Cityscape 2006-10 m C77ITYSCAPE
Tigard's Official Newsletter
October 2006 www.tigard-or.gov Volume XXIV No.10
Mayor's corner Exercise Your Right to Vote!
One of City Council's 2006 Goals is to consider The Washington County Elections Division will be mailing
opportunities for major greenspace purchases. This year, ballots around October 20. Ballots must be received by the
the city has acquired three parcels totaling 8.3 acres with Washington County Elections Division by 8 p.m. on Tuesday,
11 additional properties totaling 71.9 acres under consid- November 7—Election Day! Voters may return their ballots to
eration. The Council actively pursues the acquisition of Tigard City Hall or mail them in.
open space in furtherance of the city's adopted Parks There are several local measures of interest to Tigard
Master Plan vision of providing a park system that residents that will appear on the ballot.
provides equitable distribution of parks and recreation 34-126: Local Option Levy to Maintain Countywide
opportunities throughout the city. Library Services -A four year $29.4 million local option levy for
The city is not responsible for park planning in countywide library services.
unincorporated areas,but those areas were included in the 34-127: Local Option Levy Renewal for Countywide
Parks Master Plan as areas that would ultimately be Public Safety-A four year location option levy to replace an
served by the City of Tigard. The Parks Master Plan expired public safety levy for countywide public safety services
shows the adjacent unincorporated areas as underserved
so the city made acquisition of open space on Bull 34-133: Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue (TVF&R) Gen-
Mountain a priority. eral Obligation Bond Authorization -A 20 year $77.5 million
In the last few years, the city has been able to general obligation bond to fund specific capital improvements and
operational and safety improvements to existing facilities.
assemble publicly owned parcels that could provide
useable open space on Bull Mountain to serve city 26-80: Metro Bond to Preserve Natural Areas, Clean
residents as well as those in unincorporated Washington Water; Protect Fish,Wildlife - This $227.4 million general
obligation bond would fund the purchase of natural areas and trail
County. The City has sought to annex these properties so
that the City can develop those properties as city parks corridors in 27 areas throughout the Portland Metro region,
within the city limits. The annexation proposal before the Provide funds for cities for parks and open space, and fund a
City also includes adjacent properties whose owners have Nature in Neighborhoods Capital Grant Program.
petitioned for annexation. Tigard residents in the Beaverton School District:
Litigation has been filed in an attempt to stop the 34-139: Beaverton School District Capital Bond Measure
annexation. Absent direction from the courts,the City -A$195 million school bond measure for building new schools,
Council will be deciding whether to annex those proper- expanding and renovating existing facilities, and purchasing land
ties. The City does not believe that annexation of the for a future high school.
properties will affect the proposed incorporation of a new Tigard Local Elections
city on Bull Mountain, other than possibly resulting in a Mayor - Craig Dirksen
change in the boundary of the proposed City,if it is City Council- Gretchen Buehner,Joshua Chaney,
approved by the voters. Sydney L. Sherwood
The City does not seek to affect the Bull Mountain There are also many state measures and candidates on the
election by its proposed annexation. The voters in the ballot. Voters guides mail to all voters will provide explanations on
area of the proposed new city should vote on the pro- each measure.
posed incorporation according to what they think is best.
ef'. W. _4 Craig E. Dirksen, Mayor
TIGARD CITY COUNCIL: MAYOR CRAIG DIRKSEN, SALLY HARDING, SYDNEY SHERWOOD, NICK WILSON, TOM WOODRUFF
& City of Tigard
It's Your Tigard = Get Involved!
Be a part of the decision-making process and learn more about programs. Agendas are available at www.tigard-or.gov
under the Events Calendar link. No web access? Contact the person noted under each board or committee.
