06/11/1987 - Minutes CITY CENTER PLAN TASK FORCE MEETING
ThursJay, June 11^ 1087 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: Pam Juarez' Chrin DefferJing' Stuart Cohen, Michael Marr'
Jolynn Hnh^ Don Pinkerton. and Jerry Couroolle.
OTHERS PRESENT: Liz Newton' Duane Roberts, Peggy Weston Byrd'
Geraldine Ball, Tom Hill, Stefano Zigretti, Ik Jung Chun,
Dana Fa6ely, Richard Bellinger' Arshad M, Chohan'
Katie Fabely' Councilor Valerie Johnson' and Bill Monahan.
Valerie Johnson took the roll . She then noted that Mayor Brian has appointed
Stuart Cohen as Chairman and Mike Marr as Vice Chairman. Both have accepted
their appointments . Chairman Cohen asked for comments on the minutes which
then were accepted an written. Motion made by Jolynn, seconded by Don and
approved unanimously .
Councilor Johnson introduced Dr. Stefano Zigretti to lead a presentation by
Portland State University . Dr. Zigretti ' s class from the School of Urban and
Public Affairs has devoted two semesters of work to projects in the downtown,
Dr. Zigretti introduced the students and noted that the presentation was the
beginning point. Many discussions were held throughout the semester on
various ideas . The class has not jumped to conclusions but has raised ideas,
evaluated them, and is presenting some for further consideration.
Dr. Zigretti praised the work of Liz Newton who has regularly acted an a
critic and reviewer for the class study .
Dana acted as spokesman for the student group. The students looked at the
entire downtown from a design standpoint. They looked at demographics, market
information, physical look of the area, and historical aspects . He noted
there is room for growth in the downtown, but there are access problems for
customers . He described the many maps and exhibits prepared by the students
showing existing conditions and proposals . He noted that the large amount of
green space in the downtown presents the greatest opportunity for an
identity . The City road network was identified as a drawback as it doesn't
encourage trips to the area.
Various proposals were mentioned :
1 . to make connection between Washington Square, Downtown, and southeastern
Tigard . A more direct connection between Tigard Street and HAll Boulevard
was suggested . Development of more streets in the area is a possibility,
possibly re—routing Burnham to end at the Civic Center. Residential areas
in Tigard du not connect to the downtown.
2. Richard Bellinger presented more variations on the circulation plan.
3 . One suggestion showed water controls to make dams and expand the Fanno
Creek Park . Variations on the connection of Ash Avenue were shown.
4. Expand the size of the Main Street commercial area by having a road
between Main and Ash Avenue. This connection could be a pedestrian road
gaining access to more retail. properties . The remaining properties along
Burnham could be made into major office and retail areas . More parking is
proposed,
5. One plan showed construction of more parks and green areas . More
pedestrian ways are proposed . Maintenance of some existing industrial and
commercial groupings could be achieved.
The final products of the class are some illustrations of ideas that emerged .
They suggested that the City consider a trade off of landscape requirements
for dedicated funds aimed at purchasing and developing park .land. For
example, the value of the landscaping which would have been required with a
development could be placed in a fund for land acquisition. This would
concentrate the green space rather than have many small landscaped areas .
Improvement of the entrance to downtown through Tigard Street was proposed.
More landscaping by the overpass could improve the appearance. Dana also
cited the possibility of specifying the design scheme for buildings in the
downtown. Removal of overhead power lines as development takes place is
assumed . New buildings could be designed to pick up on the design of some
older buildings which are in view from the overpass .
Stuart expressed the appreciation of the Committee to the class . Dr. Zigretti
offered to provide assistance in the fall and possibly have his class
participate in follow up with a focus on specific details . For example, the
class could focus on ideas for a produce market, amusement center, or
pedestrian walk.
Information on the SeaFirst property and South Waterfront Project was
distributed in the packet. The Waterfront Project was very specific in terms
of the investment sought and City investment committed . Bill noted that
SeaFirst Bank is attempting to sell the property; one potential buyer has
contacted the City . If an application is filed, the City will be obligated to
review the application under existing zoning. A change in zoning for the
property would take several. months . Stuart noted that any rezoning of this
property without a full .look at the downtown could lead to future conflicts .
Mike drew from a recent: Times article which reported that hotels and motels
have been over built in the County . Valerie brought up the point that the
Committee needs to focus in on the entire area rather than direct too much
energy to one property which may or may not be sold in the ' future. Bill
pointed out that the Committee does not have input now to the sitO development:
review process for downtown properties . The Committee could look into
becoming the architectural review board for any downtown projects . Valerie
commented that the concept needs a lot of analysis .
Stuart: suggested that the Committee work on its goal. statement. The Committee
began work on the task of defining a new boundary . Duane distributed an
existing land use map of the downtown and its surrounding areas . Chris
suggested that properties fronting Hall from the east side should at least be
included . Stuart suggested Highway 217 as a more logical boundary but noted
it may be too far from the City Center. He also noted that the Chelsea Hills
area should be eliminated from the boundary . Mike suggested that. U gird
Street to the west of the downtown should be included up to Tiede-_man. Stuart
questioned if Safeway and Schoolhouse Antiques should be included on Hall .
Valerie encouraged the Committee to consider the boundary based on traffic
access but avoid including commercial properties which are outside of the
area. She cited the separate markets and the earlier opposition from those
businesses to inclusion in the Downtown general. formation. NO suggested
that an outer ring, an expanded study area, be included only for comparison
and compatibility concerns . Chris suggested that the Committee stick with the
existing boundary but be aware of the outlying areas . He noted that PSU used
these as the study area boundary . Stuart agreed with the suggestions that
Chelsea Hills be removed . Mike suggested that Tigard Street be included as he
saw benefit to redirecting traffic off Greenbury as suggested by PSU. Valerie
suggested that the study of 'Tigard Street could be performed by another City
committee such as the Transportation Committee.
Stuart asked if the Committee could choose topics for the next meeting,
possibly a special meeting before the regularly scheduled July meeting.
Pam suggested that a recorder be used at meetings and she then will prepare
minutes , The role will then be rotated among members . A motion was made by
Jerry Coursol.le that the boundary of the study area be the central business
district zone minus the Chelsea Hills subdivision. Jol.ynn Ash seconded . The
item was approved by unanimous vote.
A special meeting was set for Wednesday, June 24th at 7 PM. Jolynn suggested
that the Seal=irst property should be the top item. Mike suggested that a
visual idea could be developed, a concept of areas to be presented, and define
what is acceptable for further refinement to an ultimate desired development.
Jerry suggested that the Committee look at the current zoning for the CBD and
consider using the planned development overlay which currently is on the
property . Liz pointed out that the Committee can use the PD to define the
character desired for the area.
Valerie suggested that: the Chair, Vice Chair, Bill and she go through the
Resolution to create at workplan with some order and time lines. Mike added
that the EDC and Transportation Advisory Committee be invited to meet with the
Committee and present what they have been doing. Valerie reported that no
overlap exists now and noted that the City Engineer could best: advise the
Committee on the capital improvement program items related to the City Center.
Valerie explained that Council approved funding to allow two Committee members
to attend the Promoting Downtown conference scheduled for Portland from July 7
to 9. Stuart suggested that Committee members advise Bill if theyscan attend .
The meeting adjourned at 10:00. The next meeting will. be held on Wednesday,
June 24th with a regular meeting scheduled on July 16.
WAM: sb/3314P