All Portland residents should pay attention and please read what the city is proposing for zoning changes. Take a careful look and get a real understanding of what it means to the overall look and feel of Portland.

Many of the proposals are good, better defining what is allowed and what is not allowed. But there is one proposal that will forever change the look and feel of walking around in Portland, and that is: a major increase in building height allowances. The taller the building, the less sun and sky will reach the street level. The trees that line our forest city will suffer. The sight lines and glimpses of sky and waterfront, and the long views of our beautiful city we take for granted, will disappear. And why do we need more 14-story-plus buildings? Many of our tall buildings in downtown are empty. We do not need more office space. An increase in affordable housing can be reached, and it will take time. But not by building skyscrapers.

Visit the ReCode Portland display and talk to the city councilors. They want to hear from us. They want us to understand the big changes they are proposing, and they want our feedback.

Julia Flanders
Portland