Beaverton Traffic Commission Meeting - April 2, 2026

The Beaverton Traffic Commission met on April 2, 2026, with six commissioners present (Commissioners Miranda, Friedler, Moore, Vice Chair Bobadia, Commissioner Bansky, and Chair Conway; Commissioner McLean excused). The meeting included approval of the consent agenda, a public hearing on a parking restriction request for refuse collection, and a presentation on the Downtown Parking Plan update.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes from February 5, 2026 (no meeting was held in March). Motion by Chair Conway, seconded by Commissioner Moore; passed 6-0.

Public Hearing: TC 871 – Parking Restrictions at Southwest Pacific Avenue for Refuse Collection

• Proposal: New London West L.C. (owner/developer Rich Hannah) requested a parking restriction of approximately 15 feet (less than one space) on the east side of Southwest Pacific Avenue, along the frontage of a new 13-unit apartment building at 4920 SW Pacific Avenue, to ensure access for refuse collection vehicles. The restriction would apply Thursdays from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (amended from an initial Monday-Friday proposal).
• Staff Report (Jabra Cashou): The street was widened from 24 to 28 feet as part of development. Only one crash (involving a parked vehicle) occurred on the street between 2020-2025. Staff recommended approval, finding the restriction would meet code criteria 6.02.060A to accommodate parking needs safely and equitably. The final order would authorize the traffic engineer to adjust the length if needed.
• Testimony – Rich Hannah (applicant): Expressed full support for the proposal. He presented photos showing the space is short (4-6 feet) and unlikely to be used for general parking. He stated waste management will collect five trash, five recycling, and one glass receptacle every Thursday and is satisfied with the arrangement. The property will be managed by an off-site management company. Hannah confirmed the building has four studios, six one-bedrooms (including one live/work unit), and three two-bedrooms, with no on-site parking (as Oregon does not require it). A bike room is provided.
• Commissioner Questions: Commissioner Biansky raised a concern about holiday schedules (e.g., Thanksgiving falling on Thursday), but staff and Hannah believed the space would be available most of the time. Commissioner Moore asked about extra trash during move-in/out, which the property manager handles. Vice Chair Bobadia inquired about possible condo conversion (not planned) and occupancy estimates. Chair Conway noted the restricted area is small and the request is reasonable.
• Decision: Motion to approve TC 871 as written by Chair Conway, seconded by Vice Chair Bobadia. Passed 6-0.

Presentation: Downtown Parking Plan Update

• Presenter: Molly Rabinovitz, City Parking Manager, provided an update on the Downtown Parking Management and Action Plan (DP Map), now called the Downtown Parking Plan. The plan is designed as a "choose your own adventure" framework, emphasizing data-driven decisions, community engagement, and integration with other downtown activities.
• Nine Strategies:
  1. Establish a permanent downtown compliance program (the pilot sunset on April 2, 2026; a proposed permanent program was paused by City Council on March 17, pending additional information).
  2. Create a parking brand (e.g., adopt the Parking Kitty app for consistency and signage).
  3. Implement paid parking (an option depending on council policy; pilot showed proactive enforcement improves turnover).
  4. Update the residential on-street parking permit program (current program is free with unlimited permits, established in 1997/2002; needs revision).
  5. Enhance employee permit options (separate from residential permits; encourage use of underutilized lots like Third and Washington).
  6. Improve curb space management (loading zones, delivery, transit, micromobility, ADA).
  7. Optimize off-street parking assets (e.g., Third and Washington Library lot is officially being reclassified as public parking; currently only 50% utilized).
  8. Strategize additional supply (current downtown utilization is 65%, below the 85% threshold; consider partnerships with developers).
  9. Manage construction activity and temporary curb use (require parking plans for construction).
• Discussion: Commissioners raised several points:
  • Commissioner Biansky questioned enforcement technology (license plate readers) for motorcycles and potential traffic issues.
  • Vice Chair Bobadia advocated for incentivizing developers to include parking in new housing, noting liability concerns with private shared parking. He also suggested long-range planning for paid parking adoption.
  • Commissioner Friedler noted drivers leave too much space between cars, reducing capacity; he suggested education.
  • Chair Conway appreciated that the strategies are divided and interrelated, and asked about the overall target (customers vs. residents vs. employees).
  • Rabinovitz responded that each strategy identifies primary beneficiaries (residents, businesses, customers/visitors, employees). The Third and Washington lot will be renamed to increase public awareness.
• Next Steps: Continued community engagement in April/May; Bureau Board work session on May 26; City Council presentation and adoption target June 16.

Key Outcomes

• Approved TC 871: Parking restriction for refuse collection at 4920 SW Pacific Avenue, Thursday 6 a.m.-5 p.m., approximately 15 feet, with flexibility for staff to adjust length. Vote: 6-0.
• Downtown Parking Plan: No vote required; presentation was informational. The plan will be further refined and presented to Council in June. The permanent compliance program remains on hold pending council decision.
• Next Meeting: No meeting scheduled for May 2026 due to lack of agenda items.