By Cascade Anderson Geller
There’s nothing like a threat to something important to spur action. The open reservoir replacement project proved to be such a threat and did indeed motivate citizen activism across the city. The city council, acting on the findings of a city-appointed review panel, passed an ordinance in July that terminated the contract for the project.

One of the culminations of the community activism was the completion of three nominations to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Two of the nominations were for the Mt. Tabor reservoirs and the Washington Park reservoirs, which were listed in January. The third one was for Mt. Tabor Park, which was listed in the NRHP on September 22. The Friends of the Reservoirs completed the nominations with support from other community members; the Mt. Tabor neighborhood association provided funding for the Mt. Tabor Park nomination.

A listing on the NRHP, according to city code, ensures a design review that requires public meetings and notice to neighborhood associations when an application is filed for certain kinds of projects. The listing gives the reservoirs and the park the best shot at fair process. It also sets standards for design to assure compatibility with historic features. The nominations include detailed descriptions of the park and the reservoirs, along with historical narratives. Many historical and current photographs, maps, architectural plans, and other archival materials are included in the nominations. The text-only version will be available on the MTNA website very soon, and the entire set of documents will be at the Multnomah County Central Library.

The Friends of the Reservoirs celebrated accomplish-ments in the park on sunny October 10 with root beer floats and some fun “public process” exercises. Although 2004 has marked some milestones worthy of celebration, close scrutiny of city plans will continue. Questionable contracts loom on the horizon. Activists will continue to be vigilant.

Meanwhile the water bureau will continue its presentation on the interim security measures for the reservoirs at the November 17 meeting of the MTNA.