City Council Library Board Recruiting Members
Town Hall Library Conference Room
6:30 p.m. - 2nd, 3`d, and 4th Tuesdays 7 p.m. - 2"d Thursday Planning Commission
Let your voice be heard—2nd and A seven-member citizen board that The City of Tigard Planning Com-
4th Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. - an advises the Council regarding library mission is recruiting to fill two voting
opportunity to speak to Council for policies,budget, facilities and other needs. member and one non-voting alternate
two minutes on any item not on the Margaret Barnes, 503-718-2501. vacancies by mid-December. Planning
agenda. Cathy Wheatley, 503-718-2410. Committee for Citizen Commission members conduct public
Planning Commission Involvement hearings on land use issues and develop-
ment applications. The Planning Com-
Town Hall 7 p.m. - 3' Thursday mission meets at 7 m. on the first and
7 p.m. - 1"and 3`d Mondays A newlyexpanded committee that P
P third Mondays at City Hall.
A nine-member citizen committee reviews and evaluates public involve-
that conducts public hearings on land Individuals interested in being
P g ment and communication plans - -
use issues and development lica- - considered for the Planning Commission
P PP primarily for city land use and develop- vacancies need to fill out a Citizen
tions. Dick Bewersdorff, 503-718-2432. ment programs. Duane Roberts,
Committee Interest Application form and
Park and Recreation Advisory 503-718-2444. return it to Tigard City Hall by 5 p.m. on
Board Tree Board Tuesday, November 7. These forms are
Tigard Water Bldg. Auditorium Library Conference Room available online at www.tigard-orgov or at
7 p.m. - 2nd Monday
6:30 p.m. - 2,dMonday Tigard City Hall.
A seven member citizen board The Tree Board's mission is to For more information about these
that advises the Council on park and -
develop and administer a comprehen- vacancies and Planning Commission
recreation policies, facilities, programs
sive program for the management, activities contact Dick Bewersdorff,
and budgets. Daniel Plaza, 503-718- maintenance, removal, replacement Planning Manager, at 503-718-2432 or
2590.
and protection of trees on public dick@tigard-orgov.
Intergovernmental Water Board property. Matt Stine 503-718-2589.
Tigard Water Bldg. Auditorium City Hall D a y
CPO 4B -C.F. Tigard Elementary
5:30 p.m. - 2nd Wednesday 7 p.m. 1st Thursday City officials,legislators and candi-
A five-member board, established dates within Tigard and King City House
between Tigard,Durham, King City and CPO 4M -Metzger Park Hall and Senate districts are being asked to
the Tigard Water District,which makes 7 p.m. - 4t`1 Wednesday participate in the League of Oregon
recommendations on water-related issues. Membership is open to all resi- Cities City Hall Day.
Greer Gaston, 503-718-2595. dents and property owners within the The event will take place Octo-
CPO 4B or CPO 4M boundaries. ber 19 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall at
Contact Patt Opdyke, 503-725-2117. Tigard City Hall.
The purpose of the event is to bring
city officials,legislators and candidates
77
.
together to meet and discuss priority city
issues and lay the groundwork for a
successful 2007 legislative session. If
you have any questions,please contact
Joanne Bengtson at 503-718-2476 or
Joanne@ tigard-orgov.
Page 2 Cityscape Editor - Liz Newton Layout Design - Jill Byars CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Nevvsletter A
Highway 99W Traffic Congestion Relief Ahead
Tigard citizens consistently ranked traffic congestion as the Recommended Funding Source
number one issue with Tigard citizens in three community How can the Greenburg Road/Hwy 99W/Main Street
surveys. Citizens specifically identified congestion on Highway intersection widening project be funded in a timely manner to
99W as a major problem. This highway carries 50,000 vehicles complement the Hall Boulevard/Hwy 99W intersection
per day,half of which is regional traffic traveling through improvements? Available revenue from the City's share of State
Tigard. Gas Tax funds and the Traffic Impact Fee Funds are the
Council Goals primary source for roadway construction projects. Since this
In recognition of the citizen concerns regarding the heavy revenue is committed to other projects and not sufficient to pay
traffic congestion on Hwy 99W, the Tigard City Council for the Greenburg Road intersection improvements in the short
established a goal in 2005 to improve Hwy 99W and continued term, another source of revenue will be needed.
