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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRT2-FocusGroup-Summary City of Tigard River Terrace 2.0 Community Plan April Focus Group Summary Prepared by JLA Public Involvement May 9, 2025 Introduction The City of Tigard’s planning process for River Terrace 2.0 prioritizes community input to ensure the development is inclusive, sustainable, and reflective of the city’s diverse population. As part of this process, two focus groups were held to gather culturally specific perspectives from youth and Latino community members, two perspectives that are not often reflected in traditional engagement activities. Staff gave a brief overview of background on the project and described the project goals. This summary reflects the ideas and opinions provided by participants in the two groups. Summary of Key Recommendations Suggestions from both groups ultimately line up with the goals and vision established for River Terrace 2.0. • Prioritize climate-resilient and sustainable design. • Ensure safe, multimodal transportation and transit-oriented infrastructure. • Build affordable, diverse, and accessible housing. • Design walkable commercial areas that serve families and support local business. • Create gathering spaces and parks that build community identity. Climate & Environmental Resilience Climate resilience and environmental protection were key concerns for both groups and a desire to see proactive mitigation in the River Terrace 2.0 plan. Tigard River Terrace 2.0 Community Plan Focus Groups 2 • Emphasize solar energy, rainwater reclamation, and bioswales. • Protect and plant trees to improve air quality and reduce heat impacts. • Design with durable, energy-efficient materials, and green infrastructure. Community Desires: o Shade structures and tree-covered parks. o Sustainable landscaping with native, low-maintenance plants. Transportation & Mobility Transportation preferences showed a desire to walk or bike but also recognized the necessity of driving for this area. Participants expressed a desire for functional paths and trails that connect residences to businesses and parks. Safety is key for those interested in using bike paths and trails; safety measures include proper lighting, enough space for all modes, and clear visibility. • Prioritize safe, direct, and accessible walking and biking routes. • Integrate flexible and convenient transit access. Preferred Design Features: o Separated bike lanes. o Paved paths for all ages and mobility levels. o Better signage, lighting, and wayfinding on routes. Lighting & Street Landscaping • Provide adequate, downward-facing lighting for nighttime safety. • Consider creative and solar lighting solutions. • Preserve visibility near intersections with low landscaping. • Place trees carefully to avoid sidewalk disruption. Housing Preferences Housing preferences highly align with the RT2 goals of providing a m ix of housing types at various price points: apartments, townhomes, and family homes. • Affordable, multigenerational, and accessible units. • Proximity to parks and nature is key. • Private or shared yard space, with dog-friendly options. • Taller buildings are acceptable if privacy and parking are addressed. Concerns: Tigard River Terrace 2.0 Community Plan Focus Groups 3 o Need for parking: “This is the suburbs – we need access to cars.” Commercial & Community Spaces • Walkable, neighborhood-scale commercial nodes with daily essentials (coffee shops, markets) should be available to all. • Community hubs like recreation centers and farmers markets. • Adequate parking, even in walkable zones. • Mixed-use areas with a comfortable pedestrian experience and buffers from traffic. Parks, Green Space & Community Hubs • Pocket parks close to homes. • Trails through natural areas rather than next to roads. • Community gardens, plazas, and intergenerational gathering spaces. Tigard River Terrace 2.0 Community Plan Focus Groups 4 Summary of Meeting 1 with Students April 24, 5-7 pm, at Tigard High School Staff: Brittany Gada, Jessica Pickul, Stacy Zurcher 8 students participated in the meeting: Ethan, Charlotte, Miriam, Chloe, Asher, Jame, Kailani and Kim. Either from the Tigard Youth Council or Tigard High School Future Business Leaders group. Brittany provided a project overview. Students asked the following questions: • Will pump stations be needed? • Will there be transit service in River Terrace 2.0? • How does this tie into River Terrace 1.0? Key Themes and Insights Climate Students mentioned some ideas to help RT2 be more climate resilient. • Due to hotter weather, we will need homes with AC (although that impacts energy use). • Use the weather as an asset with design: o Solar o Bioswales or rainwater reclamation Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 5 • Gathering places like parks need trees and a pavilion for shade. • Protecting trees to help with air quality. • Use durable/long-lasting materials o This is good for human health too Transportation • Consider how rideshare can be accessed or used with the new neighborhood . • Direct walking and biking routes are preferred to destinations – needing to take longer more scenic routes may mean people don’t use the trail system regularly. • Too many cars on a road can make it feel dangerous for cyclists. • Make sure there is a functional sidewalk system. There are a lot of gaps in