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09/17/1985 - Packet / TIGARD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TUESDAY' SEPTEMBER 17, 1085 - 7:30 A.M. Pioneer Pies 1 . Review minutes of August 20, 1085, 2. Election of Chairperson. 3 . Downtown Improvement Meeting - September 24, 1985, 6:00 P.M. - Coordination of agenda. - develop ten key points for discussion. 4. 1085-86 Action Plan Discussion. - Following the September 16 Council Workshop, the achievable goals of the Committee for the year. 5. County Fee-Per-Trip Presentation - by Mark Padgett, Washington County Planning Commissioner. 6. Tigard` s Economic Development Brochure prepared for the Japan-Ammrioan Conference of Mayors and Chamber of Commerce Preyident' n, 7, Bun Trip to Economic Development Sites - September 19 - 7:30 A.M. 8, Presentations by Developers. y. Other Business . 10. Adjourn. (1827P) ' ' TIGARD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES — August 28' 1085 Pioneer Pies Restaurant Members Present: Tony 0rlan6ini John Savory Amo De Bernardio Susan Clark Guests Present: Jeanne Caswell Morgan Caswell Mary Gross Carl Johnson Don Coverdell Staff Present: Bill Monahan John Savory acted as chairman of the meeting pending an election in September. A quorum was not present. Two new members were appointed on August 10, they are Susan Clark and Dick Cochran. The minutes of July 16, 1085 were reviewed and accepted with no changes . Bill reviewed the downtown survey results which revealed that the greatest concern of property owners and businesses in the downtown area is the appearance of the area. Publicly owned property was identified an a problem area as well an private. Amo stated that the City should provide leadership on improving the appearance of publicly owned properties. Jeanne stated that the Chamber will take on responsibility for the upkeep of Liberty Park. The Chamber will begin a program to provide engraved rocks at the park which signify each of the Chamber' s annual First Citizens. A discussion was held concerning survey comments on the possibility of starting a business promotional organization. John felt that there is a need for such an organization to encourage the upgrading of business. The Committee discussed the problems associated with absentee landlords and the need to get them involved in the efforts to improve the area. John stated that it should not be difficult to get people who work in the area involved. Don Coverdell, who will be volunteering to help the I-5 Corridor Association, stated that the survey has great value and should be analyze6. The survey should be used to prepare an improvement plan. Carl Johnson, a downtown property owner who completed a survey, asked if the Main Street Projects had been encouraged by the City. The survey results showed the need for a shopping center at the south end of Main Street to anchor the area. John stated that he felt that the City attempted to assist the developer. Tony suggested that the Committee set up a follow—up to the discussion and eurvey . A meeting could be set up where the downtown resource- people would be invited to participate. Jeanne suggested that a letter be sent to each property owner using the same list as was used for the survey . In addition, a cover letter and survey results could be hand delivered to downtown businesses by Committee members and voluntuero. A meeting then could be held at the Community Center in downtown. ' The Committee agreed that a downtown meeting should be held on Tuesday, September 24` 1085 at 6:00 P.M. at the Community Center. John, Jeanne and Bill will work to coordinate the meuting. Don suggested that thu survey results be broken down into ten points. Thune points could be utilized to stimulate discussion to get the merchants and property owners involved to plan for the promotion of the area. The main incentive which is available to the interested parties is increased retail trade. More trade will result in more improvements and a butter image, Dun added . Jeanne pointed out that the City has a reputation in terms of the downtown of not following through. The Committee and City should be sure not to start a project then drop it prior to completion. The 1985-86 Action plan will be developed following the Committee discussion with the Council. Copies of the action plan have been distributed, The Committee will attempt to formulate an achievable plan. Jeanne discussed the potential for creating a Committee/Chamber slide presentation. She will contact the state department of Economic Development for assistance. The meeting of the Committee with the City Council will be held on Monday, September 16' 1085. The City Council will be invited to attend the downtown discussion on the 24th. Discussion returned to the September 24th meeting. Amo suggested that thu Committee put achievable items into the plan of action with the downtown project as a start. A series of follow-up meetings could occur if interest exiutu. Jeanne suggested that the Business Affairs Committee should be involved as the Chamber may be able to provide some services under its existing programu. Chamber resources may be available should the need exist. The Committee discussed a bus trip which Bill proposed to view economic development sites in thu City . A tuntativu date of August 20 was set. Bill will make the appropriate arrangements. Tony 0rlandini volunteered to act as the Committee' s liaison to the Tualatin Valley Economic Development Corporation. Bill was asked how many home occupations presently exist in Tigard. A number is not available, as many operate without valid permits. Those who operate a home occupation must file for and receive both at home occupation permit and a business tax. BiIl reported to the Committee that Duane Roberto of the Community Development Department was preparing a brochure for the September Japanese—American Conference of Mayors. The Committee felt that the project was worthwhile. The meeting ended at 9:00 A.M. The next Committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 1085. The Committee will meet with the City Council on September 16 at Fowler Jr. High at 7:30 P.M. (WAM:br/1798P) MEMORANDUM CITY OF TIGARD' OREGON TO: Members of the Economic Development Committee September 3' 1085 FROM: William A. Monahan, Director, Community Development SUBJECT: Tigard Brochure - Japan-American Conference of Mayors The attached brochure was prepared by Duane Roberts, Administrative Planner with my office, and several volunteers for the upcoming Japan American Conference. The brochure describes Tigard and the opportunities whiuh the City offers to businesses seeking land and workers. We are quite pleased with the product and hope that you are also. An English translation, a list of the individuals who helped us, and a description of the costs and savings are attached. Additional copies are available. 