We, the members of the East Portland community, strongly oppose the proposed redevelopment of the old K-Mart location at 122nd and NE Sandy Blvd. into a 38-bay distribution center, proposed by ProLogis, Inc. This proposed development poses significant risks and concerns to our community's health, safety, and well-being.

First, the increased truck traffic and air pollution will have severe impacts on the air quality in our neighborhoods, particularly for the most vulnerable members of our community, such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory problems. The constant noise and air pollution from the diesel trucks will not only be detrimental to the health of our community members but also create a disruption to the quality of life we cherish.

Second, the distribution center is not in alignment with our community's vision for sustainable development and environmental protection. The development will result in the release of significant amounts of greenhouse gases, which is not in line with our community's goal to reduce our carbon footprint.

Third, the proposed development would be in close proximity to several schools (Parkrose High School, Parkrose Middle School, Prescott Elementary, and Shaver Elementary to name a few) in our community, posing a risk to the safety of our children. The increased truck traffic and noise could create hazardous conditions for students walking to and from school and participating in outdoor activities during recess and physical education classes. The potential exposure to air pollution and toxic diesel fumes could also have negative impacts on the health and well-being of our children. The proposed warehouse faces Parkrose High School’s athletic fields, and will bring significantly more pollution to our low-income minority community, despite the city of Portland's stated commitment to “social justice, racial justice (and) environmental justice.”

Furthermore, we note that there is already a larger distribution center being constructed at 138th and NE Sandy Blvd. The proposed distribution center at the old K-Mart location would add to the negative impacts on our community. East Portland is often treated as a dumping ground for unwanted projects like this. Our community already bears the burden of numerous industrial and transportation facilities, including Interstates 205 and 84, the Portland Airport, and a railway system. These systems have already brought significant air and noise pollution to our community, and the proposed diesel truck distribution center would only exacerbate these issues.

Additionally, we believe that the old K-Mart location would be a great candidate for the CHIPS and Science Act that was passed by lawmakers in late July and signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. The CHIPS and Science Act provides funding for the redevelopment of underutilized or abandoned sites into research and development centers for emerging technologies. This funding could be used to support the development of a cutting-edge research and development center in East Portland, providing new job opportunities for our community while supporting sustainable and environmentally conscious development.

Finally, the proposed development could also result in a negative impact on our community's property values, leading to economic losses for local residents and businesses. We fear that the development will discourage visitors from frequenting our area, thereby negatively impacting our local economy. 

We need your help, Thuy Tran. As our representative of Oregon State District 45, we urge you to listen to the concerns of the East Portland community and stand with us against this proposed development of the old K-Mart location into a 38-bay distribution center. We need your support to protect our community's health, safety, and well-being, and to promote sustainable and environmentally conscious development that aligns with our community's values.

Use your platform and influence to speak out against this proposed development and to work with us to find alternative uses for the old K-Mart location that will benefit our community. Let us work together to create a model for sustainable development and innovation in East Portland.

Please take action now and stand with us to protect our community's future.