Nob Hill Portland Breaking News Stream/Feed Goes Live
NOT Your Grandfather’s Facebook or Twitter Feed
The SMT is proud to announce its partnership with Nozzl Technologies, the next generation of breaking, streaming news service. For a sample of what Nozzl is capable of, please check out their Nob Hill Nozzl here: http://portland.nozzl.com/shopping-nob-hill/
Similar to Twitter or Facebook feeds, Nozzls are built to gather ALL feeds, whether they originate in blogs, social platforms (such as Facebook or Twitter), news sources, RSS feeds, public records and more, and funnel everything into one stand-alone Nozzl.
Until 1/31/12, anyone contacting SMT and mentioning NOZZL as a promo code can receive a free site SEO diagnostic.
People around the world have come to rely on Nozzl News to bring them highly focused streams of content about hot news and issues.
But in addition to Nozzl’s ad-supported news, sports and topical streams, Nozzl Real-Time Technologies also works with businesses and organizations to provide high-value streams curated to meet their specialized needs.
In particular, they provide solutions for:
- Brand, Product and Marketing Managers. Consumer opinion has become more important than ever with the spread of powerful social media. Make sure you know what consumers are saying — before your competition does. AND monitor everything being said about your competition in one place. More here.
- Business Websites. Whether you run a dental office, yoga studio or real estate brokerage, your livelihood depends on relationships and repeat business. Keep your customers coming back to your website with a never-ending stream of the best advice and information in your field. More here.
- Conference and Convention Organizers. In a time of shrinking budgets, attendees need every minute to count. Give them instant, relevant information on events going on inside the conference hall — and outside. More here.
- News Publishers & Bloggers. Today’s readers want their news at the speed of Facebook and Twitter. Give them the targeted news and social media they want in a single real-time stream on your personal or neighborhood blog — or 100 streams on your corporate news site. More here.
About Nozzl Real-Time Technologies Inc.
Nozzl Real-Time Technologies Inc. was founded in 2010 in Portland, Oregon, by longtime journalists who wanted to help shape the future of news delivery. They combined their deep understanding of content, social media, public records, programming and the changing news ecosystem to create real-time “rivers of news.” Their customer base of online publishers now spans the spectrum from neighborhood bloggers to mainstream media.
Until 1/31/12, anyone contacting SMT and mentioning NOZZL as a promo code can receive a free site SEO diagnostic.
Revised Parking Plan Position
NOB HILL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
NW PARKING PLAN POSITION – Updated December 20, 2011
To avoid any misinterpretation and to resolve any confusion that may have resulted from our previous statement, we wish to clarify our position:
The Nob Hill Business Association does not support the current NW Parking Plan for the following reasons:
1. Our membership has clearly expressed their opposition to the Plan at Public Meetings and through emails and phone calls to the Association.
2. There are stakeholders that have not been heard.
- Many institutions were not represented on the SAC committee, such as public and private schools, apartment owners, renters, service providers, and commercial property owners.
- When the SAC Committee extended the boundaries to avoid overspill, the affected stakeholders were not invited to the committee.
- Some SAC committee members have resigned leaving a lack of proper representation on the Advisory Committee.
- Some of the businesses and institutions may realize a hardship with the 85% FTE Permit Allowance.
- Some of the institutions and non-profit groups may realize a hardship with the Permit Fees.
3. Now is the wrong time to create new barriers for customers to visit our businesses.
Nob Hill has recently been affected by a major construction project that has driven customers to others areas. We are only now getting customers to come back to the pre-construction levels.
The installation of meters and limited parking during the current economic downturn will further deter our customers from shopping at our businesses.
4. The current plan puts Nob Hill at a disadvantage with competing shopping areas.
Unlike other areas with a high density of businesses and residences there is no significant off street parking structure in the Nob Hill District that accommodates the long term user. This Parking Plan, using meters and limited parking , has no option for extended parking. If someone wants to shop or dine beyond a 3-hr. limit, they must move their vehicle. Most of the parking structure sites referred to in the Plan will not be developed. Even if they are developed, we would only add 650 spaces.
The area businesses do not want to be the first “neighborhood” to have meters. To avoid an unfair competitive disadvantage for our business district, we want a definite plan in place to install meters/parking limits in other like areas at the same time the meters are installed in Nob Hill.