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Portland 205 international 99e nairport PORTLAND 7) X26 405 �26 f 7 5 f ✓7i1 �1 f Jt 7 F 711` 4 Beaverton ze-- 99e 7h�-717 —, T`J '� / F ' -7 ( /, •l F, t 2� 99wi5 ✓ F 114Vlos • 7 '� F7'1'1AMMUnMbl�)Mt 110km0D L ng rd Oswego 99e LS O) ( A' V::/ Uvff�z HOW)L /Tualatin 205 5 99e F c NA, MX-L- —, RIM, M Department of Planning and Development City of Tigard )~p1, 4 )T— F M—C-1 Y:, H kifi 4P Burnham&Ash Ave. P.O. Box 23397 Tigard,OR 97223 i. h.oCI�Id ► b� ��� (503)639-4171 �Lz F-0 LM Tigard Chamber of Commerce 12955 SW Pacific Highway Tigard,OR 97223 (503)639-1656 The City and Chamber are members of the: 1-5 CORRIDOR ASSOCIAnON MEMORANDUM CITY OF T'IGARD, OREGON TO: Bill Monahan, Dir. of Comm. Dev . August 28, 1985 FROM: Duane Roberts, Administrative Planner Herewith is the English—language version of the economic development pamphlet prepared by staff in conjunction with -the Japan—American Conference of Mayors and Chamber of Conference Presidents. The pamphlet will be included in the packet of materials given out to conference delegates. According to conference organizers, Tigard is the only area city, besides Portland, the host city, to prepare informational material in either Japanese or English for the conference. The Japanese version was prepared by two volunteer translators. One has done translation for the Portland Development Commission, Nike, and other area organizations . Before coming to Portland, she worked for the American Embassy in Tokyo as a trade show consultant. The other translator teaches Japanese at West Linn High School . Both have master' s degrees from American Universities. Knowledgable people, namely the two persons identified below, advise that the Japanese translation is "much better written" than the English original . Two highly qualified Japanese businessmen living and working in Portland metropolis served as advisors to the project. One, Mr. Kumashiro, is Vice President of Ataka lumber and, inter alia, also serves as board chairman of the Japanese School of Portland. The other, Mr. Kawakami, is General Manger of NEC American. Particularly significant is that he played a key role in selecting Hillsboro as the site for the NEC electronics plant presently under construction there. The advisors reviewed the English and Japanese first drafts of the pamphlet and offered many helpful comments and suggestions. Most of these were incorporated into the final draft. Jeannie Caswell of the Tigard Chamber reviewed and commented on the English first draft. Excluding staff time, the cost of the pamphlet and the mayor' s business card were: $50 for word processing (in Japanese), and $250 for (two—color) printing (500 copies) . Based on prevailing rates for quality work ($400 and $500 per page, respectively, for Japanese Translation Service and Phillip Kano) the value of the translators' "in kind" contribution was approximately $800 to $1,000. Initial distribution of the pamphlet is as follows: Mayor' s Conference 120 copies OEDC Tokyo Office 1.00 Tigard Chamber of Commerce 20 Grubb & Ellis 30 TVEDC 20 Undistributed 210 As requested, listed below are the names and addresses of the volunteers who participated in the project; i Tadakazu Kumashiro Executive Vice President Ataka Lumber I 101 SW Main i Suite 1450 �I Portland 97204 Kuninori Kawakami NEC America Vice President and General Manager 14250 NW Science Park Dr. Portland 97229 Noriko Huruse Roberts 2758 SE 28th Pl. Portland 97202 Hitomi Tamura Foreign Language Dept. West Linn High School, West "A" West Linn, OR 97068 (DR:pm/1781P) MAYOR'S CONFERENCE PAMPHLET Tigard and the I-5 Economic Development Association welcome you to Oregon and to the Japan—US Mayor' s Conference. Located on the southwestern edge of Portland, Oregon, a city made prominent in Japan by the popular TV series "From Oregon with Love", the municipality of Tigard is a prosperous and growing community . It is one of six communities that make up the Interstate-5 economic development Association. In addition to highly attractive living conditions, the I-5 area has seven major industrial parks and a significant amount of vacant land available for commercial and industrial development. Local government officials, business representatives, and the community at large have made a solid commitment to provide services that are needed for development and to seek ways to enhance business opportunities. Tigard' s current budget for street, sewer, and drainage improvements to the amount of $5 million is illustrative. VACANT INDUSTRIAL LAND Tigard 101 Hectares Lake Oswego 40 Sherwood 179 i Tualatin 324 i Wilsonville 391 Aurora 40 Labor Force i i Tigard' s labor force is young and well—educated. More than 40 percent have attended a college or university . A work force of well over 100,000 people is within a 2.0 minutes driving radius of Tigard and the I-5 corridor. Taxes Tigard' s tax rate is among the lowest in the metropolitan area. The low rate is attributable to sound fiscal management and a strong economic base. Industrial and commercial properties represent a large portion of the tax base. State taxes compare favorably with those of other west coast states . Significantly, Oregon' s "unitary" system of taxation was repealed last year, with a view toward promoting overseas investment in the state. PROPERTY TAX RATE Per $1,000 of Assessed Value Tigard, Oregon $1 .32 Vancouver, Washington 3 . 24 Camas, Washington 3 .58 Hillsboro, Oregon 3 . 