions of the area, the residential zoning on commercial corners is largely removed, and new development is creating mixed use buildings.

Our Future

The Division Plan envisions commercial properties on the corners with residences between. The majority of the commercial properties are zoned so they can have retail on the lower floors and apartments or condominiums above, increasing the residential stock without decreasing possible business opportunities. DCBA wants to remain an incubator district, providing inexpensive space for new businesses to take root and grow while they learn the business of business. The DCBA intends to continue supporting the businesses with events, marketing opportunities, and timely communication with the residents in all four abutting neighborhood associations.

The Present

Many of the corner properties rezoned from residential to commercial, as part of the Division Street Plan are being redeveloped and businesses are moving in. Other businesses are moving out as their landlords sell or redevelop. Businesses and neighbors are committed to attracting local businesses and shopping locally wherever practicle.

Division Vision, a coalition of interested businesses and residents, formed in 2003 to help boost our commercial areas. Representatives from four neighborhoods and two business associations met with resresentatives from Metro, Tri-Met, the Bureaus of Planning, Environmental Services, and Transportation to obtain grants to fund improvements and then to create a plan, which would include zoning changes, traffic adjustments, and streetscape improvements. The approved "Division Street - Green Street" plan took effect in March 2006 and construction should have begun 2008. Unfortunately, funding dried up and the plan is on hold until at least $2 million more is found.

DCBA Board Meetings

The DCBA meets each month at one of the neighborhood businesses. Contact Nancy Chapin at (503) 774-2832 or join the Yahoo Group for news and updates.