PARK IT

RE: "Mandatory Confusion?" [News, March 20], detailing the confusion over proposed parking minimums on housing developments whose permits are already underway.

HI—In this article, you refer to parking spaces as "an expensive add-on." But this is America, where people own cars and need a place to park them—it's like claiming that bathrooms are an expensive add-on. Rather than make it sound as if they are a burden for developers, parking spaces need to be included as a necessary part of building a dwelling, regardless of the number of bike racks or Zipcar spaces or proximity to a bus stop.

Sue

If the city adopts parking requirements, I hope they allow neighborhoods to grant a waiver in return for alternative design considerations. Given the opportunity, some communities may find higher aspirations than a parking garage.

posted by BJ Cefola

Why is the city subsidizing private car owners with free on-street parking? Many of my neighbors and I park on the street for free, while our driveways are empty. If we needed a permit to park on the street, many of us would park our cars in our driveways instead, and there would suddenly be more parking available on the street.

posted by Steve G

If developers put in a 40-unit or larger apartment complex in your neighborhood without providing any parking, you can become a capitalist and start renting out your driveway, after donating your present vehicles to a tax-deductible "charity." At any rate, if a big apartment sans parking comes to your neck of the woods, there will BE NO "city subsidized parking" to be had.

posted by Elaine Livengood

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THAT BIG GLOWING ORB

RE: Nothing in particular, and everything in general.

As a recent arrival from California, I always thought of Oregon as an environmental leader. But when it comes to solar power, we're far behind. Luckily, this spring our state legislators have the opportunity to put us in front on this issue. By passing strong solar policies, leaders in Salem can re-power our state with pollution-free energy from the sun that never runs out and is only going to get cheaper. I urge leaders in Salem to stand up for our health and environment and make Oregon a leader on solar power.

Ibolya Mandoki

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REGULATING STEPS

RE: "Covering with Fewer Cops" [News, March 20], regarding discussions to police more effectively in the face of budget cuts by targeting specific "hotspots."

To save money, how about just quit harassing innocent citizens for walking after midnight and start finding stolen cars? No more crackdowns on victimless crimes, like jaywalking and sleeping on dog shit in the park? Either that or else come up with some new laws to enforce, such as speeding tickets for pedestrians or perhaps toll sidewalks and/or pedestrian permits.

posted by Happy Hippo

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STUCK IN CYCLE

RE: "Waiting for the Dough" [News, March 20], regarding budget holes that are preventing the implementation of Portland's bike-share program.

Sam Adams committed this city to dozens of new programs in his rush to build a "legacy" as he was on his way out the door. The new mayor and council are bearing the weight of that legacy now—as it falls to them to untangle all of these half-baked projects.

posted by Euphonius

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MORE BAND-NAME FOOD CARTS!

RE: "Carts" [Portland as Fuck, March 20], a list of potential names for food carts that riff on musical acts, à la Built to Grill and Fried Egg I'm in Love. The following are some of the best additions left by commenters Todd Mecklem, iceprez, Cedric Justice, Steven Wilber, TSW, and Deezus.

Bikini Kale, Rice Prez, Bread Can Dance, This Meaty Coil (gyros), Limp Biscuits, Lunchbox 20, One Direction: In the Mouth, Gordon Lightfootlongs, Kugel and the Gang, Blintz and the New Power Generation, and Fugravy.

CONGRATULATIONS TO TSW for "Kugel and the Gang" which wins this week's letter/comment of the week, with two tickets to the Laurelhurst Theater. But wait! The list rages on in the comments, with late additions like Pulled Bjork Sandwiches, Caprese E, A Tribe Called Pesto, Lynyrd Gyzzyrds, David Lee Broth, Broken Social Cuisine, Theoretical Grills... there just aren't enough movie tickets in the world.