81 Gresham, Oregon 4.48 Beaverton, Oregon 5.52 Portland, Oregon 6.43 SOURCE: The Business Journal, January 7, 1985. Housing Housing in Tigard and the I-5 area is plentiful and affordable. A majority of housing is less than seven years old. A single family house averages around 1,824,000 yen. Average rent for a two bedroom apartment is 76,800 yen. All residential areas are served by convenient neighborhood commercial centers that are within a few minutes walk or drive. Schools With its nine elementary, two middle, and one high school., Tigard is committed to high standards of excellence in its school system. Computer education programs are offered in every school, and beginning this year, courses in the Japanese language will be offered in the high school. The addition of Japanese to the curriculum reflects a community desire to foster cultural understanding and awareness . Higher education is available from seven institutions located within a 1.5 km radius of the I-5 area. Two of these, Portland State University and the Oregon Graduate Center, offer programs of study for people employed in the high technology fields . Portland Community College, with an enrollment of 1.4,000, is a nearby community college that features excellent training programs in business, computer education, and machine shop technology . The school works closely with business to provide special services and training. Tigard and the other communities in the I-5 area are just 15 kilometers from the Japanese School. of Portland, which offers Saturday classes for children of Japanese families who are located in the metropolitan area. The curriculum is set by the Japanese Ministry of Education, and the textbooks are the same as those used in public schools in Japan. Shopping and Services Tigard is served by several major shopping centers . Largest of these is Washington Square, a regional shopping center which includes 115 large and small. stores. The newest is Loehmann' s Plaza which I•ias been honored for design excellence by the American Institute of Architects. Two major hospitals, St. Vincent and Meridian Park, are located within ten minutes driving time of central Tigard. Each hospital is equipped with the most modern facilities and offers a full. range of health care services, Tigard is also favorably located with respect to air service. The Portland International Airport is only 25 minutes by freeway from Tigard . A direct Flight to Narita departs every Tuesday . Recreation and Culture One of the strong attractions of the I-5 area is the easy access to recreational and cultural amenities . The Tualatin and Willamette Rivers flow through the area and offer a full range of water activities, including swimming, fishing, boating and windsurfing. Other major- recreational. attractions are golf, tennis, and horseback riding . The Mt. Hood recreation area, featuring year-round snow skiing, is 110 km, to the east, and the scenic Oregon coast, with its white sand beaches, is 130 kin. to the west. Tigard is especially known for its modern Performing Arts Center located near I-5. Construction is presently underway on a combined civic center, library, and community park development project with a completion date of early 1986. Tigard and the six other cities composing the I--5 Economic Development Association cordially invite you to consider the investment opportunities that they have to offer to Japanese business and industry . When you return home, we would be grateful for your assistance in informing businesses that may be considering locating in the U.S. of Tigard and the I-5 Association' s active program to bring Japanese and other companies to our area. (DR:pm/1718P) MEMORANDUM CITY OF TDGARD' OREGON TO: Members of the Economic Development Committee August 28, 1985 .4�' FROM: William A. Monahan, Director, »w^' Community Development SUBJECT: Business Trip to View Development Sites The Committee agreed last week to organize a bus trip to view development sites in the City. We tentatively set Thursday morning, August 29 as the date for the trip' however, my office was unable to secure a suitable bus to transport us. We need to choose an alternate date. In order that we may determine which date is best for the most Committee members, please indicate which of the dates listed below is best for you and return this form to me. Please also note which date or dates you would not be able to take the tour. The dates chosen would allow us enough advance time to schedule the bus. Name: Dates Preferred: Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Thanks for your help. If you prefer to call in your response, please ask for Billie Rawlings at extension 26. (WAM:br/1775P) MEMORANDUM CITY OF TIGARD, OREGON TO: Member of the Tigard City Council August 28, 1985 FROM: Tigard Economic Development Committee SUBJECT: Central Business District Survey — Interest Meeting The Tigard Economic Development Committee has conducted a survey of property owners and businesses in the downtown area. The area was identified as one of four target areas by the City Council when it first formed the Committee. We hope that the survey and a follow up meeting which we will hold on September 24 will provide us with the informational base needed to form a strategy to plan improvements for the area. A copy of the survey results is attached for your information. The survey will be the starting point for our discussion at an Interest Meeting on September 24 at 6:00 P.M. at the Tigard Community Center on Commercial Street. All downtown property owners and business operators will be invited to give their input. Your participation would also be greatly appreciated. Our intent is to determine if enough interest exists to create a business—backed program for improvement. City participation would be limited to avoid beginning a program which is not supported by the benefitting parties. Please attend if you can. (WAM:br/1775P) CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT SURVEY ANALYSIS 1. What do you feel are the existing problems which prevent the central business district, from developing into a stronger center? 12 Traffic 12 Parking 3 Zoning 5 Existing business mix 15 Appearance of the area 3 Public Facilities 1 Other Appearance of the area was cited as the major problem. One respondent stated that public property was the problem. Traffic and parking were also cited as mayor problems. Among the comments provided by the respondents, several related to zoning and business mix. There was no clear coricensus, however, as some felt that industry should be phased_ out, consistent with the comprehensive plan, while others favored allowing new industrial uses. Appearance of the area was rated as needing improvement. Traffic and parking were rated as inadequate for the needs of the area. Improvements were suggested. 2. Do you think the following would be positive steps toward improving the area? The appearance of downtown buildings was cited as the major problem. 