that goal into 2006. After considering several options the Transportation
Hall Blvd/Hwy 99W Intersection Improvements - Financing Strategies Task Force recommended the establish-
directly support the Council goals. ment of a local gas tax as the funding source for this specific
Washington County has project to Council. This citizen task force was formed to
planned improvements that will evaluate and recommend new
expand the capacity of this GREENBURG ROAD/HIGHWAY 99W/MAIN STREET funding sources for major
intersection by providing the INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS transportation improvements.
following: GREENBURG ROAD The Tigard City Council is
• New northbound left-tum ,, open to considering a local gas
lane on Hall Boulevard tax to provide the funding
• New southbound right-tum needed for the improvements
lane on Hall Boulevard to the Greenburg Road Hwy.
99W intersection project. Over
• New eastbound through saw a period of approximately 5
lane on Highway 99W
years, the anticipated tax
The improvements are revenue would generate the
expected to allow the intersec- necessary funding for the
tion to function adequately for
� � intersection improvements
at least the next 10 years. currently estimated at $3.5
expected to
Construction is ex m - Existing
P � million. Since about half of
begin inmid-2007. +� - Proposed MAIN STREET Figure 1
the traffic on Hwy 99W is
Proposed Greenburg Road/ regional traffic, motorists
Highway 99W/Main Street Intersection Improvements passing through Tigard would help pay for the proposed
The current level of service on Greenburg Road at Hwy improvements each time they purchase gas within the city limits.
99W is extremely poor,especially in the afternoon with vehicles At the Council meeting on August 8,2006, Council
waiting through multiple traffic cycles to clear the intersection. members directed the Transportation Financing Strategies Task
While the Hall Blvd/Hwy 99W intersection will greatly im- Force to use an open public process over the next few months
prove traffic circulation, improvements to the Greenburg Road to obtain input and feedback from citizens regarding the project
intersection will be necessary to complement those improve- and it's funding source.
ments and ensure coordinated movements between the two For questions and requests for more information on how
closely-spaced intersections. Recommended improvements for to get involved,please contact Gus Duenas, City Engineer, at
the Greenburg Road/Hwy 99W/Main Street intersection 503-718-2470 or gur@tigard-orgov.
include:
• New dedicated left-turn lanes on Greenburg Road and
Main Street
• Extension through the intersection of the eastbound
through lane introduced in the Hall/Hwy 99W project
(See Figure 1)
October 2006 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 Page 3
AkCity of Tigard
Stepping Back:
a look at Local History
Shelf Iter Lmife
October 4, 11 a.m.-Noon
Join us for a showing of"Mystery
News from the Tigard Library 13500 SW Hall Blvd. Portraits"donated to the
Library events _ Tigard Area Historical&
Preservation Association. /I
October 4 11 a.m.-Noon Stepping Back:A Look at Local History Iry�
October 4,11,18,25 10:30-11 a.m. Toddler Time (ages 18-36 mos.) Help identify forgotten
October 5 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Learn to use Novelist names, misplace family and it
Database lost friends.
October 6,13,20,27 10:30-11 a.m. Family Story Time (ages 0-6)
October 7 10-11:30 a.m. Computer Class: Basic Computer Skills A Movie with Margaret—
October 7 Noon-1:30 p.m. Computer Class: Introduction to Windows Hello, Dolly!
October 8 1:30-3:30 p.m. A Movie with Margaret-Hello,Dolly! October 8, 1.30-3:30 p.m.
October 11,18,25 10:30-11:15 a.m. Preschool Story Time (ages 3-6) Library Director Margaret Barnes is
October 11 7-8 p.m. Art Speaks: Nature as Muse
hosting a movie matinee. Join Margaret
October 12 4:30-5:30 p.m. Teen Book Discussion Group (grades 6-12)
for the film adaptation of the Broadway
October 12 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Internet for Beginners
October 14 10-11:30 a.m. Computer Class: Basic Word Processing Musical Hello, Dolly! starring Barbra
October 19 4:30-5:30 p.m. Teen Library Council&Teen Zine Meeting Streisand and Walter Matthau.
