Inka Bajandas//March 17, 2015//
The Portland Design Commission in the coming months will gain three new members to replace departing ones.
David Keltner plans to step down from the commission in the next few weeks, city planner Kara Fioravanti said. That will leave the seven-member commission – already with a vacancy after Jane Hansen left this past September – short two people. Also, city staffers have sought applicants to replace Commissioner Guenevere Millius. Her term ended in December, but she is continuing to serve on the commission until at least one vacancy is filled.
Bureau of Development Services staffers plan to forward their recommended candidates for the three vacancies to Paul Scarlett, director of the bureau, in the next couple weeks, Fioravanti said. To join the commission, candidates must then be approved by City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, who oversees BDS, and the rest of the Portland City Council, according to Fioravanti.
The city’s hope, Fioravanti said, is to have the new commissioners on board to start reviewing proposed major development in city design districts within the next month or two. In the meantime, city planners have carefully scheduled upcoming hearing dates to ensure enough commissioners can attend to achieve a quorum, she said.