This year for VBC 10 the neighbors at NE 56th and Stanton will be refurbishing the existing Intersection Repair installation that was first created during VBC 7. The Freda’s Tree motif commemorates a magnificent chestnut tree that was at this corner for nearly a hundred years. The past three years were an exciting experience for involved neighbors. The cooperative spirit that evolved and grew during the VBC 7 planning, design process, layout, and ultimate construction of the design continues strongly today.

This year a new element will be added at the northeast corner of the intersection. A tile mosaic will be created to further enhance the intersection, which already features the mural painted on the street. The plan is to eventually create a project on each of the 4 intersection corners. We would make one project per year starting this year on the northeast corner. The 2010 mosaic will be constructed primarily of ceramic tile pieces set into concrete. The pieces will form a rainbow spray. The mosaic pieces will not fill the entire corner area. The areas that are not mosaic would be planted with an appropriate ground cover. 

The required materials are: tiles in assorted colors, cement, styrofoam, and plywood. We have already received donations of tiles

The existing vibrant street painting, featuring a depiction of a deceased iconic neighborhood tree, has been well received by the neighborhood. Many people passing through the neighborhood over the past two years have commented that they love the feature and the life that it gives to the area. Neighbors have noticed a definite calming effect on traffic that passes through the intersection. 

Our immediate neighborhood is blessed with a burgeoning generation of school age children who are totally captivated by the project and are instrumental in the layout and construction. They are eagerly waiting this year’s refurbishing effort.

Our need for volunteers is negligible, however those interested in participating are welcome to show up and participate.

Schedule

Because it is spring time in Oregon, the repainting schedule will be determined by the weather. It will occur at the first opportunity that weather allows over the two weekends of VBC 10. We have a permit to close the streets for both the beginning and end weekends. Tentative start time for beginning the actual painting is at 10 AM on the lucky day.