Abstract: Rick Potestio
The Columbia River Crossing Project (CRC) has highlighted our region's need for a comprehensive transportation system that will optimize many modes of movement and define the extent, location and character of urban development in the four county metropolitan area.
Is the CRC being regarded independently of other transportation projects and designed without consideration of its impact on growth and urban form?
I propose to use the CRC as the linchpin project that activates a regional transportation master plan, incorporating and integrating all modes, inclusive of motor vehicles, rail, and bicycles. My proposal seeks to redistribute mode split towards rail, bicycles and pedestrians, and away from dependence on motor vehicles. To this end, I suggest that the freeway system be downsized so that the major N-S routes become I-5/I-405 and I-5/I-205, eliminating I-5 from the East Bank of the Willamette River. I also suggest that the E-W connections be maintained on I-84 with a new connection constructed between I-5 and I-84 along a Columbia Boulevard corridor. With the freeway system downsized, our region can begin the important transition to alternative modes of transportation.
Rick Potestio, AIA
Rick Potestio, AIA, is an educator and the principal at POTESTIO STUDIO: architecture + design in Portland. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon, and a Master of Architecture from Syracuse University. Rick's professional practice has earned him numerous citations, merit and honor awards from American Institute of Architects/Portland Chapter and AIA/Pacific Northwest Region. He currently serves on the City of Gresham Design Commission, Metro's Blue Ribbon Committee for Trails, chairs the Portland-Bologna Sister City Association, and promotes the Rivercity Bicycle Cyclocross Crusade.
Rick's work has been published in numerous local, regional and national publications, from Portland Spaces Magazine to The New York Times. Rick is an Adjunct Professor in Portland State University's Department of Architecture, and has taught at University of Oregon, California College of Arts and Crafts, Oregon School of Design, and the Boston Architectural Center.