October 19 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Beginning E-Mail
October 21,28 10 a.m.-Noon Open Computer Lab TPL Teen Library Council and
October 24 7-7:30 p.m. Pajama Story Time (ages 0-6) Teen Zine Meeting
October 25 7 p.m. Book Discussion Group October 19, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
October 25 7-8 p.m. Art Speaks: Quest for Immortality:Treasures The Teen Library Council meets
of Ancient Egypt monthly to plan and discuss future teen
October 26 5-7:30 p.m. Teen Game Fest(grades 6-12)
programs and events at the library. We
October 26 6:30-8 p.m. Computer Class: Research on the Web
October 30 3:30-5 p.m. Kids' Book Club (grades 1-4) will also be working on the Fall Teen
Zine. For more information, call
All library programs are free. For more information about programs, 503-718-2656.
visit our web site at Y,),)vttigard-orgovllibrag. Some library programs require registration.
To register,please call 503-684-6537.
Teen GameFest
Teen Book Discussion Group October 26, 5-7:30 p.m.
October 12, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Get Active @ the Library with
Dance Dance Revolution Extreme 2.
The Teen Book Discussion Group is for teens in grades 6-12. We read terrific Play Super Smash Brothers Melee,
books and meet once a month to discuss the book, socialize and enjoy snacks. This Mario Kart Double Dash lots of board
month's book will be Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix. '
games, Twister and more. Grades 6-12.
Adult Book Discussion Group
October 25, 7 p.m. Art Speaks Lectures
The library's book discussion group continues its literary travels this month with Nature as Muse - October 11, 7 p.m.
its October selection,Isabel Allende's novel Daughter of Fortune,the tale of a young The Quest for Immortality:
Chilean woman's search for love during California's Gold Rush days. Treasures of Ancient Egypt
Kids' Book Club - October 25, 7-8 p.m.
The Portland Art Museum brings a
October 30, 3:30-5 p.m., Grades 1-4 series of evening lectures and slide shows
Children reading at 2nd to V grade levels are invited to join the Kids'Book Club, to the library
where we'll read books nominated for the 2006-07 Beverly Cleary Children's Choice '.. highlighting
Award. To participate in October, read Bronco Charke &The Pony Evresr by Marlene current and
Brill prior to the meeting date and join us for a great discussion,fun activities and upcoming
snacks! Parents are welcome to drop off children for the program's duration. exhibits.
Page 4 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Nevvsletter a
Here's Your Chance to Volunteer House Plans for
Make a Difference In Your Community Homeowners
In recognition of National Make A Difference Day, The City of Tigard
if
everyone is invited to Make a Difference this month in Tigard. records division is doing
In addition to the events described below check out some housecleaning.
u�2v2a�tiaard orgov/communi@voluntee�_op.r for more information
Blueprints or drawings of homes built
ftm or call Bob Roth,Volunteer Program Development Specialist between 1990 and 2003 in Tigard or the
at 503-718-2402 or bob@tigard-orgov for more information. unincorporated Bull Mountain area may
be available to homeowners.
Comcast Cares/Hands-On Portland Event To see if the city has plans for your
Families and individuals are invited to volunteer from 9 a.m. to Noon on home, contact our Records Specialist
October 7 at Fowler Middle School, 10865 SW Walnut Street. Lora Garland at 503-718-2483 or
Volunteers will remove English ivy and distribute bark dust on school grounds. (�i7ecordr@tigard orgov.
Volunteers will also paint interior school walls.Refreshments will be provided and Plans must be picked up at City Hall.
volunteers are required to pre-register at 503-413-7787 or ann@ban&orrportland org. To ensure plans are only released to
property owners,photo identification with
Volunteers Shovel or Shelve on October 21 a current address will be required.
