JOHN A. KITZHABER, M.D. <br />GOVERNOR <br />February 16, 2001 <br />To the Citizens of Oregon: <br />I am pleased to present to Oregon's communities a new publication called Neighborhood Street- <br />Design Guidelines. This handbook is a valuable tool for local governments. In workbook style, <br />it recommends a process for development of street standards, provides important information to <br />help communities consider and decide on the standards, and includes model designs as a starting <br />point. <br />Street design, in particular street width, has been an important issue in Oregon for the past <br />decade. Oregon's award-winning Transportation Planning Rule, adopted in 1991, requires local <br />governments to minimize street width considering the operational needs of the streets. Also, <br />citizens and planners in many Oregon communities, as well as towns across the country, have <br />advocated for narrower streets as part of a larger movement to build more livable neighborhoods. <br />The desire to reduce the standards for street widths raises concerns about large vehicle access, <br />especially emergency service providers who need to reach their destinations fast. The issue has <br />resulted in heated debate in some communities and among state agencies and statewide <br />organizations. <br />This document is the result of hard work and commitment of individuals who joined in a <br />collaborative process to reconcile the multiple uses of our neighborhood streets. Many thanks to <br />the Neighborhood Streets Project Stakeholders, Design Team members, and reviewers for the <br />time and expertise they contributed to this -effort. <br />. - #At7 <br />Jo A. Kitzhaber, M.D. <br />Governor <br />• <br />STATE CAPITOL, SALEM 97310-0370 (503)378-3111 FAX(503)378-4863 TTY(503)378-0 59 <br />