78% felt that property owners should be encouraged or required to better maintain the appearances of their property. Other positive steps identified were creation of a shopping center at the south end of Main Street, creation of off—street parking lots, and creation of a downtown merchant's and property owners promotional organization. Their comments imply a desire on the part of the property owners and businesses to take positive steps to stimulate the level of business activity in the area. 3. What direction should the Committee pursue to help the area change for the better? Mixed input was given concerning whether the Committee should be involved or if the area should be allowed to develop on its own. The majority of respondents did, however, suggest that the Committee, Chamber, or City should work to improve the area and establish a plan. Comments about appearance were again voiced. 4. What can the private sector, the existing property owners, and business in the area, do to improve the downtown? Appearance of the area dominated these responses also. Improvement of existing buildings and efforts to make a cleaner, neater appearance were cited. Present property owners were encouraged to get together and plan for a better downtown, spend money for improvements,- or sell to someone who will upgrade the property. 5. What are the greatest positive factors which would attract new business to the area? Improved appearances, parking, bringing responsible development to the area, and improved government involvement were suggested. Improvements suggested throughout the survey were reiterated. Better governmental input was mentioned in terms of a need for leadership, specifically in dealing with potential developers. 8. Any other comments? Some positive comments were expressed, again about appearance and attitude. Suggestions for creation of an architectural review committee, improvement to a portal drop condition, and park improvements which would stimulate pedestrian traffic. were mentioned. (WAM:bs/1733P) 1 . Please elaborate on your concerns for the existing problems which prevent the central business district from developing into a stronger commercial center, and other problems which you feel exist: * Main Street traffic and parking are not very good. * With regard to Main Street - the portion south of the railroad tracks could benefit from a shopping center at the south end as previously .planned. This section has the poorest appearing buildings. Building owners need an attraction to merit improving existing buildings. This would improve the whole street. Parking is about adequate, though angle parking makes for -difficulty in backing into traffic. Zoning on Burnham should be changed back to Light Industrial instead of C-P. Move business district to Pacific Hwy. * Traffic is Circa 1985 .controlled as if it were Circa 1885. I feel there are no problems that the downtown area is viable, etc. We are in an economic slump when Oregon and Portland comes out of slump, downtown Tigard will be jumping. Have you noticed some shopping malls that have a lot of amenities also have lots of space for rent - it's economic times. Post Office dropbox traffic is a mess. Create additional drop areas such as in turn-around area at south end of Main. (In front of liquor store if you want?). * The industrial area needs to be phased out - not in in the area. The value of the property will go up not down if strong leadership will set the goal and not waiver. Restricting the flow from side streets onto Main. Main Street becomes a bottleneck. * The main problem spot in Tigard is on Main Street. It is out-dated. There are so many new business centers in the Tigard area, that the little shops could gp too. We really need to have specialty shops - like a big parts house leaning more towards helping industry out. Machine Shop. Widen Main Street all along from one and to the other. Discount Food Store should be zoned for the above. * I think that without exception of maybe a few buildings that the appearance of the downtown is pathetic. Maybe if. we organized effort towards this, it would help. Particularly most of the buildings on the west and have had little or nothing done to them in years. Another important thing .is to fill the empty buildings with viable businesses. * Tigard needs a Long Range Plan for enhancement and development of the core area. The establishment of the Greenway Pak and the positioning of the Civic Center were a good start. Now there is a need to establish a time frame on getting the industrial uses out of the core area. * If relocating the railroad is not an option then the next best thing would be to beam it or use landscape materials for site and sound screening. I feel that the City of Tigard should have better control of the building that is now occurring in the City, residential as well as commercial. As a local testing the inspection agency, we are frequently called upon to inspect sites in the City, but the City Building Department has not listed on the building permits what inspection and/or testing they require. When we have called asking for clarifications, we get the impression that they have no set guidelines for building practices. We suggest that tighter controls and set guidelines be established as per the Uniform Building Code. * The west end of town looks terrible. * Main Street in Tigard is often at capacity restricting the flow from side streets onto Main. Main Street becomes a bottleneck. * Most cities are doing away with center dividers, and having left turn lanes. We feel the dividers tend to push the traffic on through. If it isn't easy and convenient to get into a place of business, most people will look for a place more convenient. * (0) We need an easier access. to Main Street at the north entrance - like a right turn at Greenburg Rd. to Center Street and then down to Commercial and under the overpass. (0) Business overns and property owners need to improve their existing premises modernize .and landscape. (0) Parking could be placed on the railroad right-of-way between Nall Blvd, and Tideman with cooperation of SP 6 BN. (0) Storm drainage and street improvements in the downtown area would keep as was planned under urban renewal - The tin building along fanno Creek should be removed and Tri-Met Transfer station put there. * Living in Seattle and not getting to Tigard often, it is hard to make decisions. * The City owned property is unkept, and ugly. No or low maintenance such as around creek and bridge, bridge needs paint and cleaning. Area around railroad tracks is overgrown and needs grass or planting or something that appeals to the eye. Most private property is well kept. Those properties that are abondoned should be weeded or maintained at owners expense, even if that includes City. * Too hard to drive to and park in downtown Tigard. Need larger areas for general-commercial zoning. Anything - almost - done to the south end of Tigard would be an improvement. Clean up around Girods Bldg. would help too - seems the bus stop there is always a mess. e Do not feel Tri Met is worth its' expense, and feel service should be limited - not expanded. The continuity of charm, character and architecture are terrible not just poor. Signs are not uniform - yards are not . maintained. The Payless shopping center and the City entrance are not well kept _ weeds and uncut grass are almost year round. Poor leadership and very low-standard thinking dominate the community leadership. No identity to downtown. People ask where is downtown Tigard? 