Volunteers are invited to attend a Derry Dell Creek Restoration Project from 9 N a t u re s c a p i n g Class
a.m. to 1 p.m. to help plant 2,000 native trees and shrubs and improve water quality Tualatin Basin Partners for Clean
and wildlife habitat.Participants should bring their own shovels and dress for the Water is offering a FREE naturescaping
weather.Volunteers will meet at the Mtexsection of SW 115"Avenue and Genesis class, Saturday, November 18, from
Loop to get started and light refreshments will be provided.Please pre-register for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tigard Library
this event by calling Carla Staedter at 503-718-2788 or carla@tigard-or.gou Community Room. The class teaches the
On October 21 volunteers are also invited to a Shelving and Special Projects art and science of using native plants in
Party from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tigard Public Library located at 13500 SW Hall your landscape. Registration is required
Blvd. Since the Library is not regularly open at this time,volunteers will need to use by calling 503-797-1842 or at
the east building entrance. Refreshments will be provided. To pre-register for this naturescaping@yaboo.com.
event or for more information about Library volunteer opportunities contact Trish Then take advantage of Tigard
Stormont at 503-718-2516 or trisb@tigard-orgou Water Service's $50 rebate. For more
Keep Our City Clean information visit www..tigard orgov,click on
Tigard has a vibrant and popular Adopt-A-Street program with 28 streets water division, conservation, and rebate
available for adoption. Local citizens agree to clean their assigned street program; or contact Corianne at
once a month for one year. The green signs around town let the 503-718-2599.
public know who is caring for each street. Currently, two street
segments are available for adoption. They are Gaarde Street, from - FaIoa r` Plenty o f Books
121st to Walnut and 74th Avenue from Bonita Road to Hall Blvd.
sTa��r
If you or your group is interested in adopting a street,please �,,;3 Plentv ®f Time
contact Carla Staedter at 503-718-2788 or carla@tigard-orgov, but The Friends of the Library
hurry,this program is very popular and street segments do not stay Autumn Book Sale!
open for long.
Friday, October 13, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Do You Love to Garden?
Saturday, October 14, a.m.- 3 p.m.
The Public Works Department is currently searching for volunteer gardeners to Tigard Public Library Community
assist staff with caring for the Rhodie Garden at Summerlake Park and the Butterfly Room--13500 SW Hall Blvd.
Garden at Cook Park. If you have a green thumb but no room to garden,we have
Rows and Rows of
opportunities for you!!! For more information contact Carla Staedter at Used and Nearly New
503-718- 2788 or carla@tigard-orgov.
Paperbacks and Hardback
October 2006 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 Page 5
AkCity of Tigard
Englewood Park Fifth Annual Free Leaf
Englewood Park, situated south of park's most notable flora. Disposal & Food Drive
Scholls Ferry Road,is split into two Englewood Park has undergone a Area residents are encouraged to
sections.The western section,which recent facelift. A play structure, designed
includes Hiteon Creek, can be accessed drop off leaves and donate
for children age 5 to 12,was constructed
b SW S rin ood Drive and SW non-perishable food items from 9 a.m. to
Y P �' this year. The structure is located near
Hazelwood Loop. The eastern side of 3 p.m. on the following dates:
P the swing set on the eastern edge of the
the park,which park. In addition, ' Saturday, November 4
borders Fanno Creek, hundreds of native • Saturday, November 18
is accessible via SW plants have been • Saturday, December 2
Ironwood Loop. planted in the western The drop-off site is
Going from one side side of the park and located at the Tigard Water
of the park to the n more wetland restora- Building, 8777 SW
other involves a short
tion is underway. In the � Burnham Road, Tigard.
walk on Ironwood eastern portion, more `� �'� Leaves can be loose
Loop. curves and twists are _ or bagged in paper or
Englewood Park caters to walkers being added to Fanno Creek as it is plastic.
and nature-lovers alike,with a variety restored to a more natural state. This For more informa-
of interesting things to explore and restoration work can be seen from tion, contact Eric Hand,
enjoy along the trails.The wetlands, Fanno Creek Trail. Wastewater/Storm Repair Supervisor,
found on both sides of the park, are For information on city parks,visit 503-718-2607 or erit@tigard orgov.
home to a wide array of wildlife. Yzvzv tigard-or:govl communitylparks or
Several stands of skunk cabbage and a contact Steve Martin, Parks Supervisor, Free Street Trees!
small grove of cedars are among the at 503-718-2598 or Steve cgi tigard-or.gov.
