The details can be found at : Letters to the editor
‘Contradiction in this presentation’
In the current edition of “Hello L.O.,” Mayor Kent Studebaker informs us that it is the city’s role to ensure that the Wizer block project meets the city’s development code requirements and confirms that an exception would have to be made to allow a fifth story, only to conclude (in) the same article that the ultimate decision maker is Mr. Wizer.
One needn’t have practiced law to see the contradiction in this presentation. Either the city — a public citizenry of 37,000 people — has the power to refuse exceptions to the code through its elected officials or that power lies with a single property holder.
During the mayor’s campaign last year, he wrote: “Redevelopment, growth and zoning should preserve and enhance the character of Lake Oswego and none should damage the rights of citizens. ... (T)he city ... should not confuse wise development with increased density in our neighborhoods.” Those of us who put up yard signs in support of the mayor’s candidacy anticipated that his governing would champion those values, not that he would try to dampen the ardor of Lake Oswegans to protect the character of the city with a shoulder-shrugging misstatement that there was nothing we could do to halt a code-busting decision because that decision lies wholly in the hands of one individual.
Recalling the behind-closed-doors decision making that led to the West End Building fiasco, Lake Oswegans expressed their will against railroading development schemes in last year’s election, which changed the complexion of the city council. But that was not enough. Protection of the city’s interests in protecting — if not further strengthening — existing code requirements calls for active citizen involvement in December’s Development Review Commission hearing and whatever else it takes to protect our city as the Wizer block project grinds to a determination.
John Teton
Lake Oswego
Instead of streetcar, we are facing high density
I had high hopes for our city when voters selected a new mayor and council last fall.
But it seems only the names have been changed.
Now instead of a streetcar, we get a high-density apartment building in the very heart of Lake Oswego. We get 400 to 500 new residents (and their pets) with no place to park. We get a massive five-story structure on a block zoned for three stories. And we get a substantial influx of cars in an already-crowded city center.
I, for one, do not want my tax dollars subsidizing this project. Many of us have been looking forward to the redevelopment of the Wizer block. But this is not what we had in mind.
Barbara Eden
Lake Oswego
Mayor, council asked to ‘honor campaign promises’
I’m appealing to Mayor Kent Studebaker and the city council to honor their campaign promises of preserving Lake Oswego as a small town with a “village-like” character and to oppose high-density infill.
These promises all conflict with Block 137 design. It appears to me that the developer’s interests have become more important to you than the concerns of your constituents.
Although many of us have supported Wizer’s for many years, I would venture a guess that many customers who are angry about this development as planned, might prefer to take their business elsewhere.
Joanne Sedleniek
Lake Oswego
It seems the community is wondering which direction it took in the last election?
Is the current administration meeting its commitments or allowing others to dictate the agenda? Many in the community are asking this question and the outcome of key decisions will certainly provide insight into the facts.
Please notify all members contacts and friends.
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