365 NE Greenwood - Overgrown Vegetation

Problems with the sidewalks are not always limited to the concrete. When the vegetation along the sidewalk becomes overgrown, this can be a bigger problem than cracked concrete.

The photos below were taken on April 24. Since we are now 3 further along in the growing season, this situation is much worse.

Photo 1 - The shrubs just beyond the telephone pole are the problem. Note that the first shrub isn't even living anymore, but it still overhangs about half of the sidewalk.




Photo 2 - Looking West. Notice how much the sidewalk is obstructed by these shrubs.




Photo 3 - A closer view looking east.

Photo 4 - Another view looking east.



Additionally, there is a pretty good trip hazard on the concrete, at the eastern edge of the driveway. It is visible in the foreground of the Photo 1.

I'm going to forward a link to this posting to a few people at the City and see if they enforce the codes on this property owner.

661 NE Greenwood - Repaired!

I should have done this a long time ago. I have been pretty busy and haven't had much time to keep this blog going.

Right around the end of May, the sidewalk at 661 NE Greenwood was repaired. Thanks to the owners of this business for getting the job done. The new sections of sidewalk look good, and are much safer for everyone.

Stormwater

Probably the greatest shortcoming in Bend's infrastructure is the lack of adequate stormwater handling. This photo was taken on the evening of July 21 at the intersection of NE 3rd St and Greenwood Avenue. Also, these were taken several hours after the rain stopped falling.

As you can see, the puddle is rather deep. The astonishing thing is that it is right on top of a storm drain. The problem is that these drains are really just dry wells. When the dry well is full of water, or cinders from last winter, the water has nowhere to go, so it just backs up.

Officially, less than 0.1" of rainfall was recorded at the Bend Airport. Of course, since the airport is east of town, it is possible that there was more rainfall in town. It is no wonder the underpasses flood several times every year.