Brunswick Qs (Portland: low income, section 8, unemployment)

[Mark S.]

First of all: Any news on what the community is planning to do once the NAS closes? I've been reading that city planners "have plans" to replace the loss in income, but I have yet to see any details on exactly what plans. Any new businesses or industry moving in? They aren't going to turn the base into Section 8 housing, are they?

Secondly: I know a lot of folks in the community actually commute to Portland for work. Is there any sort of rail or public bus service for commuters, or do most folks make the drive?

[MarkLH]

I don't know about BNAS -- I think the townies are still discussing it. A regional airport has, I think, been mostly ruled out.

As for public transport, there just isn't any. Portland is 20 to 30 minutes away by car, and I-95 is still uncongested most of the day.

[sfw1979]

Originally Posted by Mark S.

First of all: Any news on what the community is planning to do once the NAS closes? I've been reading that city planners "have plans" to replace the loss in income, but I have yet to see any details on exactly what plans. Any new businesses or industry moving in? They aren't going to turn the base into Section 8 housing, are they?

Secondly: I know a lot of folks in the community actually commute to Portland for work. Is there any sort of rail or public bus service for commuters, or do most folks make the drive?

http://www.bracpmo.navy.mil/brac2005...k/default.aspx

There was another website but I can't find that.

There is talk about Mckeen St housing to become low income but it's just talk right now?

[StretchNavy]

I've heard the talk about the brand new base housing becoming section 8 and even homeless housing. This is ridiculous, it will not boost the economy, only rais the town's unemployment/poverty statistics. Because, that nice of housing will attract all of the unemployed/poor folks from all other parts of the state. I also heard plans of turning part of the base into a 400 acre park! Sounds great, it would attract some tourism except for a little further drive they could be at the ocean or hiking the foothills. I have yet to hear something that is going to replace the loss of business from the Navy. I am in the Navy, been here 4 1/2 years and about to move, and it saddens me the base is closing down. I absolutely love the area and was one of the last good places to be stationed in the Navy.

[midwestmom]

Mark,
I had checked and there isn't any public transit. I know the traffic isn't supposed to be that bad but I think it would be a great idea, esp in winter or even just to have that time to read or whatever. I always appreciated the breather between work and home.
It would be helpful for jobs for people who don't have cars, or in our case are a one car family with 2 full time workers.