That's what Troutdale and the other east county cities need to do by fighting Metro's "up, not out" urban growth strategy. Metro's rejection of Troutdale's request to add 775 acres to its urban reserve is just the latest slap in the face to local government control of its own land use decisions. Tom McCall himself would reject Metro's draconian one size fits all urban growth boundary decisions.
Troutdale needs a 50 year supply of land according to state law. But without land for new housing and the anticipated new jobs coming to Troutdale over the next 50 years, Troutdale's future job holders would have no choice but to commute 20 or more miles to their jobs in Troutdale. Sure, Metro would like to force Troutdale to resort to more density via multi-story apartments and condo towers, skinny houses, light rail, the works. But Troutdalians must fight Metro's high density plans for Troutdale.
We value our high quality of life. We value our 30 foot height restrictions. We love our homes on family friendly large lots with big backyards. We know from experience that Metro-mandated high density"mixed use" was a failure in Fairview- its Fairview Village business strip is business ghost town. And it certainly doesn't work in Troutdale. We don't want high density. We don't want crime-ridden light rail and all of the tax abated crackerbox apartments that could be forced on us. We're not Portland. We're not Hillsboro. We're not Gresham. Not that there's anything wrong with those places.
Troutdalians have the right to decide how we want our city to look fifty years from now. Not Metro's new urbanist dreamers. Therefore, (to borrow from John F. Kennedy's inaugural address), let every new urbanist know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of Troutdale's high quality of life.
Showing posts with label Zoning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zoning. Show all posts
Sep 20, 2009
Jul 16, 2007
Metro's Fear and Loathing of Troutdale and Suburbia
Portland Transport: Height Limits: Another Zoning Decision that Causes Sprawl
In his post, Metro councilor Rex Burkholder wrote:
Troutdale, like Lake Oswego, Wilsonville and other suburbs, have very low height limits for buildings even in their "downtowns." Height limits are intended to maintain a "village" feel, even if these "villages" are part of a bustling metropolis and the "villagers" mostly commute to the high density towers of the city to make their livings while the wife and kids are safely ensconced in Pleasantville. This is an example of citizens using zoning codes to enforce a particular lifestyle and class structure on their communities. (See previous post on Sprawl and Zoning).
Technorati tags: Rex Burkholder, height limits, sprawl, City of Troutdale, Pleasantville, zoning codes
March 2, 2006 10:06 PM
rex Burkholder Says:
"Government didn't create zoning; special interests used government to create value for themselves and to protect that value. Zoning was created to separate the bourguosie from the lower elements (most zoning is exclusionary--large lots, minimum housing values--designed to keep the low income populations away.)
Of course, when the real estate development industry persuaded Congress to grant deductions for home mortgage interest, enact the Veterans home purchase program, as well as the federal home mortgage guarantee, even working class folks could afford a ranch house on a cul-de-sac. Unfortunately, like the popularization of the automobile, what started as a high value luxury for the rich (country life and mobility) ends up being devalued as it is over-built. Result: congestion and sprawl."
Just so folks in Troutdale know what your elected Metro officials think of our community.
In his post, Metro councilor Rex Burkholder wrote:
Troutdale, like Lake Oswego, Wilsonville and other suburbs, have very low height limits for buildings even in their "downtowns." Height limits are intended to maintain a "village" feel, even if these "villages" are part of a bustling metropolis and the "villagers" mostly commute to the high density towers of the city to make their livings while the wife and kids are safely ensconced in Pleasantville. This is an example of citizens using zoning codes to enforce a particular lifestyle and class structure on their communities. (See previous post on Sprawl and Zoning).
Technorati tags: Rex Burkholder, height limits, sprawl, City of Troutdale, Pleasantville, zoning codes
March 2, 2006 10:06 PM
rex Burkholder Says:
"Government didn't create zoning; special interests used government to create value for themselves and to protect that value. Zoning was created to separate the bourguosie from the lower elements (most zoning is exclusionary--large lots, minimum housing values--designed to keep the low income populations away.)
Of course, when the real estate development industry persuaded Congress to grant deductions for home mortgage interest, enact the Veterans home purchase program, as well as the federal home mortgage guarantee, even working class folks could afford a ranch house on a cul-de-sac. Unfortunately, like the popularization of the automobile, what started as a high value luxury for the rich (country life and mobility) ends up being devalued as it is over-built. Result: congestion and sprawl."