NHBA Parking Plan Position
To be presented to the City of Portland
November 25, 2011
Nob Hill Business Association Parking Position to City of Portland
The Nob Hill Business Association supports the current Parking Plan; however, we do have some suggested changes and issues that need to be addressed BEFORE implementation of the plan. We continue to remain open to discussion with all the stakeholders to solve this complicated parking situation.
CHANGES:
- A 3 hr. limit for all meters and limited parking. We must avoid confusion by using simple signage. Example: 3 HR. LIMIT, 9AM – 7PM, Sundays Exempt, Permit Holders Exempt. The “Hr. Limit” should be very large, “time” smaller, and “permit exemption” very small. People who possess permits know they are exempt.
- Meter Rates should be $1.00/hr.
ISSUES:
There are stakeholders that have not been heard.
- Many institutions were not represented on the SAC committee, such as public and private schools, apartment owners, renters, service providers, and commercial property owners.
- When the SAC Committee extended the boundaries to avoid overspill, the affected stakeholders were not invited to the committee.
- Some SAC committee members have resigned leaving a lack of proper representation on the Advisory Committee.
- Some of the businesses and institutions may realize a hardship with the 85% FTE Permit Allowance.
- Some of the institutions and non-profit groups may realize a hardship with the Permit Fees.
Now is the wrong time to create new barriers for customers to visit our businesses.
- Nob Hill has recently been affected by a major construction project that has driven customers to others areas. We are only now getting customers to come back to the pre-construction levels.
- The installation of meters and limited parking during the current economic downturn will further deter our customers from shopping at our businesses. We wish to remind the City of the Hollywood District where meters were installed and then removed due to lack of business.
The current plan puts Nob Hill at a disadvantage with competing shopping areas.
- Unlike other areas with a high density of businesses and residences there is no significant off street parking structure in the Nob Hill District that accommodates the long term user. This Parking Plan, using meters and limited parking , has no option for extended parking. If someone wants to shop or dine beyond a 3-hr. limit, they must move their vehicle. Most of the parking structure sites referred to in the Plan will not be developed. Even if they are developed, we would only add 650 spaces.
- The area businesses do not want to be the first “neighborhood” to have meters. To avoid an unfair competitive disadvantage for our business district, we want a definite plan in place to install meters/parking limits in other like areas at the same time the meters are installed in Nob Hill.
Please submit all questions and comments to: nobhillportland@gmail.com
Fall Favorites at Besaws
Click to view the complete Besaws newsletter
As the days grow shorter and shorter, the rains get heavier, and our NW neighborhood trees turn from green to gold and red, it’s time for us at Besaw’s to put our garden to bed. Chef Michael Uhnak has been busy this week turning fall leaves into the soil, and planting our cover crop of clover and peas.
In preparation for the winter darkness ahead, we’ve stuffed our outdoor hanging baskets with harvest gold mums, dried berries, ornamental cabbages and crisp green apples. And we’ve turned up the warmth in the restaurant, on the patio and on our Menu with cozy and comforting Fall treats for all our favorite Besaw’s visitors.
Starting this November, look forward to our famous FRIED CHICKEN & WAFFLES – with Draper Valley chicken, cheddar-chive waffle & pure maple syrup served every evening! Also look for seasonal ingredients like winter squash and greens, sage and pickled goodies from the summer garden. For dessert, a roasted pumpkin cheesecake with maple glaze, or honey baked pears with candied ginger streusel. Perhaps you’d like a nightcap? Try a BESAW’S HOT BUTTERY RUM – with Myers Dark Rum, cardamom and cinnamon.
And don’t forget Brunch! Warm your belly with our favorite latte, CAFE BRIAN – with chocolate, vanilla and whipped cream. Try one of our homemade cinnamon rolls on the side, or some of our OATMEAL PANCAKES – with brown sugar and dried cranberries, perfect for a relaxing breakfast the morning after Thanksgiving.
Please note: Besaw’s will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, as we will be home with our friends and families. We are open for regular hours on Wednesday the 23rd of November, and on Friday the 25th. Please bring your family and friends for brunch on Saturday the 26th and Sunday the 27th!
As we approach the Holiday Season, it’s fitting that Besaw’s Featured Charity is Sisters Of The Road:
Since 1979, Sisters has operated in the Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood. At that time, the Cafe was anonymously christened when a circle containing three Xs – the hobo symbol for good food and hospitality – was chalked on the pavement outside the restaurant door. This symbol became Sisters’ logo.