Does your street live up to Tigard's
Halloween Canine Costume Contest 2006 "Tree City USA'designation?Imagine
your neighborhood
Come join the fun at the fifth annual Halloween Canine Costume Contest hosted highlighted with
by the Tigard Dog Park Committee. The event will be held on Saturday, October 28, graceful kousa
at Potso Dog Park. The park is located off dogwoods,shaded by
SW Hunziker Street at SW Wall Street behind Coe a stately American
Manufacturing in Tigard. beech or guarded by
Start planning your canine companion's costume sturdy Oregon white oaks.
today. Human escorts are welcome to dress up too! If you are interested in planting trees
A celebrity panel of judges will be on hand to award along your street, the City of Tigard can
prizes for the best costumes. Contestant registration help turn that vision into a reality.
starts at 11 a.m. and judging will begin at 11:30 a.m. Fall is tree-planting season and the
Proceeds of raffle ill w
s drawino to support Tigard g g PP � city's Street Tree Planting Program is in
dog parks. full swing.This community-wide,beautifi-
The City of Tigard is proud to have three off- cation program supplies free street trees
leash dog parks and was the first city in Washington - ______ to Tigard residents and neighborhood
County to create these parks. Dog park users are groups who are willing to plant trees in
responsible for keeping the parks safe and clean so the public right-of-way. To date,more
they can continue to be enjoyed by all dog park than 300 street trees have been furnished
visitors. to area residents through this program.
For more information on the Tigard dog parks, o• For more information, contact Matt
contact the Tigard Dog Park Committee at - Stine, Urban Forester, at 503-718-2589
tigarddogpark,i*,ahoo.com or visit the city's web site or mstine@tigard orgov.
www..tigard-orgovl communitylparksl default.aip.
Page 6 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 CITYSCAPE
Cityscape Nevvsletter A
Council Adopts Downtown Implementation Libraries: The City-
Strategy County Connection
At its August 8 meeting,City Council adopted the Downtown Implementation Measure 34-126
Strategy. Developed over the last six months,it pinpoints specific priorities and A Local Option Levy to Maintain
actions to implement the Tigard Downtown Improvement Plan.At its core,it is Countywide Library Services
about making the Downtown a people-centered place, and the heart of the I'm a Tigard resident. How
community
would a County library levy affect
Front and center to the Strategy are three key approaches to transforming the me? Although Tigard has its own library,
Downtown: it is a member of the countywide library
Improving Fanno Creek Park and Developing an Open Space cooperative that provides funding to 12
System libraries for operations. Those communi-
Beginning in October, a new Master Plan for Fanno Creek Park will be ties receive county funding for library
developed. Expected to be completed by March 2007,it will provide a plan to services. Tigard residents pay both city
restore the park to its natural state,and create a specific vision for the public-use and county taxes. County funding for
area. The public-use area will be located next to the park near Main and libraries in 2005-2006 was about the same
Burnham Street, forming the heart of the Downtown, the place where outdoor as it was in 2001-02, even though there
concerts,a public market, and social events can take place. Opportunities to were significant increases in population
provide input will be posted on the city's web site at xiniu tigai-d-orgoi,. and use.
Developing Comprehensive Street and Circulation Improvements Didn't we just pass a library levy
Streets and sidewalks are public domain, and can be designed to serve in Tigard a few years ago? In 2002,
pedestrians in the Downtown. Some of the challenges faced in the Downtown are Tigard residents passed a bond measure
improving the safety and walkability of streets,improving the overall circulation to build a new library. As required by
and access to Downtown, and designing streets that state law,it did not include money to
are more pedestrian oriented,with wider sidewalks, operate the library. Funding for library
mid-block crossings,well landscaped,and attractive. operations currently comes from both the
A major reconstruction of Burnham Street will be city and county general funds.
