"Oregonians hate two things," Councilor Victor Chudowsky said, referencing a quote from former Metro Executive Officer Mike Burton that appeared in National Geographic magazine. "They hate sprawl. And they hate density."
It was a fitting summation of a lengthy debate over a proposal to reinstitute the prohibition on height variances on the west side of Brooks Street between Franklin Avenue and Newport Avenue.
If you're at Frist Friday Art Walk Downtown tonight, which you should be, here are some events we suggest you check out. Don't forget to enjoy all of the wonderful art hanging in local galleries and business, many of which will be open late.
Snowbike Mayhem
Crow's Feet has a renegade obstacle course for cold weather bike aficionados. Race a professional rider on a Fatback design snow bike, or just watch the festivities and enjoy a beer with live music by Grits and Grizzle. Races start at 8 p.m.
Crow's Feet Commons, 875 NW Brooks St.
Choose wisely, Bend.
We are pretty sure listening to the new Nickelback album would be more physically painful than fighting Voldemort or competing in the Hunger Games, but it's up to you.
As if Tin Pan Alley wasn’t cool enough already, it will soon be home an art house theater.
Tin Pan Theater is tentatively aiming to open by first Friday in March and will feature a 30-seat theater, beer and wine, and food from local restaurants, said one of the owners of the new theater.
“We really wanted to create something in Bend that was a small cultural hub,” said Esme LaVoy, who is opening the business with her partner, Micah LaVoy.
Micah LaVoy is the former owner of Sparrow Bakery, which he sold to a new owner about one year ago, said Esme LaVoy. The two plan to show independent films and documentaries. They’ll also open the theater, which is in the former location of The Top Leaf Mate Bar, to musicians, authors and for community events.
“We want to be able to have things that don’t (typically) come to Bend,” said Esme LaVoy.
The theater is a good thing for downtown and isn’t likely to compete with other venues in the area, said Chuck Arnold, executive director of The Downtown Bend Business Association.
“It's a different type of option,” he said. “We certainly have the Tower and McMenamins, but this is a different approach.”
Tickets to movies at the theater are expected to cost $5 to $6, said Esme LaVoy. Check out Tin Pan Theater’s facebook page for more information.