Sisters’ customers, volunteers and staff have been creating community for more than three decades by building long term, stable and mutually supportive relationships. Creatinv a safe, hospitable space which offers delicious, nourishing food are our priorities in the Cafe.
Sisters Of The Road exists to build authentic relationships and alleviate the hunger of isolation in an atmosphere of nonviolence and gentle personalism that nurtures the whole individual, while seeking systemic solutions that reach the roots of homelessness and poverty to end them forever.
Please help us support Sisters Of The Road by clicking here.
We’re thankful this and every year for the continuing support of our patrons, our devoted staff and all friends of the Besaw’s family. We are so looking forward to serving all of you throughout the Holiday Season and beyond.
Cheers!
Top Ten SEO Tricks to Get Traffic to your Business (Classes Coming)
The Search Marketing Team (SMT), a Portland SEO company, will be hosting a series of classes tailor made for small business owners who would like to take better control of their site’s ranking.
The classes, Beginner SEO I and Beginner SEO II will be held most Wednesdays at 7 p.m., and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the NHBA. Please visit www.thesmt.com for more information, and to RSVP (required)
In addition, the SMT is sharing this Top Ten list (below) which includes several of the items that will be covered in the classes:
Top Ten SEO Tips:
1. Keyword research – figure out the words used by people you want to visit your site.
• These are generic search terms, NOT the proper name of your company
• Use free tools such as Google’s Keyword tool: https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
2. From the beginning:
• Use one of these keywords each time you name a new web page or post
• Use one of these keywords each time you name a new photo you intend to upload
• Use one of these keywords in the TITLE tag for your page (in HTML)
• Use one of these keywords in the META description tag for your page (in HTML)
• Use one of these keywords in any subheads you have in your copy
• Use one of these keywords in the FIRST and LAST sentences of your copy (when possible)
• Use one of these keywords in the FOOTER of your page
• And whenever possible, put these keyword in Bold and Italics and Capitalize the First Letter of Each Word
3. Build a website that is easy for the search engines to understand
• Make sure you have a robots.txt saved at the root level of your domain
• Make sure you have a sitemap.xml saved at the root level of your domain
4. Build clear text links (or a menu or HTML version of your sitepmap) to all parts of your site.
5. Backlinks:
• Links and “Likes” are like votes for your site and you can’t rank well without them
• Backlinks must be relevant to the content of your site and they must be from reputable websites
• Backlinks must be DoFollow, many sites only offer NoFollow links, which do you no good because they are not “counted” by the big three search engines
• Whenever possible, make sure you are using one of your keywords as the “anchor text” in your link
• Backlink to a variety of pages on your site, not just your main, or home, page
6. Submit your site details to search engines:
• Google, Yahoo and Bing all have a facility to submit a list of all the pages in your site via your sitemap
• Do not use automatic submission software
7. Content is king:
• Build great content and keep it up to date each week (or every day in competitive markets)
• This is the key to good SEO
• Search engines love sites like blogs, which are topical and regularly updated
• Regularly upload new photos and/or videos
8. Be social:
• Every time you update your site, be sure to mention it on Facebook, Twitter and sites like these
• The more friends and followers you attract to your site, the larger your reach becomes
• Place Google’s new +1, Facebook, Twitter and other social badges in an unobtrusive, but visible place on your site for more “likes”
9. Get crawled:
• One great way to make sure your site is indexed after you post something fresh is to “ping” it
• For this we use www.pingler.com
10. Watch your back:
• Pay close attention to your closest competition
• In all browsers there is an option to “View Source” which will display their source code
• Look for their and description and keyword tags
• These will show you what they are targeting and this can help you adjust your SEO as needed
Common BlackHat Don’ts:
1. Keyword Stuffing – Placing a large number of instances of the targeted keyword phrase on your page.
2. Hidden Text – Text that is set at the same color as the background or very close to it or hiding text behind an image.
3. Cloaking – Presenting different information to the search engines than a human visitor would see.
4. Doorway Pages – Pages added to a website solely to target a specific keyword phrase or phrases and provide little in the way of value to a visitor.
5. Redirects – This isn’t always bad, but when used as a black-hat tactic it is most commonly paired with doorway pages with little or no substantial content.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and follow Google’s Quality Guidelines:
1. Avoid hidden text or hidden links.
2. Don’t use cloaking or sneaky redirects.
3. Don’t send automated queries to Google.
4. Don’t load pages with irrelevant keywords.
5. Don’t create multiple pages, subdomains, or domains with substantially duplicate content.
6. Don’t create pages with malicious behavior, such as phishing or installing viruses, trojans, or other badware.
7. Avoid “doorway” pages created just for search engines, or other “cookie cutter” approaches such as affiliate programs with little or no original content.