Just so folks in Troutdale know what your elected Metro officials think of our community.
Jul 13, 2007
Elected Official's Winter Wish Comes True!
Remember last winter, when it was cold and snowy and icy? Boy, I do. I remember specifically wishing would it PLEEZ be summer already, for crying out loud, as I lay on the snowy street after I slipped and sprained my wrist in January.
So you're thinking to yourself. What does a stupid wish have to do with Troutdale politics? It supports the statement, "Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it.". I'm so thrilled with proof that this wishing stuff really works, that my next wish is NOT for world peace (I think the beauty pageant people have a lock on that one), but for my fellow Troutdale city councilors to agree wholeheartedly with everything I propose for the rest of the year.
Here's my wish list. Let's get rid of all A-2 and R-4 zoning, replacing it with minimum R-5. Let's get the urban renewal project finished. Let's start some neighborhood associations. Let's stop paying unnecessary legal fees of $300k to developers. Let's have our city council meetings end at 10pm instead of midnight or 1am. Let's pressure ODOT to fix the Frontage Road/ I-84 Troutdale exit vortex of pain. Let's urge Multnomah County to put their new library at the old Thriftway store on Stark, and not in downtown Troutdale. Let's make sure we solve the loose trash problem before winter winds kick in.
And finally, let's make sure that trams made from recycled 737 fuselages never see the light of day Troutdale.
Jul 11, 2007
Troutdale City Council: Yes to Enterprise Zone
After a long and sometimes contentious city council public hearing last night, we voted to go ahead with the steps needed to create an enterprise zone at the old Reynolds metals site. The final vote was 5-2, with councilors Ripma and Kight voting no.
What we actually voted on was to authorize the mayor to request a new State Enterprise Zone(EZ) authorization round, and direct city staff to begin work on the final language for a Troutdale/Fairview Resolution Authorizing Application to Establish and Enterprise Zone.
Why did I vote yes? Even within an EZ, new construction or development is never a sure thing. I was not convinced that EZ's are a valuable economic tool except for the fact that we can require a minimum criteria in order for a company to be eligible for tax abatement within the EZ.
As an example of what other cities have required in their EZ criteria, Gresham requires a minimum investment of $1 million. For projects involving construction, a minimum of $75/sf is required. Gresham requires a procurement plan to increase purchasing from Gresham companies. Gresham's EZ criteria also require that at least 75% of all full-time employees must be paid at least 200% of minimum wage after one year of employment, and must provide benefits to full time employees that meet or exceed the national average. Troutdale's criteria may be different. We're working on them now.
The Reynolds site is a unique area as far as taxation is concerned. Troutdale has never received property tax income from this site because it wasn't within the city limits until a few months ago. Troutdale only recently annexed this property in February of this year. And when the Port of Portland takes title to this property in September or October of this year, the property taxes generated will again be ZERO. Why? Because the Port of Portland, as a governmental agency, pays no property tax. So if no development occurs, and if the Port doesn't sell the land to a private entity such as FEDEX, there will be no property taxes for this site.
Some people think we're giving away property taxes by creating this EZ. . We're not writing a check to FEDEX or any other company that might locate within the EZ. We are delaying when the property taxes begin for these companies by three years. Troutdale's share of the abated property taxes over three years will be approximately $1 million total. In return for that $1 million, if FEDEX comes to this site, FEDEX will be constructing an $80-100 million facility with estimated employment of 1000 jobs at the end of three to five years. That's a good trade-off.
In the past as well as right now, there will be NO tax dollars coming from the Reynolds site. But but with an EZ, after the tax abatement period ends, an estimated $1.3 million in tax revenue will be generated for all taxing districts. Troutdale's share of this: $383,000 per year. ZERO tax revenue in the past, now and for three to five more years. With an EZ: at the end of the tax abatement period, $383k per year for Troutdale as long as FEDEX remains.
Without an EZ, the Reynolds site could be filled with warehouses, with only 3-4 jobs per acre at low wages.(look at Airport Way, Marine Drive). With an EZ and minimum criteria: 1000 jobs (about 14 per acre), jobs which will be 150-200% of minimum wage and with good benefits.
Are there any guarantees? No. But lets face it, whether or not we like property tax abatement, it's a fact that Troutdale is dealing with an extremely competitive economic development environment. Other cities in the Metro area have EZ's. East Multnomah County has not been competitive in job creation. This EZ gets us on a level playing field.
