On Thursday, the Portland City Council will make a critical decision about the future of West Hayden Island.
Here’s the issue. Should the area remain undeveloped and preserved for nature? Or should the Port of Portland be allowed to build a new marine terminal?
Despite being close to Portland, the 800+ acres on the west half of Hayden Island have somehow avoided the bulldozers and cement trucks. Only a small portion is developed.
The area has become, in the words of Willamette Riverkeeper, “critical wildlife habitat” for more than 100 species of birds and fish. That list includes the bald eagle, and endangered species such as four types of salmon and the western painted turtle.
A proposal by Mayor Sam Adams calls on the city to begin work on a plan to annex West Hayden Island and let the Port have about 300 acres to develop.
Riverkeeper and the Audubon Society of Portland are fighting the idea. They say it’s a mistake to allow any more development in one of the few large, intact wild areas remaining on the riverfront. Instead, they want to city to restore all of West Hayden Island as a permanent nature preserve and as a place for people to hike and paddle.
The Port and its allies in this debate have got some strong arguments, too. A new marine terminal, they say, could create 1,000 new jobs and pump millions of dollars into the local economy.
Adams is trying appeal to both sides. Turning over 300 acres to the Port still leaves 500 acres untouched for nature.
Getting agreement on this issue won’t be easy. For nearly two years, a citizens working group has been trying – without success – to find a compromise. In the report that will be presented to the council on Thursday, only a small majority of the working group supports a split between development and nature.
Riverkeeper and Audubon are trying to get their supporters to the council meeting and oppose Adams’ plan.
The hearing will begin at 6:00pm, Thursday, July 27, in council chambers at Portland City Hall.