2. Do you think the following would be positive steps toward improving the area? YES NO NC 7 16 Development of a Tri Met transfer station at the site of the Tigard Auto Body. 15 8 A shopping center at the south end of Main Street. 8 13 2 Rezoning of land along the railroad tracks on Burnham Ave. to allow industrial uses. 13 81 2 Creation of off-street parking lots. 18 4� 1 Encourage or require property owners to maintain the appearance of their buildings. 13 8 2 Creation of a downtown merchant's and property owners association to promote the downtown. 3. What direction should the committee pursue to help the area change for the better? (Let the area develop on its own, represent the business community before the City Council, etc. ) . * The committee should speak for the community in a for, organized way. * Let the area develop on its own. There are already too many groups and committees in Tigard. * Continued Chamber contact with Council. * Let the area develop on its; own. * The area needs a shot in the arm - sidewalks, streets. sewer and storm drains to get the area cleaned up - something like urban renewal. I definitely feel that every city needs careful planning to attract shoppers. (Represent .the business community) . * Call in groups of downtown property owners to discuss the future with the Economic Development Committee and then set some goals and projects. Sponsor a competition among City planners to desgin the ideal city plan for Tigard. Get the best kinds available to do some long .range possibility thinking. * I believe the charm of Tigard is one of old town and small and that to promote that theme of small town in the complex world is refreshing. e Industrial Business. Keep rent within reason. Have a speed zone that is mandatory for the trains going through. Sometimes it looks like they pass here at 60 mph. Improve the overall quality of the area. For instance the park on the east end is a mess most of the time. * There used to be such a committee and that seemed to be helpful: * Get a' better anchor store than 'Costco for downtown shopping center idea. G.I. Joe's was perfect! Too bad about that one. Even though it would have hurt my business mightily! ! * Set up a master plan - Set high goals. I really question the judgement in allowing a body building business in a downtown retail location. U.S. Bank was allowed to build an ill-design ed . parking lot and color their building with unattractive colors. No common sense sometimes. 4. What can and. should the private sector, the existing property owners, and business in the area, do to improve the downtown? a Push for off-street parking lots, get together on pushing for promotion. * Start over and remove old- existing buildings and create a new imag for downtown. Spend some money improving total properties. * Nothing. * If a group generates the leadership and communicates to the public, the viability of downtown. +� Some of the current property owners should meet with each other - those who have vacant land or marginal buildings - and discuss. the possibility of jointly putting their property together to -encourage a large developer to. come in to the downtown area. * Keep it clean. Spend some money or sell out to someone who will have quality business, paint, remodeling, landscaping, improve traffic flow or patterns, etc. * More and responsible development. e Make a real effort to make their properties as attractive as possible. And- take an active part in the, decisions that need to be make in working toward the goal of the ideal community. e Keep the front of their business neat. City Hall- building is one of the worst about doing this. Old Planing Mill Bldg. and A-Boy West are a disgrace. Perhaps the owners could be encourage to take some pride in their buildings. * Maintain their buildings better, provide off-street parking. Get a plan together and spend $$. It takes $$ but communites like Lake Grove and Beaverton are the progressive leaders Just- look and see what they are doing! ! 5. What are the greatest positive factors which would attract new business to the area? * Additional off-street parking. Better traffic flow between side streets and Main Street. * Parking and neatness. * Need a traffic building in Girod's - (food warehouse) old location. Clean looking attractive community with a progressive business community. Good leadership - Tigard is famous for it's do-nothing backwards leadership. e Parking, nice appearance, zoning. * Low rents are currently the attraction. Also - many tenants prefer downtown to the Hwy. 99 locations with the extremely heavy traffic and difficulty and danger in getting into the parking areas. * New City government. a Development of south and of Main Street as an anchor ,plus Main Street bridge reconstruction, plus overall improvement of properties in area. * Location and identity. Main Street is especially easy to direct people to. * Streets, sidewalks, signals where needed, sewer and storm drains - solid leadership and support for development. * I definitely feel the traffic dividers are the biggest problem. Putting together a large tract of the downtown area for development of a large and responsible developer. * An old town theme.. * City maintaining things better and existing building owners doing their share. A demonstrated sense of fair play and cooperation with developers by the City staff, Planning Commission, and Council in fostering new projects of mutual interest and benifit. 7. Please check the item which best describes you: 6 Owner of property in the downtown, and business operator in downtown. 12 Owner of property in the downtown. 5 Business operator in the downtown. B. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? * Downtown merchants and property owners do not seem to be nearly so concerned as area residents and City staff - aifter 15 years of looking at little change I'm wondering if industrial development might be more appropriate. In business myself since 1972 in Portland and Tigard. * Tigard needs an architectural committee with some higher standards. Bob Randall's building on Scoffins is ugly looking - no trim paint used and they painted the cedar shakes! I must say McDonald's has set a high standard for looks which i's a national policy - Beautiful yard, etc. ! Stationery store is real sharp too! a There is no pedestrian traffic in the area. An attraction for people to walk thru the business district would definitely be helpful. Many businesses will not locate here because of this lack. * We are renters who manufacture products for the lumber and paper industry so are not too concerned about the downtown area as a retail business would be. * A positive attitude would help! That swans the City's as well as property owners and businessmen. Start with one project at a time - finish it - evaluate it - proceed to next project. I sincerely believe postal drop is the most important 1st priority. * The Civic Center - Hiking and Fanno Creek developments should be used to trigger the development of Downtown Tigard Main Street as a commercial business center. It should not be downzoned or put back to industrial or strictly Business-Professional. It should become retail. A viable economic center. * I am the past elected committee person for my precinct X133. I am involved as much as time and money will allow. I am very concerned about our town and the quality of life we all have to live in. I am very conservative by nature and make do with what I have, and I believe Tigard can do the same. I have thought something like this is way overdue. What is happening on Pacific Highway only shows that we are in the dark ages. Hillsboro tried something similar, spent a lot of money on a study and an individual, with basically nothing coming out of it. (1697P) ^ MEMORANDUM CITY OF TIGARD' OREGON TO: Economic Development Resource Leads August 26, 1085 FROM: William A. Monahan '^ Direotor of Community Development SUBJECT: Downtown Property Survey The Economic Development Committee has conducted a survey of downtown property owners and businesses. As a resource person to the Committee' s downtown representative, Tony 0rlandini, we would appreciate your input to the results . In addition, we will be holding a special meeting in the downtown on September 24' 6:00 P.M. at the Tigard Community Center on Commercial Street. Prior to thu meeting we will send a copy of the survey analysis with a cover letter to all property owners to invite them to participate in the meeting. Please attend the September 24 meeting if you schedule permits . (WAM:pm/1770P) MEMORANDUM CITY OF TIGARD, OREGON TO: Members of the Economic Development Committee August 14, 1985 FROM: William A. Monahan, Director of Community Developmentl e SUBJECT: Survey Results Enclosed please find a copy of the survey results which I have prepared for the downtown questionaire. I attempted to draw some generalizations from the responses. We will discuss these results at our next meeting. Please bring these materials as well as the others sent to you with the agenda to the meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 1985 at 7:30 AM. Please be reminded again that the discussion with the Council originally scheduled for August 19 has been postponed to September 16, 1985. (WAM:bs/1733P) CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT SURVEY ANALYSIS 1. What do you feel are the existing problems which prevent the central business district from developing into a stronger center? 12 Traffic 12 Parking 3 Zoning 5 Existing business mix 15 Appearance of the area 3 Public Facilities 1 Other Appearance of the area was cited as the major problem. One respondent stated that public property was the problem. Traffic and parking were also cited as mayor problems. Among the comments provided by the respondents, several related to zoning and business mix. There was no clear concensus, however, as some felt that industry should be phased. out, consistent with the comprehensive plan, while others favored allowing new industrial uses. Appearance of the area was rated as needing improvement. Traffic and parking were rated as inadequate for the needs of the area. Improvements were suggested. 2. Do you think the following would be positive steps toward improving the area? The appearance of downtown buildings was cited as the major problem. 78% felt that property owners should be encouraged or required to better maintain the appearances of their property. Other positive steps identified were creation of a shopping center at the south end of Main Street, creation of off—street parking lots, and creation of a downtown merchant' s and property owners promotional organization. Their comments imply a desire on the part of the property owners and businesses to take positive steps to stimulate the level of business activity in the area. 3. What direction should the Committee pursue to help the area change for the better? Mixed input was given concerning whether the Committee should be involved or if the area should be allowed to develop on its own. The majority of respondents did, however, suggest that the Committee, Chamber, or City should work to improve the area and establish a plan. Comments about appearance were again voiced. 4. What can the private sector, the existing property owners, and business in the area, do to improve the downtown? Appearance of the area dominated these responses also. Improvement of existing buildings and efforts to make a cleaner, neater appearance were cited. Present property owners were encouraged to get together and plan for a better downtown, spend money for improvements, or sell to someone who will upgrade the property. 5. What are the greatest positive factors which would attract new business to the area? Improved appearances, parking, bringing responsible development to the area, and improved government involvement were suggested. Improvements suggested throughout the survey were reiterated. Better governmental input was mentioned in terms of a need for leadership, specifically in dealing with potential developers. 