8. If your site participates in an affiliate program, make sure that your site adds value. Provide unique and relevant content that gives users a reason to visit your site first.
NW Portland Sewer Reconstruction Project Update
NW Portland Sewer Reconstruction Project
Construction Update
Contact: Stephen Sykes, 503-823-7898, stephen.sykes@portlandoregon.gov
Updates
- Next week the construction crew on NW Everett St will continue installing sewer laterals that connect existing buildings to the new sewer. This crew will continue connecting buildings to the new sewer at NW 20th Place and will work toward NW 16th Ave. On street parking will be removed from both sides of NW Everett St in the work area. Traffic on NW Everett St is moving through the construction area in one travel lane. Once laterals and stormwater inlets are installed the contractor will begin preparations for repaving the sewer trench areas.
- The contractor will replace stormwater inlets in NW Marshall St between NW 24th and NW 26th Avenues next week. Preparations for paving will follow. Paving may occur in two phases depending on weather and availability of the paving subcontractor. Repairs to the concrete traffic island in NW 25th Ave will occur over the next two to three weeks.
- The contractor will continue installing sewer main line near NW 19th Ave next week followed by installation of laterals between NW 17th and NW 19th Avenues on NW Flanders St. A week of paving work will follow lateral installation.
- Date change: Construction on NW Davis St between NW 16th and NW 19th Avenues is expected to begin the week of May 23rd near NW 16th Ave.
- Road closure signage will be placed near all construction areas. Local vehicle access will be allowed. On street parking will be removed in the construction area. Sidewalks will generally remain open, but some crosswalks and sidewalks may close temporarily to ensure pedestrian safety.
- Work on NW Hoyt St and NW 22nd Ave is complete.
- Work on NW Upshur St is complete.
- Work on NW Marshall St at NW 21st Ave is complete.
Traffic and Pedestrian Impacts
Construction of the manholes and pits may temporarily close some intersections to through traffic. Traffic flow will be maintained on NW Everett with the assistance of signage and flaggers. Other project streets will be closed to through traffic during work hours. Flaggers and construction signage will direct the flow of traffic around the construction areas. The city will remove on-street parking in and near the construction areas to keep private vehicles out of the work area during the day and to allow for storage of construction materials. Normal construction hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contractors are allowed to work the same hours on Saturday but typically do not work on weekends.
Next Steps
Construction will likely take seven months and will likely run from February to September 2011. Please call or email to be added to a project updates email list. The contractor is proposing to work on this project in the following order, please refer to the map below:
1) NW Everett Street and NW Flanders Street
2) NW Hoyt Street at NW 22nd Avenue
3) NW Upshur Street at NW 19th Avenue
4) NW Marshall Street and NW 21st Avenue
5) NW Marshall Street and NW 24 – 26th Avenues
6) NW Davis Street
7) NW Broadway Avenue at NW Irving Street
Stephen Sykes – Community Outreach and Public Involvement
City of Portland Environmental Services
1120 SW 5th Avenue Room 1000
Portland, OR 97204
phone: 503.823.7898
cell: 503.823.8341
fax: 503.823.6995
The NWDA 2011 Annual Meeting & Election
| The NWDA 2011 Annual Meeting & Election will be held Monday, May 23, 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Legacy Good Samaritan Wistar-Morris Conference Room (1015 NW 22nd Avenue). Balloting will close at 7:15 PM. The May Board meeting will be held immediately afterward, from 7:30 to 8:00 pm. Agendas for both meetings are available online at http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org.