Some people have said companies might come to the Reynolds site without an EZ. Maybe that's true, maybe it's not true. But FEDEX has expressed interest. They've already had a pre-application conference with the city. This deal is on the table now. I'll take real interest and good chances of success versus pie in the sky any day.
I've gone from being for and against the creation of this EZ on a daily basis for the last two weeks. But when I narrow it down to what's best for Troutdale, and after looking at all the issues from both the positive and negative side, I made the judgement that the EZ is what's best for Troutdale. So did a wide majority of the rest of the city council by a 5-2 vote. A majority of the citizens that came to the pubic hearing last night agreed with us. 1000 new jobs is worth the effort.
What we actually voted on was to authorize the mayor to request a new State Enterprise Zone(EZ) authorization round, and direct city staff to begin work on the final language for a Troutdale/Fairview Resolution Authorizing Application to Establish and Enterprise Zone.
Why did I vote yes? Even within an EZ, new construction or development is never a sure thing. I was not convinced that EZ's are a valuable economic tool except for the fact that we can require a minimum criteria in order for a company to be eligible for tax abatement within the EZ.
As an example of what other cities have required in their EZ criteria, Gresham requires a minimum investment of $1 million. For projects involving construction, a minimum of $75/sf is required. Gresham requires a procurement plan to increase purchasing from Gresham companies. Gresham's EZ criteria also require that at least 75% of all full-time employees must be paid at least 200% of minimum wage after one year of employment, and must provide benefits to full time employees that meet or exceed the national average. Troutdale's criteria may be different. We're working on them now.
The Reynolds site is a unique area as far as taxation is concerned. Troutdale has never received property tax income from this site because it wasn't within the city limits until a few months ago. Troutdale only recently annexed this property in February of this year. And when the Port of Portland takes title to this property in September or October of this year, the property taxes generated will again be ZERO. Why? Because the Port of Portland, as a governmental agency, pays no property tax. So if no development occurs, and if the Port doesn't sell the land to a private entity such as FEDEX, there will be no property taxes for this site.
Some people think we're giving away property taxes by creating this EZ. . We're not writing a check to FEDEX or any other company that might locate within the EZ. We are delaying when the property taxes begin for these companies by three years. Troutdale's share of the abated property taxes over three years will be approximately $1 million total. In return for that $1 million, if FEDEX comes to this site, FEDEX will be constructing an $80-100 million facility with estimated employment of 1000 jobs at the end of three to five years. That's a good trade-off.
In the past as well as right now, there will be NO tax dollars coming from the Reynolds site. But but with an EZ, after the tax abatement period ends, an estimated $1.3 million in tax revenue will be generated for all taxing districts. Troutdale's share of this: $383,000 per year. ZERO tax revenue in the past, now and for three to five more years. With an EZ: at the end of the tax abatement period, $383k per year for Troutdale as long as FEDEX remains.
Without an EZ, the Reynolds site could be filled with warehouses, with only 3-4 jobs per acre at low wages.(look at Airport Way, Marine Drive). With an EZ and minimum criteria: 1000 jobs (about 14 per acre), jobs which will be 150-200% of minimum wage and with good benefits.
Are there any guarantees? No. But lets face it, whether or not we like property tax abatement, it's a fact that Troutdale is dealing with an extremely competitive economic development environment. Other cities in the Metro area have EZ's. East Multnomah County has not been competitive in job creation. This EZ gets us on a level playing field.
Some people have said companies might come to the Reynolds site without an EZ. Maybe that's true, maybe it's not true. But FEDEX has expressed interest. They've already had a pre-application conference with the city. This deal is on the table now. I'll take real interest and good chances of success versus pie in the sky any day.
I've gone from being for and against the creation of this EZ on a daily basis for the last two weeks. But when I narrow it down to what's best for Troutdale, and after looking at all the issues from both the positive and negative side, I made the judgement that the EZ is what's best for Troutdale. So did a wide majority of the rest of the city council by a 5-2 vote. A majority of the citizens that came to the pubic hearing last night agreed with us. 1000 new jobs is worth the effort.
Jun 22, 2007
Troutdale/FEDEX Tax Break Estimate: $2-6 Million
If the new FEDEX distribution center provided 750 jobs, $2-6 million of tax abatements would translate to about $2600 to $8,000 per job.