8. Any other comments? Some positive comments were expressed, again about appearance and attitude. Suggestions for creation of an architectural review committee, improvement to a portal drop condition, and park improvements which would stimulate pedestrian traffic were mentioned. (WAM:bs/1733P) 1 . Please elaborate on your concerns for the existing problems which prevent the central business district from developing into a stronger commercial center, and other problems which you feel exist: X Main Street traffic and parking are not very good. With regard to Main Street - the portion south of the railroad tracks could benefit from a shopping center at the south end as previously planned. This section has the poorest appearing buildings. Building owners need an attraction to merit improving existing buildings. This would improve the whole street. Parking is about adequate, though angle parking makes for difficulty in backing into traffic. * Zoning on Burnham should be changed back to Light Industrial instead of C-P. * Move business district to Pacific Hwy. Traffic is Circa 1985 controlled as if it were Circa 1885. * I feel there are no problems that the downtown area is viable, etc. We are in an economic slump when Oregon and Portland comes out of slump, downtown Tigard will be jumping. Have you noticed some shopping malls that have a lot of amenities also have lots of space for rent - it's economic times. * Post Office dropbox traffic is a mess. Create additional drop areas such as in turn-around area at south end of Main. (In front of liquor store if you want?) . The industrial area needs to be phased out - not in in the area. The value of the property will go up not down if strong leadership will set the goal and not waiver. * Restricting the flow from side streets onto Main. Main Street becomes a bottleneck. The main problem spot in Tigard is on Main Street. It is out-dated. There are so many new business centers in the Tigard area, that the little shops could go too. We really need to have specialty shops - like a big parts house leaning more towards helping industry out. Machine Shop. Widen Main Street all along from one end to the other. Discount Food Store should be zoned for the above, * I think that without exception of maybe a few buildings that the appearance of the downtown is pathetic. Maybe if we organized effort towards this, it would help. Particularly most of the buildings on the west end have had little or nothing done to them in years. Another important thing is to fill the empty buildings with viable businesses. * Tigard needs a Long Range Plan for enhancement and development of the core area. The establishment of the Greenway Pak and the positioning of the Civic Center were a good start. Now there is a need to establish a time frame on getting the industrial uses out of the core area. If relocating the railroad is not an option then the next best thing would be to beam it or use landscape materials for site and sound screening. * I feel that the City of Tigard should have better control of the building that is now occurring in the City, residential as well as commercial. As a local testing the inspection agency, we are frequently called upon to inspect sites in the City, but the City Building Department has not listed on the building permits what inspection and/or testing they require. When we have called asking for clarifications, we get the impression that they have no set guidelines for building practices. We suggest that tighter controls and set guidelines be established as per the Uniform Building Code. The west end of town looks terrible. * Main Street in Tigard is often at capacity restricting the flow from side streets onto Main. Main Street becomes a bottleneck. * Most cities are doing away with center dividers, and having left turn lanes. We feel the dividers tend to push the traffic on through. If it isn't easy and convenient to get into a place of business, most people will look for a place more convenient. (0) We need an easier access to Main Street at the north entrance - like a right turn at Greenburg Rd. to Center Street and then down to Commercial and under the overpass. (0) Business overns and property owners need to improve their existing premises modernize and landscape. (0) Parking could be placed on the railroad right-of--way between Hall Blvd. and Tideman with cooperation of SP & BN. (0) Storm drainage and street improvements in the downtown area would keep as was planned under urban renewal - The tin building along Fanno Creek should be removed and Tri-Met Transfer station put there. Living in Seattle and not getting to Tigard often, it is hard to make decisions. * The City owned property is unkept and ugly. No or low maintenance such as around creek and bridge, bridge needs paint and cleaning. Area around railroad tracks is overgrown and needs grass or planting or something that appeals to the eye. Most private property is well kept. Those properties that are abondoned should be weeded or maintained at owners expense, even if that includes City. * Too hard to drive to and park in downtown Tigard. Need larger areas for general-commercial zoning. * Anything - almost - done to the south end of Tigard would be an improvement. Clean up around Girods Bldg. would help too - seems the bus stop there is always a mess. Do not feel Tri Met is worth its' expense, and feel service should be limited - not expanded. * The continuity of charm, character and architecture are terrible not just poor. Signs are not uniform - yards are not maintained. The Payless shopping center and the City entrance are not well kept - weeds and uncut grass are almost year round. Poor leadership and very low-standard thinking dominate the community leadership. No identity to downtown. People ask where is downtown Tigard? 2. Do you think the following would be positive steps toward improving the area? YES NO NC 7 16 Development of a Tri Met transfer station at the site of the Tigard Auto Body. 15 8 A shopping center at the south end of Main Street. 8 13 2 Rezoning of land along the railroad tracks on Burnham Ave. to allow industrial uses. 13 81 2 Creation of off-street parking lots. 18 48 1 Encourage or require property owners to maintain the appearance of their buildings. 13 8 2 Creation of a downtown merchant' s and property owners association to promote the downtown. 