Tigard today that make it unwalkable. • Consider topography and hills, cars often speed down hills. Consider adding speed bumps, or speed detection. • Are there ways to mitigate cut-through traffic? • One student shared the city site where people can report safety concerns. Feedback on example transportation images Bike lanes on main street: Option with sidewalks on both sides and a two-way bike lane on one, was preferred. • Good to have modes separated, including on the bike path. • Ethan referenced the Sunriver paths as good examples. • Parked cars as a buffer makes everyone feel safer. • Group recognized that this option works better in an urban setting and higher speeds. • How would you make turns off of this path? Neighborhood bike trip: • Overall the group mentioned that paved paths are preferred because it’s better for all ages and abilities, and is more comfortable for longer trips and everyday use. • Tree roots can disrupt paved paths – how can that be planned for? • Soft surface paths can be nice for nature walks and walking dogs, but likely not regular errands. • Sidewalks and trails should be intentional in connecting people to their destinations. Soft paths could also work for regular trips as long as they aren’t “out of the way.” Slow local street options: • Streets with sharrows do not feel safe for kids. Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 6 • The multi-use path option would be nice if there was a line to separate directions of travel. • Desire to add wayfinding signs on paths and routes. • Narrow streets slow people down. o Streets should be wide enough for parking but still narrow enough to slow down drivers Lighting: • There were several comments related to wanting light that allow s people to be seen for safety. This helps people feel more comfortable walking at night, ensuring drivers can see pedestrians. • Someone shared that they like the creative lighting on the bridge path at Mary Shriver Park on the bridge. • Request to ensure any lighting is directed downward to reduce light pollution. Students voiced a preference for lighting on trails for safety but specified that it should be low light directed downward and horizontally to illuminate the trail. Street landscaping: • Students want trees but emphasized the need for visibility near intersections . They recommended locating trees farther back from the street, not in a planter strip. Consider using shrubs between the curb and sidewalk. • Big roots can impact sidewalks and then the sidewalks are no t usable for all. • Concern for camping on sidewalks and visibility to sidewalks from streets. • Some commented that they like bump-outs or bright colors to call out where people are walking or riding – especially near intersections. Transit: • Consider placing bus stops near trails for connectivity. • Place stops at locations that will help the travelers feel safe. Always with sidewalks and safe crossings. • Request for a local Tigard bus route that doesn’t connect to Portland. Housing • There were several comments related to wanting a private yard or greenspace. o Connected yards with no fence may work too, but that won’t work for people with dogs. o Having a variety of yard types is important. • Housing near commercial and also near nature makes sense and creates options depending on a person’s desires. Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 7 • Consider building taller buildings to include more units to preserve some greenspace. • All participants said they wouldn’t live some place that didn’t provide parking: “This is the suburbs – we need access to cars.” • The taller height of apartments may not work next to smaller housing options because of the lack of privacy. • Mixed feedback from the group on 6-plex – some liked it. Those who didn’t said it lacked privacy and yards and seems too similar to apartments without the typical amenities of a larger apartment building. Commercial • Many thought all residential areas should have access to local small businesses like coffee shops and daily services. • Parking will be critical in commercial areas. Even if it is walkable for many, there are times of the year when it won’t be comfortable to walk. Parking could potentially be used as a buffer between larger roads and more pedestrian commercial areas. • This feels like a good place to add more building height. Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 8 Summary of Meeting 2 with Spanish Speaking Community Members Tuesday, April 29, 6-7:30 pm, at Tigard Public Library Staff: Anthony Veliz Participants: 10 Spanish-speaking community members Executive summary: This focus group revealed strong support for affordable and multigenerational housing, safe and accessible transportation infrastructure, walkable business nodes, and environmentally responsible neighborhood design. Participants shared a deep connection to community well- being, a desire for intergenerational spaces, and concerns about climate change and housing affordability. Key Themes and Insights Climate and Environmental Resilience Participants identified multiple climate-related concerns, particularly the risks posed by extreme heat, wildfires, and habitat destruction. There was a high level of awareness regarding environmental degradation and a desire to see proactive mitigation in the River Terrace 2.0 plan. Top Climate Solutions Identified: • Reclamation of rainwater