accomplished over the next two years. This year, If this levy is approved, how
design and right-of-way acquisition will take place and would it affect Tigard? It would allow
in fiscal year 2007, construction of Burnham Street the Tigard Public Library to restore
from Hall Blvd. to Main Street will be completed. services and hours that have been
This will create an attractive boulevard and entryway reduced in the past few years as funding
to Downtown. i l �, • 1 l from the county decreased. It also would
Encouraging Redevelopment _����. allow the library to allocate book funds to
Another key strategy,means assisting with land assembly, and working with compensate for increases in population
developers and property owners to facilitate new projects. This year new land use and use.
and design guidelines will be developed for Downtown. With a changing Down- If the levy is not approved, how
town,it will be important to ensure that new development meets the intent of the would it affect Tigard? Tigard would
Downtown Plan,property values are enhanced,and new development has have two options: Either cut library hours
minimum standards of quality. Beginning in September, and going through June or service levels, or cut other General
of 2007, regulations that address new development under the adopted Tigard Fund programs (such as police,parks, or
Downtown Improvement Plan are being created.This will be another major planning) to maintain library services.
project that will help shape the architectural character of Tigard's Downtown, and How much will this levy cost
ease the transition from where we are now to the future. taxpayers? If approved, this measure
You may view the Downtown Implementation Strategy and opportunities to would result in additional property tax of
provide input at)mw.tigard-orgov. For more information,please contact Phil 17 cents per thousand dollars and would
Nachbar, Senior Planner, at 503-718-2557 or phil@tigard-orgov. remain in place for 4 years. For a home
of$192,000, this would result in in-
creased property taxes of $33 per year.
October 2006 www.tigard-or.gov 503-639-4171 Page 7
City of Tigard PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S.POSTAGE
13125 SW Hall Blvd.
PAID
Tigard, OR 97223 PORTLAND,OR
503-639-4171 PERMIT 2528
POSTAL CUSTOMER
Commuter Rail Project Construction Begins
Major construction will begin on the Washington County Commuter Rail this fall. One of the first suburb-to-suburb com-
muter rail projects in the country,the 14.7 mile project will provide a critical public transportation alternative to better serve the
Westside corridor, connecting the cities of Beaverton,Tigard,Tualatin and Wilsonville.
In partnership with Washington County,TriMet,Portland&Western Railroad and the four local cities,Washington County
Commuter Rail will provide weekday service every 30 minutes during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Four of the five
stations will have park-and-ride facilities with approximately 800 spaces.At the Beaverton Transit Center,riders will be able to
connect to MAX and travel to Hillsboro,downtown Portland or the Portland International Airport without transferring.The
commuter trains are expected to begin operation in the fall of 2008.
In late October 2006,the first major phase of construction is expected to begin and is scheduled to be complete in Novem-
ber 2006. This work involves the complete reconstruction of approximately 14 miles of railroad track necessary to accommodate
commuter rail's train speeds of 60 mph.
A highly specialized machine called the P-811 will be used to do the track reconstruction work. At nearly 1,500 feet in length,
the P-811 machine uses modified rail cars and specialized equipment to simultaneously dismantle existing railroad track while
constructing new track. The P-811 will begin its work in Wilsonville and work north towards Beaverton. Because of the length of
the machine and the magnitude of this effort, the P-811 work will impact vehicle traffic at several road intersections as it contin-
ues northbound along the railroad tracks.
Within the City of Tigard,this will result in road intersection closures lasting approximately two hours over a one or two-day
period during October at the following locations:
• SW Durham Road SW Hall Boulevard SW Tiedeman Avenue
• SW Bonita Road SW Main Street SW North Dakota Street
The specific dates and times for these two-hour intersection closures have not been determined. The construction team,in
coordination with the cities,will provide as much advance notice as possible about intersection closures and detour routing to
minimize traffic disruptions. Advanced notification of this work will be given to nearby businesses,residents and other affected
stakeholders. For updated information about the P-811 work and schedule, please contact TriMet at 503-962-2150.
For further information, call 503-6394171 or visit the city'r web site at www.tigard-or.gov.