3. What direction should the committee pursue to help the area change for the better? (Let the area develop on its own, represent the business community before the City Council, etc. ) . * The committee should speak for the community in a for, organized way. * Let the area develop on its own. There are already too many groups and committees in Tigard. * Continued Chamber contact with Council. * Let the area develop on its. own. * The area needs a shot in the arm - sidewalks, streets, sewer and storm drains to get the area cleaned up - something like urban renewal. * I definitely feel that every city needs careful planning to attract shoppers . (Represent the business community) . * Call in groups of downtown property owners to discuss the future with the Economic Development Committee and then set some goals and projects. * Sponsor a competition among City planners to desgin the ideal city plan for Tigard. Get the best kinds available to do some long range possibility thinking. * I believe the charm of Tigard is one of old town and small and that to promote that theme of small town in the complex world is refreshing. Industrial Business. Keep rent within reason. Have a speed zone that is mandatory for the trains going through. Sometimes it looks like they pass here at 60 mph. Improve the overall quality of the area. For instance the park on the east end is a mess most of the time. * There used to be such a committee and that seemed to be helpful. Get a better anchor store than Costco for downtown shopping center idea. G.I. Joe' s was perfect! Too bad about that one. Even though it would have hurt my business mightily! ! Set up a master plan - Set high goals. I really question the judgement in allowing a body building business in a downtown retail location. U.S. Bank was allowed to build an ill-designed parking lot and color their building with unattractive colors. No common sense sometimes. 4. What can and should the private sector, the existing property owners, and business in the area, do to improve the downtown? * Push for off-street parking lots, get together on pushing for promotion. * Start over and remove old existing buildings and create a new imag for downtown. * Spend some money improving total properties. Nothing. * If a group generates the leadership and communicates to the public, the viability of downtown. Some of the current property owners should meet with each other - those who have vacant land or marginal buildings - and discuss the possibility of jointly putting their property together to encourage a large developer to come in to the downtown area. * Keep it clean. Spend some money or sell out to someone who will. have quality business, paint, remodeling, landscaping, improve traffic flow or patterns, etc. More and responsible development. * Make a real effort to make their properties as attractive as possible. And take an active part in the decisions that need to be make in working toward the goal of the ideal community. * Keep the front of their business neat. City Hall building is one of the worst about doing this. Old Planing Mill Bldg. and A-Boy West are a disgrace. Perhaps the owners could be encourage to take some pride in their buildings. * Maintain their buildings better, provide off-street parking. * Get a plan together and spend $$. It takes $$ but communites like Lake Grove and Beaverton are the progressive leaders - Just- look and see what they are doing! ! 5. What are the greatest positive factors which would attract new business to the area? Additional off-street parking. Better traffic flow between side streets and Main Street. * Parking and neatness. Need a traffic building in Girod' s - (food warehouse) old location. * Clean looking attractive community with a progressive business community. Good leadership - Tigard is famous for it' s do-nothing backwards leadership. * Parking, nice appearance, zoning. Low rents are currently the attraction. Also - many tenants prefer downtown to the Hwy. 99 locations with the extremely heavy traffic and difficulty and danger in getting into the parking areas. * New City government. * Development of south end of Main Street as an anchor plus Main Street bridge reconstruction, plus overall improvement of properties in area. * Location and identity. Main Street is especially easy to direct people to. * Streets, sidewalks, signals where needed, sewer and storm drains -- solid leadership and support for development. I definitely feel the traffic dividers are the biggest problem. Putting together a large tract of the downtown area for development of a large and responsible developer. * An old town theme. City maintaining things better and existing building owners doing their share. A demonstrated sense of fair play and cooperation with developers by the City staff, Planning Commission, and Council in fostering new projects of mutual interest and benifit. 7. Please check the item which best describes you: 6 Owner of property in the downtown, and business operator in downtown. 12 Owner of property in the downtown. 5 Business operator in the downtown. 8. ANY OTHER COMMENTS? * Downtown merchants and property owners do not seem to be nearly so concerned as area residents and City staff — after 15 years of looking at little change I'm wondering if industrial development might be more appropriate. * In business myself since 1972 in Portland and Tigard. * Tigard needs an architectural committee with some higher standards. Bob Randall's building on Scoffins is ugly looking — no trim paint used and they painted the cedar shakes! I must say McDonald's has set a high standard for looks which is a national policy — Beautiful yard, etc. ! Stationery store is real sharp too! * There is no pedestrian traffic in the area. An attraction for people to walk thru the business district would definitely be helpful. Many businesses will not locate here because of this lack. We are renters who manufacture products for the lumber and paper industry so are not too concerned about the downtown area as a retail business would be. A positive attitude would help! That means the City's as well as property owners and businessmen. Start with one project at a time - finish it - evaluate it - proceed to next project. I sincerely believe postal drop is the most important lst priority. The Civic Center - Hiking and Fanno Creek developments should be used to trigger the development of Downtown Tigard Main Street as a commercial business center. It should not be downzoned or put back to industrial or strictly Business-Professional. It should become retail. A viable economic center. * I am the past elected committee person for my precinct x/33. I am involved as much as time and money will allow. I am very concerned about our town and the quality of life we all have to live in. I am very conservative by nature and make do with what I have, and I believe Tigard can do the same. I have thought something like this is way overdue. What is happening on Pacific Highway only shows that we are in the dark ages. Hillsboro tried something similar, spent a lot of money on a study and an individual, with basically nothing coming out of it. (1697P)