Residents raise alarm over traffic chaos from PSU project

During a recent government meeting, Dr. Dean Barnett, a member of the Land Use and Transportation Committee and resident of American Plaza Towers, raised significant concerns regarding the proposed Portland State University (PSU) performing arts complex. Barnett highlighted the potential traffic challenges that could arise from the influx of vehicles to the site, which is adjacent to a residential area home to 520 residents.

Barnett criticized the Kittleson report, which primarily focuses on truck loading and parking for visitors, stating that it does not adequately address the broader traffic implications for passenger vehicles and public transit on Southwest Lincoln. He pointed out that Lincoln Street, the only city street providing access to the PSU site, also serves as a critical route for public transportation, including the MAX Orange line and four bus lines. The current configuration of the MAX station platform occupies two lanes of Lincoln, complicating traffic flow for both buses and private vehicles.

The resident emphasized that the challenges of modifying Lincoln Street to accommodate the proposed development have not been sufficiently discussed with TriMet, the regional public transportation agency. He urged city officials to involve experts from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) and TriMet in future discussions regarding PSU's plans, which include two performing arts venues, a hotel, a conference center, and additional amenities.

Barnett concluded by noting that PSU had announced a contract with Kittleson and Associates for a traffic study, but he expressed concern that the traffic issues would only be addressed after the site selection process, rather than proactively. The meeting underscored the need for comprehensive planning to ensure that the proposed development does not adversely impact local traffic and transit systems.