In a follow up to Troutdale's discussion on providing tax breaks to a proposed FEDEX move to the old Reynolds Metals site, The Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission (TSCC) just issued a "City of Troutdale Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Analysis". The TSCC stated that, "It should be noted that these are very rough estimates based on limited information. The actual property taxes that would be abated could vary by as much as 20 percent from what is presented in this analysis."
Here are the TSCC numbers:
Tax Abatement, Valued as Industrial:
Three Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 4,008,817
Five Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 6,624,773
Tax Abatement, Valued as Commercial:
Three Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 2,132,991
Five Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 3,663,767
In a follow up to Troutdale's discussion on providing tax breaks to a proposed FEDEX move to the old Reynolds Metals site, The Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission (TSCC) just issued a "City of Troutdale Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Analysis". The TSCC stated that, "It should be noted that these are very rough estimates based on limited information. The actual property taxes that would be abated could vary by as much as 20 percent from what is presented in this analysis."
Here are the TSCC numbers:
Tax Abatement, Valued as Industrial:
Three Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 4,008,817
Five Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 6,624,773
Tax Abatement, Valued as Commercial:
Three Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 2,132,991
Five Year EZ Exemption Period; $ 3,663,767
Jun 21, 2007
Troutdale Home Appreciation Rate: 16.3%
Troutdale and Gresham had the highest appreciation rates for the last 12 months, according to RMLS and the Portland, Oregon Real Estate Blog. Appreciation percents are based on a comparison of average price for the last 12 months with 12 months before.
Here are the current appreciation rates for the region:
Rate - Area
16.3% - Gresham, Troutdale
13.3% - Lake Oswego, West Linn
13.1% - Hillsboro, Forest Grove
11.5% - Southeast Portland
11.5% - North Portland
11.2% - Milwaukie, Clackamas
9.4% - Northeast Portland
9.1% - Oregon City, Canby
6.4% - Beaverton, Aloha
6.1% - Northwest Washington County
5.2% - West Portland
3.8% - Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville
The Portland, Oregon Real Estate blog also says Troutdale and Gresham homes are more affordable than most of the region:
Average - Median = Area
$550,400 - $462,500 = Lake Oswego, West Linn
$464,100 - $377,000 = West Portland
$399,600 - $369,000 = Northwest Washington County
$375,600 - $335,000 = Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville
$345,000 - $307,700 = Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus
$320,300 - $299,900 = Oregon City, Canby
$312,900 - $274,500 = Northeast Portland
$298,100 - $270,000 = Hillsboro, Forest Grove
$285,200 - $260,000 = Beaverton, Aloha
$282,400 - $260,000 = Gresham, Troutdale
$281,700 - $248,000 = Southeast Portland
$264,000 - $248,500 = North Portland
Here are the current appreciation rates for the region:
Rate - Area
16.3% - Gresham, Troutdale
13.3% - Lake Oswego, West Linn
13.1% - Hillsboro, Forest Grove
11.5% - Southeast Portland
11.5% - North Portland
11.2% - Milwaukie, Clackamas
9.4% - Northeast Portland
9.1% - Oregon City, Canby
6.4% - Beaverton, Aloha
6.1% - Northwest Washington County
5.2% - West Portland
3.8% - Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville
The Portland, Oregon Real Estate blog also says Troutdale and Gresham homes are more affordable than most of the region:
Average - Median = Area
$550,400 - $462,500 = Lake Oswego, West Linn
$464,100 - $377,000 = West Portland
$399,600 - $369,000 = Northwest Washington County
$375,600 - $335,000 = Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Wilsonville
$345,000 - $307,700 = Milwaukie, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Damascus
$320,300 - $299,900 = Oregon City, Canby
$312,900 - $274,500 = Northeast Portland
$298,100 - $270,000 = Hillsboro, Forest Grove
$285,200 - $260,000 = Beaverton, Aloha
$282,400 - $260,000 = Gresham, Troutdale
$281,700 - $248,000 = Southeast Portland
$264,000 - $248,500 = North Portland
Jun 20, 2007
Troutdale Shouldn't Be Rushed By FEDEX
FEDEX is considering Troutdale's old Reynolds Metals site for a major shipping hub. FEDEX is also pressuring Troutdale for a decision on significant tax breaks by the end of this month. As I mentioned earlier, we discussed these potential tax breaks in a joint work session with the Fairview City Council.
