Many of the comments can be found at Reader's Letters.
Its an interesting twist as a council and mayor were elected one year ago on an anti high density platform and yet they are approving a project with high density and urban renewal funds.
Waiting for ‘PLOPP’
Two years ago we heard about the streetcar — how great it would be for Lake Oswego. Fortunately, reason prevailed and the city council (decided not to pursue it). Then, last year we heard about the new library — how badly it was needed. Once again, reason prevailed, and “we, the people” voted that one down.
Now, we hear about the Wizer project, otherwise known as PLOPP (Proposed Lake Oswego Pearl Project). Seems like a good idea, right? Let’s put more than 200 housing units, more than 400 people, 300 cars and 100 dogs — all in a two-block area. Good plan, right?
As I read the letters in the Lake Oswego Review, I have not kept track. However, it seems to me that those against outnumber those for at least 10 to one. (One remarkable argument in favor was “... because we have been wanting to do something for 10 years.” Now, that’s a really great reason to build this monstrosity.
This project definitely needs to be rethought. The Pearl District is great. We do not, however, need another Pearl in Lake Oswego. Not here, not now, not ever.
Syd Dorn
Hope council listens to those opposing high density
With regard to the proposed Wizer development, it would be great if the city council would abide by the majority view of Lake Oswego citizens, a view that opposes high-density living and increased congestion.
Certainly those who desire a high-density environment can move to downtown Portland or any large metropolitan area. I and others find it repugnant when government officials act in a paternal manner, dictating how we must change our living conditions to comply with their more “enlightened” view. One of the great things about LO is its unique quality of life. Let’s not sacrifice that wonderful quality in a quest for increased development and greater tax revenues.
Bill Beard
It will be interesting to see if the opposition grows and if it has an impact on the elections in 2014. Please notify all members, contacts, and friends.
I'm not at all crazy about the idea of the Lake Oswego City Council providing $6M of financing for this project. Is this a pure subsidy or an investment that will be paid back at some point? Both are undesirable, but the former is worse than the latter.
ReplyDeleteApart from that, I am wondering if there is another private property developer who wants to buy the land to use for a different purpose. If not, the owners of the Wizer block should be able to sell it to whomever they want and the owners should be able to develop it for any legal purpose regardless of what people think. Blocking such development because others don't like it would constitute big government interference with the free market.
Everyone needs to remember that the Council is operating under codes that were put in place by previous Councils.Once an application is made the "rules" cannot be changed. The first step in changing the rules is to change the Comp Plan which is happening.
ReplyDeleteLet the Council knows that the supporting rules should be changed and Urban Renewal ended.
Well said on both accounts.......
ReplyDelete