Author Archives: Eli Spevak

About Eli Spevak

Community housing developer

Discrete Density

Posted on May 4, 2013

Skinny homes on 25’ wide lots.  New apartment buildings without off-street parking.  Bulky 2,500+ sq. ft. ‘traditional craftsman’ homes popping up all over the inner-east side.  These are Portland’s most visible and contentious examples of in-fill housing development from the … Continue reading →

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Portland extends waiver of SDCs on Accessory Dwelling Units

Posted on December 5, 2012

Great News! This afternoon, Portland’s City Council voted unanimously to extend the waiver of Systems Development Charges on Accessory Dwelling Units for an additional 3 years. The waiver covers all new ADUs (conversions or new construction) that are permitted before … Continue reading →

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Sabin Green – A community of 2 ADUs and 2 modest homes

Posted on November 2, 2011

Back in 2005, I was trying to figure out how to create affordable home ownership opportunities without public subsidies in a strong housing market.

With a background in affordable housing development and having just completed a small cohousing condominium conversion project, I was interested in models that would support affordability and community within an urban, amenity-rich neighborhood. I had learned about ADUs as a planning student and was intrigued by the possibility of using the condominium legal structure as a way to separate ownership between ADUs and primary residences.

When a property came on the market that could support two primary dwellings and two ADUs, I jumped in with an offer… Continue reading →

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