As reported in the Gresham Outlook, "FedEx planners have inquired about “financial assistance” in talks with officials from the state of Oregon, Port of Portland and Troutdale. . ."
What should Troutdale do? Number one, we should slow down. There's no reason to rush into a decision. If FEDEX can't wait for Troutdale to do some due diligence, some public meetings, and a deeper look into all the implications of a major tax break, they're probably not serious about locating in Troutdale anyway.
We had a joint work session with the Fairview City Council. Although this was just an "information gathering" session, it was in reality a lobbying effort by Port of Portland and State of Oregon representatives to persuade us to create an enterprise zone. They didn't come out to Troutdale just for chitchat. The tone of the meeting was clearly "which flavor ice cream would you like", and not "this is how we make the ice cream".
I did some research on property tax exemptions, enterprise zones, and FEDEX over the weekend. I'm won't go into details in this post. (Check out Google searches on FEDEX and property tax exemption, or FEDEX and enterprise zones yourself).
Based on what I've read, apparently FEDEX's policy is to never, ever pay local property taxes. And they usually get their way. But does that mean Troutdale should give them a tax exemption? Maybe yes, maybe no. What's in Troutdale's best interest?
I resent being pressured by FEDEX, the Port of Portland, and the State of Oregon into making a quick, uninformed decision. Personally, I'm not in favor of making a decision on tax exemptions for FEDEX or anyone else until we can get all our questions answered, and until we can put a finger on the true costs of a tax exemption. How many jobs? What's the total dollar figure for exempted tax? Is it worth it? Do we want to basically pay $50-100k (just a number, I don't know the actual figure, that's the problem) per job? How is that fair to existing Troutdale businesses?
We also need public input. After all, a significant amount of taxpayer dollars are on the table. This doesn't just affect Troutdale. Property tax breaks would also affect local schools, our library system, just go down the big tax list on your property tax bill.
Realize this: the Reynolds Metals property is one of the last undeveloped pieces of industrial land in Multnomah County. So what's the rush? There's obviously demand for industrial land right now. Why ask the first girl we dance with for her hand in marriage?
The Troutdale City Council will discuss this again in a work session following the regular city council meeting on June 26. Want to attend? The regular meeting will be at 7pm, Troutdale City Hall, 104 SE Kibling Ave. The work session will be immediately after the regular meeting. Get involved in your local government!
As reported in the Gresham Outlook, "FedEx planners have inquired about “financial assistance” in talks with officials from the state of Oregon, Port of Portland and Troutdale. . ."
What should Troutdale do? Number one, we should slow down. There's no reason to rush into a decision. If FEDEX can't wait for Troutdale to do some due diligence, some public meetings, and a deeper look into all the implications of a major tax break, they're probably not serious about locating in Troutdale anyway.
We had a joint work session with the Fairview City Council. Although this was just an "information gathering" session, it was in reality a lobbying effort by Port of Portland and State of Oregon representatives to persuade us to create an enterprise zone. They didn't come out to Troutdale just for chitchat. The tone of the meeting was clearly "which flavor ice cream would you like", and not "this is how we make the ice cream".
I did some research on property tax exemptions, enterprise zones, and FEDEX over the weekend. I'm won't go into details in this post. (Check out Google searches on FEDEX and property tax exemption, or FEDEX and enterprise zones yourself).
Based on what I've read, apparently FEDEX's policy is to never, ever pay local property taxes. And they usually get their way. But does that mean Troutdale should give them a tax exemption? Maybe yes, maybe no. What's in Troutdale's best interest?
I resent being pressured by FEDEX, the Port of Portland, and the State of Oregon into making a quick, uninformed decision. Personally, I'm not in favor of making a decision on tax exemptions for FEDEX or anyone else until we can get all our questions answered, and until we can put a finger on the true costs of a tax exemption. How many jobs? What's the total dollar figure for exempted tax? Is it worth it? Do we want to basically pay $50-100k (just a number, I don't know the actual figure, that's the problem) per job? How is that fair to existing Troutdale businesses?
We also need public input. After all, a significant amount of taxpayer dollars are on the table. This doesn't just affect Troutdale. Property tax breaks would also affect local schools, our library system, just go down the big tax list on your property tax bill.
