Planning Commission Minutes - 06/11/1992 TIGARD PLANNING COMMISSION
TIGARD TRIANGLE OPEN HOUSE
JUNE 11 , 1992
1 . The open house was held at Phil Lewis School , Tigard, Oregon.
2. Present: President Fyre; Commissioners Barber, Hawley, Moore, Saporta,
and Schwab.
PRESENTATION BY COMMISSIONERS
o President Fyre introduced himself and explained the process for studying
the Tigard Triangle which includes gathering input from consultants,
developers, and area residents.
o Commissioners each introduced themselves and briefly shared their
involvement with planning in Tigard and interests in the Tigard Triangle.
o Commissioner Saporta explained some of the details of Plan D and
described how the plan was developed.
o Commissioner Barber described the study process which included 8
workshops the Commissioners participated in. She explained the vision
exercise" done initially to discover what aspects were most desirable
and undesirable in a community.
o Commissioner Hawley provided specific details about Plan D and explained
how the plan deals with the issues of transportation, livability, and
the desire to decrease dependence on automobiles.
INPUT FROM THE TIGARD TRIANGLE RESIDENTS
The following comments were made:
o The graphic display of Plan D would be easier to understand if the
streets were labeled.
o Concern was voiced regarding the hi-density residential proposed because
the schools are overcrowded at this time.
o Dartmouth needs to be completed for anything to improve in the Triangle.
le.
o Many people agreed hi-density residential was not desirable.
o One person stated he wanted zoning to be Residential and not Commercial .
o Comment was made about the values of the land, stating they were being
taxed as though the land is Commercial .
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - JUNE 11 , 1992 PAGE 1
o One resident who lives on Hermosa Waydeclared her reference for zoning
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Commercial , but she warned residents that if the developer
to remain Co
buys one house at a time it would not be as profitable for the home
y
owner.
o LaValle Allen favored changing zoning in the area only if all the
property owners wanted it changed.
o There was concern about creating parks and who will maintain and pay for
them.
o Regarding the zoning, it was advised that NPO recommended proceeding
with the plan but not changing the zoning yet.
o Planner John Acker answered questions regarding medium density
residential development. There was concern that property values will go
down.
o There was wide consensus in favor of retaining as many trees as possible
no matter which plan is chosen.
o Commissioner Schwab advised that standards of development and better
environmental standards would increase the likelihood of a high quality
community.
o A resident was concerned that single family residential was being
eliminated. Commissioner Hawley explained that this was a typographical
P
error, as it was not the intention of the Commission to eliminate single
family residences.
o President Fyre explained the City Council 's concerns with improving the
City and the desire to create a plan that pleases everybody.. He asked
the audience how many people who have single family residences now would
want to live in the Triangle. Consensus was that most would sell out
and move away if a fair price could be obtained for their property.
o One resident was angry that Dartmouth has not been finished, and he said
the lack of development in the Triangle is due to the Dartmouth
extention not being put through.
o One resident urged the Commission to change the zoning back to
Residential .
o Speaking out against Residential zoning, a property owner pointed out
that surveys and tests have shown the area to be low in air quality and
poor as far as noise pollution because of the proximity to freeways and
highways. He said he was- concerned that increased traffic in the area
would only increase the noise and pollution problems.
o There was discussion concerning property acquisition and how the market
would determine what property values are at any given time.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - JUNE 11 , 1992 PAGE 2
o Larry Bissett talked about the LID formed some years ago for the
Dartmouth extension. He advised that if the area were rezoned to medium
density Residential from Commercial , this would financially be pulling
the rug out from under the property owners.
He commented on the positive aspects of the mixed use concept. He said
it was obsolete to limit a zone to exclusively one use. He made the
following suggestions: (1 ) do not change the underlying zoning in the
Triangle, keep it as is; (2) leave fundamental zoning and enact
overlay which will allow flexibility to develop other uses; (3)
development of Dartmouth would then give market impetus. He said this
approach would give more latitude to developers.
o LaValle Allen spoke again about the mixed use concept. He commended the
Planning Commission on their efforts. He said this process has been
going on for 20 years, "trying to shove something down the throats of
Triangle owners." He said he blamed City Council .
o Ron Summerman, developer and real estate professional , disagreed with
the Benkendorff study. He said he is ready to develop the Martin
property, and wanted some assurances that they can go ahead and build.
Discussion followed regarding his obtaining a building permit, with
agreement that there are no guarantees. However, John Acker advised him
when his application is submitted, he would be reviewed under the what
is in effect at the time.
o Robert Freedman reiterated that the lack of a road system is at the root
of the development problems in the Triangle. He also spoke about the
need for developers to "make a go of it" in order to encourage more
development to occur. He discussed the location of the park and design
standards. He urged Commission to leave the zoning as it is.
o Gordon Davis spoke representing West Coast Grocery (Cub Foods). He
commented there was no lack of interest for commercial use. He urged
the Commission to keep the current zoning; otherwise the Dartmouth
extension may not occur.
o Another resident stated he was pleased that Dartmouth has been delayed,
as it would not be beneficial to homeowners. He would like to see more
delay in building this street.
o Comments against high density residential were heard with one speaker
stating that "everybody that lives here wants out."
o Residents who live on SW Clinton spoke about the cloud hanging over
their heads as to what will happen.
o A resident of Bevlin Street advised they love their neighborhood and do
not want to move. However, she expressed concern about over-crowded
schools.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - JUNE 11 , 1992 PAGE 3
o There was discussion about the further study of ideas and
recommendations, and it was agreed that street names would be included
in any future plans presented to the public.
ADJOURNED - 9:00 PM
Ellen P. Fox, Secretary
ATTEST:
Milt F. Fyre, President
PLANNING COWISSION MINUTES - JUNE 11 , 1992 PAGE 4