for irrigation • Tree preservation and native plantings • Walkable and bikeable neighborhoods • Solar and renewable energy • Energy-efficient and sustainable building materials Housing Needs Participants advocated for a diversity of housing types, from small apartments to family homes, with thoughtful integration into the landscape. Preferred Housing Characteristics: • Proximity to parks • Mixed housing density • Accessible units • Family-friendly layouts • Private yards/shared spaces Walkable Business Nodes and Community Hubs Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 9 The group supported neighborhood-scale commercial hubs tailored to families and walkability. Recommended Amenities: • Grocery stores, cafés, restaurants • Childcare services • Youth spaces • Farmers market plaza • Community gardens • Recreation center Transportation Infrastructure and Street Design There was significant discussion around safe, accessible, and comfortable transportation options. Top Priorities: • Wide sidewalks and crosswalks • Sheltered bus stops • Separated bike lanes • Well-lit paths • Natural routes Lighting and Landscaping Preferences A mix of lighting types was preferred, including solar lighting. Landscaping should not block visibility. Preferences: • Mixed lighting (tall, path, solar) • Trees and native low-profile plants • Shade and low-maintenance Additional Observations • Roads often feel narrow and congested in new developments. • Strong desire to build community identity through gathering spaces. • Need for equity in housing for all income levels and family sizes. Recommendations for Planning Team • Ensure a mix of housing types and affordability • Walkable commercial zones Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 10 • Include climate resilience features • Transit-oriented infrastructure that supports people being less reliant on cars • Create a central community hub Green Spaces and Nature Access Green spaces were a recurring and highly valued theme during the River Terrace 2.0 Spanish - language focus group. Participants consistently linked green areas with health, safety, community-building, and climate resilience. The comments spanned several aspects of planning, reflecting both practical needs and emotional ties to nature. 1. Pocket Parks and Housing Proximity Participants favored homes near small public parks, reflecting a desire for walkable access to nature and recreation. 2. Trails Through Natural Areas Participants showed a strong preference for walking and biking paths through green, natural areas rather than alongside buildings or streets. They should be well connected, with clear destinations. 3. Community Gardens and Shared Spaces There was enthusiasm for community-oriented green spaces such as a garden or Saturday market plaza that could serve intergenerational and cultural purposes. 4. Sustainable Landscaping Participants supported native and sustainable plantings, favoring a mix of street trees and low - maintenance plants. Alignment with Core Planning Questions 1. How can we integrate different housing options to welcome all people with a variety of needs and backgrounds? Participants emphasized a need for housing that serves a wide range of needs and life stages, including homes for both small and large families, multigenerational households, seniors, and people with disabilities. Suggestions included a variety of unit sizes, rental and ownership opportunities, and homes near parks and community spaces. 2. How can we address the critical shortage of housing for first -time homebuyers, small families, low-income households, and seniors? Participants voiced concern over the lack of affordable housing and emphasized the importance of providing options for entry-level buyers and low-income residents. They Tigard River Terrace 2.0 - Community Plan Focus Groups 11 expressed a need for affordability that does not compromise quality, accessibility, or family suitability. 3. What kinds of parks and public gathering spaces support our community best? Participants expressed strong support for small, walkable parks (pocket parks), and proposed creating community-oriented spaces such as a Saturday market plaza, gardens, and a recreation center. These were seen as essential to promoting health, safety, and social cohesion. 4. How should we protect and incorporate natural areas and critical habitat for wildlife? Participants discussed environmental degradation and climate risks, especially extreme heat and wildfire. They recommended protecting tree canopy, incorporating native plants, reclaiming rainwater, and integrating solar energy into infrastructure to minimi ze environmental harm. 5. How can we make this a neighborhood where everyone has safe, comfortable, and accessible alternatives to driving? Participants showed strong interest in safe, multimodal transit options. They preferred wide sidewalks, separated bike lanes, well-lit paths, and public transit stops with amenities. Natural trails that allow people to walk or bike through green spaces wer e especially valued. Conclusion This Spanish-language focus group revealed insightful and heartfelt feedback grounded in lived experience. Participants were clear in their vision for a safe, inclusive, environmentally resilient, and community-centered neighborhood. Their voices should be considered essential as River Terrace 2.0 moves from planning to implementation.