Please plan to attend this annual meeting, hear what the candidates have to say about why they are running for election, and make your voice count as one of the many diverse voices that make up our great Northwest Portland neighborhood. Active participation in your neighborhood group helps improve our quality of life … be it promoting affordable housing, safe and clean streets, air quality, historic preservation, improving transportation, promoting sustainable practices, celebrating our diversity, and much more! |
| Nob Hill Food Drive
The NWDA will collect food at their May 23rd Annual Meeting and Election for the Nob Hill Food Drive sponsored by Northwest Portland Ministries. Please bring a donation of shelf-stable milk (needs no refrigeration before opening), peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, and canned meat or fish. If you prefer to make a cash contribution, checks should be made out to Northwest Portland Ministries. All food collections and cash contributions will benefit the Northwest Portland Ministries Food Programs. For more information, please visit Northwest Portland Ministries’ website at http://www.nwpm.org |
| Membership and Voting
To vote at the meeting, you must be a member of NWDA as a resident, a property owner, or a representative of a business or non-profit organization. Deadline for membership application is noon, Wednesday May 18th. Membership forms are available online at http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org or at Neighbors West-Northwest, 2257 NW Raleigh, Portland, 97210. Absentee ballots are available at Neighbors West-Northwest between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays from Monday, May 16th to Friday, May 20th, and Monday, May 23rd. Absentee voting is permitted but proxies are not allowed. To vote absentee, you must register as a member three business days in advance and no later than noon, Wednesday May 18th. For more information contact Mark Sieber at 503 823-4212. Membership is free. |
| Proposed Bylaws Changes
At the Annual Meeting, members will be asked to vote on two proposed amendments to Article IX of NWDA bylaws: 1) change list of committees to reflect current Board-approved practice and 2) grant greater discretion to committee chairs in communications with the public. Full text of the two proposals are available online at http://www.northwestdistrictassociation.org and are available at NWNW at 2257 NW Raleigh Street. |
| Quorum Raffle
As if the opportunity to elect your local neighborhood association representatives isn’t enough to assure your attendance at the Annual Meeting, we’re sweetening the pot with a chance to win 3 Key Bank Club tickets to a Timbers match in September. All members who attend the Annual Meeting will be entered to win the free tickets. |
| See you on the 23rd.
Sincerely, Ron Walters |
Clean & Safe Retail Community Discussion
A recap of today’s Clean & Safe Retail Community Discussion
Today, the Clean & Safe District held a meeting with Mayor Sam Adams to discuss livability and safety issues in downtown this summer. More than 70 retailers, property managers and owners discussed their concerns and were able to ask questions of Mayor Adams and Central Precinct Commander Vince Jarmer.
Several audience members expressed concerns to the mayor about what appears to be a growing population of “summer travelers” in the downtown core. These are young people who hang out, frequently in large groups, on downtown streets, impeding retail and other business activities. The mayor acknowledged that he has also taken note of a growing number of these young people in the downtown area, and said he would work with Clean & Safe and youth service providers to address issues related to these groups.
Mayor Adams said downtown livability and safety is his top priority this summer and is committed to continuing targeted police missions to deal with illegal activities on downtown streets. He is also working on the implementation of the new Drug Impact Areas, which will have a new, specially dedicated assistant district attorney to prosecute downtown drug crimes and ‘walking beat’ police officers to suppress drug activity.
Mayor Adams and Central Precinct Commander Vince Jarmer also stressed the importance of calling Clean & Safe and Portland Police.
- For Clean & Safe, call 503-224-7383, any time you see any activity that concerns you such as loitering, animal control, graffiti, etc.
- For Portland Police, call 911, any time you see criminal activity in progress.
The mayor stressed that these calls greatly assist in the allocation of resources and inform the city and police bureau about what is happening on downtown streets and sidewalks. In addition to the new Drug Impact Areas, prosecutor and walking beat cops, there is also:
- Opening of Bud Clark Commons. Next month, the new resource center will open and will provide a host of services for individuals experiencing homelessness and in need of help. Clean & Safe and Portland Police officers will be referring individuals in need of assistance to the center.
- Crime Prevention Consultation. The city’s Downtown Crime Prevention Coordinator, Michael Boyer, will be going door-to-door and offering his expertise on enhancements a property or store can implement to prevent crime. He can be reached at 503-823-5852.
Downtown Clean & Safe is also working with the Portland Police Bureau to address areas where problems seem to be growing. Today, for example, I asked our security firm, Portland Patrol, Inc., to station officers on the Pioneer Courthouse block to address issues related to growing groups of people hanging out there. If we see problems shift to other areas, we will address those in the same manner.
We will be holding a follow-up meeting with Mayor Adams later this summer. More information will be shared once we have the details. Please remember that any time you have a concern, contact Clean & Safe at 503-224-7383 or if you see criminal activity, please call 911.
Thank you for your support of Clean & Safe and keeping downtown Portland a vibrant and livable community.
For more information about today’s meeting, click here to see the mayor’s office presentation.
Shane Abma
President, Clean & Safe
Questions Call: 503-224-7383