Realize this: the Reynolds Metals property is one of the last undeveloped pieces of industrial land in Multnomah County. So what's the rush? There's obviously demand for industrial land right now. Why ask the first girl we dance with for her hand in marriage?
The Troutdale City Council will discuss this again in a work session following the regular city council meeting on June 26. Want to attend? The regular meeting will be at 7pm, Troutdale City Hall, 104 SE Kibling Ave. The work session will be immediately after the regular meeting. Get involved in your local government!
May 7, 2007
OR Dems: Let Cities, Metro Set House Prices
Oregon State Rep. Buckley, Senator Bates, and Representative Shields have co-sponsored
HB 3284, would allow local governments to establish sales prices for housing units or residential lots as a condition of approval in a land use application.
HB 3284 would also allow local governments to limit the availability of some housing units or residential lots to a class or group of purchasers, also as a condition of approval.
(A tip of the hat to fellow Troutdale City Councilor Barbara Kyle for this information).
What's next, just forcing landowners to build homes, then turn them over at no cost to government? Why don't we all just give all of our land and our money to government now, and get it over with?
HB 3284, would allow local governments to establish sales prices for housing units or residential lots as a condition of approval in a land use application.
HB 3284 would also allow local governments to limit the availability of some housing units or residential lots to a class or group of purchasers, also as a condition of approval.
(A tip of the hat to fellow Troutdale City Councilor Barbara Kyle for this information).
What's next, just forcing landowners to build homes, then turn them over at no cost to government? Why don't we all just give all of our land and our money to government now, and get it over with?
Mar 13, 2007
Sedona Park Residents Ask For Parking Permits
At tonight's Troutdale City Council work session, residents of the Sedona Park neighborhood asked for a resident parking permit program. They wanted the city to issue parking permits for Sedona Park residents and guests.
In a staff report, Troutdale Police Chief David Nelson pointed out the problems with such a request. First of all, enforcement would be problematic. There would be costs to the city to administer and enforce. In addition, there didn't seem to be a need for such a program in this neighborhood. Other cities have residential permit programs in areas where parking is hard to come by, such as in a downtown area, or near a stadium or other high demand venue. These conditions don't exist in tucked-away, residential Sedona Park.
The city council reached a consensus of "not at this time" for this proposal.
On the short term, Sedona Park residents also asked that construction workers and vehicles be kept out of the Sedona Park neighborhood during construction of the 9 new single family homes in the Tyson's Place subdivision next to Sedona Park. (In case you're not familiar with the history of Sedona Park and Tyson's Place, click here.)
At my suggestion, the city council and Sedona Park residents who attended the work session agreed to attempt a low-key, informal problem solving meeting with Sedona Park residents, city staff, representatives from Tyson's Place builder D.A. Grey and Multnomah County. I thought that instead of the city making new laws or requirements it would be better for the neighbors and the builder to tell each other what their needs were and work together to solve a mutual problem. So thats what everyone agreed to do.
We're a small town, everyone is usually open minded and friendly. A policy of live and let live is much better than heavy handed government dictated rules and regulations.
In a staff report, Troutdale Police Chief David Nelson pointed out the problems with such a request. First of all, enforcement would be problematic. There would be costs to the city to administer and enforce. In addition, there didn't seem to be a need for such a program in this neighborhood. Other cities have residential permit programs in areas where parking is hard to come by, such as in a downtown area, or near a stadium or other high demand venue. These conditions don't exist in tucked-away, residential Sedona Park.
The city council reached a consensus of "not at this time" for this proposal.
On the short term, Sedona Park residents also asked that construction workers and vehicles be kept out of the Sedona Park neighborhood during construction of the 9 new single family homes in the Tyson's Place subdivision next to Sedona Park. (In case you're not familiar with the history of Sedona Park and Tyson's Place, click here.)
At my suggestion, the city council and Sedona Park residents who attended the work session agreed to attempt a low-key, informal problem solving meeting with Sedona Park residents, city staff, representatives from Tyson's Place builder D.A. Grey and Multnomah County. I thought that instead of the city making new laws or requirements it would be better for the neighbors and the builder to tell each other what their needs were and work together to solve a mutual problem. So thats what everyone agreed to do.
We're a small town, everyone is usually open minded and friendly. A policy of live and let live is much better than heavy handed government dictated rules and regulations.
Feb 7, 2007
Council Work Session: Density, Zoning Change Rules
Last night's city council work session agenda addressed three topics.
