Job growth and the economy were the two major themes at Metro’s first public hearing on urban reserves. It didn’t seem to matter whether someone supported setting aside more areas for urban development, or preserving rural land. Missing from the debate were traditional green values. In the time I was there no one talked about preserving natural areas or protecting watersheds.
The message to Metro councilors was clear. Speaker after speaker told them that supporting economic growth should be their primary consideration as they plan for the region’s future.
Monday night’s hearing in Gresham is the first in a series of six events Metro is holding on public reserves. The official plan put before the public calls for setting aside about 29,000 acres of land in the three county metro region for urban reserves. These are areas where development will be focused for the next 40 to 50 years.
After the video, the list for the rest of the hearings.
Video: Highlights From The Urban Reserves Hearing
The remaining hearings resume Thursday.
Thursday, Jan. 14
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open house
Metro Regional Center
600 NE Grand Ave., Portland
Saturday, Jan. 16
9 to 11 a.m. open house
Washington County Public Services Building
155 N. First Ave., Hillsboro
Tuesday, Jan. 19
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open house
Clackamas County Development Services Building
150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City
Wednesday, Jan. 20
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open house
6 p.m. Metro Council hearing
Sherwood Library/City Hall
22560 SW Pine St., Sherwood
Thursday, Jan. 21
4:30 to 6:30 p.m. open house
6 p.m. Metro Council hearing
Wilsonville City Hall
29799 SW Town Center Loop E., Wilsonville
