Bloggers Expose more Streetcar Issues

To All COLA LO members,

More revelations about long term operating costs and hidden taxes/fees to local municipalities are coming out now in the blogosphere.   Many opponents of the streetcar have claimed that this will be a major issue and its being hidden by the proponents of the Portland to LO project.  

The latest details can be found at:  Streetcar Insanity  and City Digs for Money to Keep Streetcar

The details provide some unique insight into the proposed PDX-LO streetcar and how local governments may be asked to pay for hidden costs as the project matures.    These are legitimate concerns within the community.    The City Council approved moving forward on the streetcar project in a 4-3 vote last spring.   

The consultants are reviewing their cost estimates from the original $458 million and LO residents remain skeptical of the project costs.  Councilors Tierney-Moncrief-Jordan and Mayor Hoffman voted to continue to expend funds and proceed with the project in a highly charged meeting that involved over 100 citizens. 

A survey of public opinion on the streetcar will be conducted soon by the city.  Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.  

Citizens Strongly Criticize Planning Commision Member's Position on Lake Access!

To All COLA LO Members,


This week citizens reacted strongly to a planning commission members suggestion that the lake allow public access.  Citizens are wondering if this is the long term intent of the city under the new comprehensive plan and with the new parks that provide a view of the lake.  

Many are suggesting that public access to the lake is part of undisclosed agreements with the foothills project and streetcar.   These projects would develop the area and allow for visitors to gain access to the lake through the newly developed sundleaf park.    Its speculation at this point but the city has not refuted this in writing and reaction has been swift and strong from citizens.  

Citizen reaction can be found in the following articles:   Answer is NO  and There is a history

The strong reaction in these articles and online shows the consternation and frustration in the community over specific issues.  Citizens are awaiting a firm commitment from city leaders on the issue.

The position of the planning commission member was originally mentioned in Jack Bog's blog.  Please see earlier blog posts for details and notify all members, contacts, and friends.

Is the WEB Good For anything? Citizens debate online

To all COLA LO members,

Last week opposing citizens viewpoints were published in the Lake Oswego Review regarding the siting of a Library facility at the WEB versus the LORA North Anchor project.    This provided a forum for online citizen debate regarding the viability of both options and the ongoing issue of the WEB.  

The debate presents different options for the future of the WEB facility and also illustrates how poorly the facility fits a variety of options.    It provides insight into the thoughts of citizens and the ongoing consternation of the community on the original purchase and ultimate cost of this facility.   

The WEB represents a legacy which elected officials continue to try to shed without success.   Its an interesting situation that uniquely represents voter angst over the direction of the city.  

Please notify all members contacts and friends.  

The articles can be found at:  WEB's a bad fit  and Move Library to WEB

Planning Commision Member Wants Public Access to Lake!

To All COLA LO Members,

A recent article in the LO Review has drawn substantial public comment including response from an existing planning commission member.   This member is the author of the article and many believe he represents the long term position of existing council members and the Mayor.   So far no public comment has been submitted by the council on the opinion expressed in the article.

The comment online includes the statement below.   Please refer to the earlier posting for the link to the article.   


Re: What’s the future – if any – of access to Oswego Lake?

According to the State of Oregon, water in a river or lake belongs to the state of Oregon and the public can use the surface of a river or lake for any legal purpose once they have gained lawful entry. The bed of the river or lake may be privately owned, but the water belongs to the State. But don't take my word for it, go to the Department of State Lands website or contact them directly to see for yourself.

Usually the State gets involved in rural areas when a stretch of river runs through private property, and the owner tries to block access from up and down river. This is not allowed because the water is public.

In the case of Oswego Lake, the city owns multiple lakefront properties and could potentially choose to allow controlled access to the lake. The City could choose to limit it to things like kayaking and canoeing as they do at George Rogers park. I would support these limits which would have minimal impact on current lake users.

If all property surrounding the lake was privately owned, then we wouldn't be having this conversation. It would be illegal for the public to trespass on private property to gain access to the lake. However, the city could potentially provide lawful, controlled lake access, and it is worth discussing the issue.

"Todd Prager"

(email verified)

Bloggers Criticize Reporting of Urban Renewal Projects

To All COLA LO Members,

Last week a blog post was released regarding the reporting of Urban Renewal Projects by the local media.    The posting was highly critical of the media for not analyzing press releases and performing investigative journalism.   

While we may not share the same view as the blog post, it provides for interesting reading.



The comments by local citizens provide even more insight into public opinion on the subject and how it applies to Lake Oswego.   

The post can be found at: Publications.

Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.

More on Opening Up the Lake to the Public

To All COLA LO Members,

Jack Bogdanski's blog contains additional information on this issue.    Comments include speculation that opening up the lake to public access is part of an undisclosed agreement under the Foothills development project.   

The blog speculates that some people in local government actually want to open up the lake to the public and have expressed agreements to do so.   Sundleaf Park cost the city at last estimate over $8 million in total costs for a facility that to many seemed sterile.   

Could this actually be the access point for visitors to the city after being transported to LO on a Streetcar?   Many are now speculating on the long term plans and agreements.      

It provides for interesting reading:   More on Opening the Lake

This would seem to involve property rights issues for existing property owners with lakefront access.  

Please notify all members, contacts and friends.  

Citizen Asks - What to do with Surplus?

To All COLA LO Members,

A citizen published an article on the the budget performance of the city last week.   It focused on the surprise of the city finding a surplus in a year when it had to raise fees.    It provides an interesting perspective in terms of a citizen observing the council deliberations. 

The article asks what will the city do with the surplus?  It also questions why the money will not be returned to residents of Lake Oswego.  

Council's response to Surplus.


The article provides an interesting perspective from the citizens viewpoint on financial management and political decision making inside the city council.