1.Opportunities to downzone selected areas
2. General Procedures for claims against the city
3. Changes to notification procedures for Type 1 land use decisions & Zoning map changes.
I'll discuss topic #3 first. Based on criticism by Troutdale residents regarding lack of notice for a lot line adjustment and zoning map change on the Sedona Park case, the city council agreed to require notice to surrounding neighbors for future lot line adjustments. We also agreed that the Planning Director's discretion under current Development Code rules to determine the exact line between zones was too vague. So in the future, ANY change in the zoning map, whether 5 square feet or 5 square miles, would be considered a Type IV land use procedure, requiring the full meal deal of public process: Notification, Planning Commission hearing, City Council hearing.
Topic 1-opportunities to downzone selected areas: This was a continuation of the city council's goal to reduce overall density in Troutdale. At the work session, we discussed several different properties and how to approach the issue of downzoning with the respective property owners. We agreed that any downzoning of property would only be done with the express agreement of the property owner. I'll have more to report on this issue next month.
Topic 2- general procedures for claims against the city: city staff wanted a review of general procedures to follow when someone makes a claim against the city i.e. broken sidewalks, blocked sewer lines causing damages, slip and fall, etc. The current procedure is to refer all claims to our insurer, City County Insurance Services (CCIS) for disposition of all claims. If CCIS determines the city was negligent, it covers any claims. If the city determines the city was not negligent, it will deny the claim. City staff wanted to know what to do with claims when CCIS and city staff feel the city wasn't negligent. The city council agreed that the current system was working fine- for claims not covered by CCIS, we would defer to city staff for disposition of the claim unless the dollar amount reached a certain point, at which time staff should refer the issue to the city council. We didn't decide on the dollar amount last night but discussed small claims limits, potential legal fees, etc. City staff will bring us some options on a dollar amount threshhold at a future work session.
Finally, City Attorney Marnie Allen formally announced her resignation. She's going to work full time for school districts in Washington State. She's an expert on municipal law, always goes above and beyond the call of duty in anticipating and responding to city staff and council concerns, has a tremendous work ethic, and is a pleasure to work with. She will be sorely missed. Thanks for your many years of service, Marnie.
1.Opportunities to downzone selected areas
2. General Procedures for claims against the city
3. Changes to notification procedures for Type 1 land use decisions & Zoning map changes.
I'll discuss topic #3 first. Based on criticism by Troutdale residents regarding lack of notice for a lot line adjustment and zoning map change on the Sedona Park case, the city council agreed to require notice to surrounding neighbors for future lot line adjustments. We also agreed that the Planning Director's discretion under current Development Code rules to determine the exact line between zones was too vague. So in the future, ANY change in the zoning map, whether 5 square feet or 5 square miles, would be considered a Type IV land use procedure, requiring the full meal deal of public process: Notification, Planning Commission hearing, City Council hearing.
Topic 1-opportunities to downzone selected areas: This was a continuation of the city council's goal to reduce overall density in Troutdale. At the work session, we discussed several different properties and how to approach the issue of downzoning with the respective property owners. We agreed that any downzoning of property would only be done with the express agreement of the property owner. I'll have more to report on this issue next month.
Topic 2- general procedures for claims against the city: city staff wanted a review of general procedures to follow when someone makes a claim against the city i.e. broken sidewalks, blocked sewer lines causing damages, slip and fall, etc. The current procedure is to refer all claims to our insurer, City County Insurance Services (CCIS) for disposition of all claims. If CCIS determines the city was negligent, it covers any claims. If the city determines the city was not negligent, it will deny the claim. City staff wanted to know what to do with claims when CCIS and city staff feel the city wasn't negligent. The city council agreed that the current system was working fine- for claims not covered by CCIS, we would defer to city staff for disposition of the claim unless the dollar amount reached a certain point, at which time staff should refer the issue to the city council. We didn't decide on the dollar amount last night but discussed small claims limits, potential legal fees, etc. City staff will bring us some options on a dollar amount threshhold at a future work session.
Finally, City Attorney Marnie Allen formally announced her resignation. She's going to work full time for school districts in Washington State. She's an expert on municipal law, always goes above and beyond the call of duty in anticipating and responding to city staff and council concerns, has a tremendous work ethic, and is a pleasure to work with. She will be sorely missed. Thanks for your many years of service, Marnie.
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