RESOLUTION No. 36214

Direct the Portland Development Commission to Draft an industrial urban renewal plan and report contingent upon the findings of a feasibility study (Resolution)

WHEREAS,  blight, lack of infrastructure and environmental constraints exist on numerous industrial sites adjacent to the Willamette River which could be addressed by the formation of an industrial urban renewal area; and

WHEREAS,  many of the industrial lands are brownfields with either perceived or known contamination with little prospect of development for industrial uses without assistance; and

WHEREAS,  there are many underserved areas which do not have adequate infrastructure including roads, water, sewer and storm sewer; and

WHEREAS,  there are critical business expansions that will not happen without financial assistance provided by urban renewal expansion; and

WHEREAS,  PDC formed the NW Front Avenue Urban Renewal District in 1978 to recruit Wacker Siltronic to locate in Portland; and

WHEREAS,  an industrial urban renewal area is being considered which is critical to assisting Siltronic (formerly Wacker Siltronic) with its infrastructure needs; and

WHEREAS,  an initial financial feasibility study and staff analysis has been completed evidencing the need for an industrial urban renewal area; and

WHEREAS,  a formal feasibility study is required as part of the development of an urban renewal area report; and

WHEREAS,  redevelopment of industrial lands and the formation or expansion of urban renewal areas to assist in their redevelopment is a priority strategy in the City of Portland’s Economic Development Strategy; and

WHEREAS,  the formation of this district will help revitalize industrial land which are in short supply and provide critical, family wage jobs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council directs the Portland Development Commission to commence development of a plan and report for the establishment of an industrial urban renewal area contingent upon the findings of the feasibility study.

Adopted by the Council, May 12, 2004

               GARY BLACKMER

Mayor Vera Katz            Auditor of the City of Portland

Don Mazziotti/Bob Alexander, PDC

May 4, 2004              By /S/ Susan Parsons

                   Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 480-2004

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36214