Comment on Reserves Draft Map at January Open Houses

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 04, 2010

Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington Counties and Metro Invite Public Comment on Urban/Rural Reserves Draft Map at January Open Houses

Citizens throughout Washington County and the Portland metropolitan area will have another chance to review and comment on proposed urban and rural reserves at a series of six open houses scheduled in January. The regional open houses, co-sponsored by Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties and Metro, will feature maps of the latest urban and rural reserves proposals, information about the agreements that will be entered into between each county and Metro later in the year, and opportunities for public comment.

Three of the open houses will also include Metro Council public hearings. The open houses/ public hearings are scheduled as follows:

• Mon., Jan. 11 - 4:30 – 6:30 pm open house; 6 pm Metro Council public hearing; Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th, Gresham
• Thurs., Jan. 14 - 4:30 – 6:30 pm open house; Metro Regional Center, 600 NE Grand, Portland
• Sat. Jan. 16 - 9 -11 a.m. open house; Washington County Public Services Bldg, 155 N 1st Ave., Hillsboro
• Tues., Jan. 19 - 4:30 - 6:30 pm open house; Clackamas County Development Services Bldg., 150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City
• Wed., Jan. 20 - 4:30 - 6:30 pm open house, 6 pm Metro Council public hearing; Sherwood Library/ City Hall, 22560 SW Pine St., Sherwood
• Thurs., Jan. 21 - 4:30 – 6:30 pm open house, 6 pm Metro Council public hearing; Wilsonville City Hall, 29799 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville

After more than two years of research, study and public input, on Dec. 16 the Core 4 (one representative from each of the counties and Metro) agreed to a map of proposed reserves to present for public input in January. The map, which will be at the open houses, is available at http://www.oregonmetro.gov/index.cfm/go/by.web/id=31826 and in the lobbies of the Washington County Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building, 155 N. First Avenue, Hillsboro. The December 16 map shows many areas around the Metro region proposed for designation as urban reserves. If designated as urban reserves, these would be first in line for inclusion within the urban growth boundary over the next 40-50 years.

The map also includes approximately 224,000 acres of farmland, forests and natural areas proposed as rural reserves (areas that would be protected from urbanization for 40 to 50 years), as well as a number of areas the Core 4 will continue to discuss.

In addition to the open houses, the public may comment on the specific alternatives in a number of ways:

• A virtual open house on the Metro web site will offer online maps and comment opportunities.
• A telephone hot line will provide latest information.
• Comments will also be welcomed by e-mail, fax and mail.

The four jurisdictions are scheduled to reach final agreement in February on inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) to implement the reserves. More information is available on the Metro website at www.oregonmetro.gov/reserves, or by contacting Mike Dahlstrom, Washington County Program Educator, [email protected] or 503 846-8101.

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