I don't put much stock in that stuff in general, but I was struck by the photo below, various versions of which were used in many of the news stories. What struck me was the two sides of the river. I am convinced more than ever that one of the primary things holding back Portland from being a truly great (lower-case 'g') city is its relationship to the Willamette. It amazes me that the conversation about removing the Eastbank Freeway seems to have disappeared, replaced by the CRC proposal, which would surely --if built-- render any discussion of freeway removal or burial (far more expensive) moot.
from Sydney Morning Herald
We need IMO to get I-5 off (or, if deemed necessary, under) the east bank of the river, re-develop an active waterfront, encourage residential development nearby, and begin thinking about the Willamette again as the central artery of the city. With enough social and economic energy, and the freeway removed, the two sides of the river will be knit together again and we can start talking seriously about a regional ferry system...
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