As we’ve reported previously, the current property owners of the Colwood National Golf Course want to rezone 116 acres of the site from Open Space (OS) to General Industrial 2 (IG2). On May 15, 2008, Greg Frank, BDS Hearings Officer, made a recommendation to deny the applicants’ requested zone change. However the proposal must go to the Portland City Council for final determination.
The location of this open space is along the Columbia and Whitaker sloughs. These areas are sensitive wildlife areas that include fragile riparian zones and important buffers to these zones. A significant amount of riparian habitat in this area has already been lost. Losing even more of this habitat is not supported by the Comprehensive Plan’s goals for the local environment, Metro’s goal for the area, or local neighborhood plans.
The transition of this open space and habitat area to industrial use would also have a pronounced effect on local health. North and Northeast Portland already suffer from the long-term effects of environmental injustice resulting from existing and historic industrial uses in the area. The significant impact of new air and water pollution sources on the health of local residents in addition to the effects on local wildlife should not be discounted.
The CNA passed a formal resolution in opposition to the rezoning in March and remains strongly opposed to the rezoning of Colwood. CNA opposition is powerful, but we also need to participate as individuals to make our voices heard.
The Portland City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on September 17, 2008, 6 pm at 1221 SW 4th, prior to making a final recommendation. You can show your support to Keep Colwood Green by speaking at the hearing or submitting written testimony to the Council before September 17th. Write to Portland Council Council, 1221 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204 or Fax: 503-823-3588.
You can find more information, including email contact info for all the Portland Council members, at keepcolwoodgreen.com.