From The Oregonian, OregonLive:
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Neighbors for a Livable West Linn would like to purchase the remaining six acres of the White Oak Savanna Park.
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The council voted 3 to 2 against a resolution to submit the grant, which would help pay for the purchase of the expanded park. Cost to the city, a short deadline and unusual process caused reservation among some councilors.
Just after the vote, a parade of supporters expressed disappointment with the decision.
“We’ve worked on this for five years and you’ve effectively killed it,” said Roberta Schwarz, a West Linn resident who has led the effort to preserve the area. “I’m so ashamed of you.”
For years, Schwarz and others protested plans for development of the area near 2445 Tannler Dr. -- 20 acres of one of the largest intact oak savannas in the northern Willamette Valley. In 2009, West Linn, Metro and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department purchased 14 acres of the savanna from the property owner for $1 million.
Now, supporters want to acquire the other six acres from a developer for $1.72 million.
A developer is offering to sell the six-acre property for $1.72 million.Last month, Schwarz requested the city complete a grant application for $250,000 from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
“We’re not asking for any money,” Schwarz said at a March 17 council meeting. “We’re just asking for permission for the grant to be written.”
On Tuesday, city councilors analyzed various resolutions to approve the grant application. Though several resolutions stated that the city is not committing additional financial support for the project, councilors learned the city would be on the hook for some costs in the future.
The area requires an estimated $2 million in intersection and street improvements and $100,000 to construct a parking lot and play area, according to city code. Rezoning the park is likely to cost $10,000, said assistant city manager Kirsten Wyatt.
Some of these costs are already required with the purchase of original 14 acres, noted councilor Mike Jones.
Currently, the area brings in $40,500 in tax revenue to the city, with potential to bring in much more if developed, Wyatt said. If designated a park, the land would generate no revenue.
Council President Jody Carson said she’d like to see the park expanded, but wasn’t comfortable committing the city to park’s financial obligations at this time. Councilor Thomas Frank agreed, adding that the process has lacked transparency.
“A few councilors were courted off to the side,” Frank said. “We haven’t had a public hearing on this.”
Councilors Jones and Jenni Tan voted for the resolution, but the rest voted no.
“I think this would be a good park, but this is not the right time and the right way to go about this,” Carson said.
-- Michael Bamesberger
April 01, 2014
