2024 ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE CENTER CANDIDATE SURVEY RESPONSES
Sandeep Bali Candidate for City Council in District 3
LIVABILITY: Stewardship of Portland’s built environment is a key quality of life issue. The preservation and reuse of existing buildings is an important component of sustainable development and helps to maintain strong, livable communities.
Q1
Agree: I believe in preserving and reusing existing buildings as part of sustainable development, but it's not the role of local government to take on this responsibility. Instead, we should empower builders to invest and create something spectacular. Through smart policies, we can incentivize construction of all kinds, addressing Portland's housing crisis. Over-regulation has stifled growth, and we need to reverse policies that go beyond health and safety concerns to make housing more affordable.
ADAPTIVE REUSE: Do you think the conversion of empty or underused commercial buildings (e.g., offices or warehouses) into new uses can advance two important objectives:
a. alleviate Portland’s affordable housing shortage;
b. help to revitalize the city’s downtown.
Q2
Agree: I agree with the idea of converting empty or underused commercial buildings to help alleviate Portland's affordable housing shortage and revitalize downtown. Builders have the opportunity to use their own capital to create unique and vibrant spaces, much like what we saw in the Pearl District, which now offers diverse housing options. However, it's equally important to balance residential and commercial uses, as both are crucial for Portland's growth and economic vitality.
SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE: Building reuse, instead of demolition and replacement, equates to taking thousands of cars off the road (EcoNorthwest Study). Promoting reuse should be an important component of achieving Portland’s sustainability goals.
Q3
Agree: I absolutely support reusing existing buildings as a key part of Portland's sustainability goals. Builders are ready to invest and create something amazing while preserving the charm of neighborhoods. Converting homes into businesses, like we’ve seen on NW 23rd, keeps the unique, vibrant character of Portland intact. Let the builders build!
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES: To make building conversion and reuse economically feasible, many believe we need better financial tools, such as a state rehabilitation tax credit – a tool used by 39 other states. Would you support making that a priority on the City’s legislative agenda?
Q4
Yes: We’ve pushed builders out of Portland with excessive red tape. It's time to invite them back. I fully support tax credits and incentives to make building conversion and reuse feasible. We also need to eliminate policies that aren't focused on health and safety, as they've unintentionally stalled building and led to a housing shortage. Let’s clear the path for growth!
DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS: We need more affordable housing. However, proposed zoning changes (e.g.significant increases to building height and scale) can incentivize demolition, displacement, gentrification, and erasure of cultural heritage. How concerned are you about these potential negative consequences?
Q5
Very concerned: Gentrification is a harsh reality for homeowners, landlords, and renters alike. With every election cycle, Portlanders vote for more taxes, bonds, and levies, which ultimately drive up property taxes on homeowners and landlords. Homeowners budget for a 30-year mortgage, but when excessive taxes keep piling on, they’re forced out of their homes. Landlords, facing higher property taxes, have no choice but to pass the costs down to their tenants, pushing renters out as well. The cycle must stop. We must slow and stop gentrification. I am the only candidate calling for a break on taxes that don't benefit all Portlanders, and even proposing a change in how taxes are paid. If every Portlander had to pay the same amount on every approved bond or levy, the constant “yes” to every measure would change. The time has come to rethink this approach and protect our community.
PLANNING KNOWLEDGE: How familiar are you with Portland’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning codes, land use regulations, and current policies for historic properties?
Q6
Somewhat familiar: I’m somewhat familiar with Portland’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning codes, land use regulations, and policies for historic properties, but I look forward to learning more in-depth. I have a baseline understanding, but I’m eager to expand that knowledge further. As someone who lives in a historic neighborhood and in a historic home, I truly appreciate the value of preserving these kinds of buildings.
INFILL DEVELOPMENT: In Portland’s historic areas, it’s important that new infill construction fit with surrounding context and retain the districts’ unique qualities and identity.
Q7
Agree: [No comment]
CONSERVATION OF PORTLAND “MAIN STREETS”: Portland’s unique identity is due in large part to its many distinct and diverse neighborhoods and “streetcar-era main streets.” Many were the original main street when these areas were separate cities before being annexed into the larger City of Portland. Recent rezoning, increased height limits and no historic protections make these areas vulnerable to demolition. Would you support the creation of mini-Conservation Districts (typically 1 or more blocks) to help retain these iconic commercial main street centers?
(For Reference: Conservation Districts have greater flexibility than Historic Districts given that they still allow for growth and change but can support more context-sensitive development. New Conservation Districts would have demolition review for contributing resources, objective design standards, and the height limit of the zone).
Q8
Yes: [No comment]
TOURISM: Historic buildings and public spaces are a significant economic asset as a major attraction for tourism. What priority should this be given when planning and setting policy?
Q9
High: Bringing back tourism means making our historic buildings and public spaces spectacular again. It’s unfortunate that we’ve lost some of the beauty in these areas, but it’s not too late. I’d prioritize improving public spaces, ensuring they are clean, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. Preserving historic buildings is also key, as many are iconic and contribute greatly to Portland’s unique character.
BONUS: Tell us your favorite building, neighborhood, or place in Portland.
Q10
RESPONSE: There are so many unique buildings in Portland, but one of my all-time favorites is the Benson Hotel on Broadway. The woodwork, intricate plaster of Paris, and stunning chandeliers showcase craftsmanship that’s rare today. It’s a true gem. As for neighborhoods, I’m partial to Laurelhurst, where I live, but I also appreciate the charm and uniqueness each Portland neighborhood offers. They all have something special that makes them an attraction.
