Resolution No. 36398 AS AMENDED

Direct the Portland Office of Transportation to complete construction of the Portland Aerial Tram as part of the North Macadam Urban Renewal Area (Resolution)

WHEREAS, in August 1999, the City Council voted to initiate the North Macadam Urban Renewal Area (URA) to advance city policies encouraging green building, mixed-use development, high-density urban design and multi-modal transportation options; and

WHEREAS, the North Macadam URA attracted over $2 billion in private investment and is integral to the continued economic health and vitality of Portland; and

WHEREAS, the North Macadam URA transforms what was a vacant industrial site and brownfield into a vibrant new waterfront district with affordable housing, a range of transit options, parks and greenways; and

WHEREAS, a major catalyst to this renewal effort and the $2 billion in private investment is the construction of the Portland Aerial Tram, ensuring a connection between the new research centers to be located in the South Waterfront and the main campus of Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU); and

WHEREAS, the City of Portland remains committed to seeing through the delivery of the public goods outlined in its originally stated goals, including: “significant commercial and housing development in a former industrial area by redeveloping the district into a mixed-use Central City neighborhood, with a spectacular greenway and parks system, improved transportation infrastructure and accessibility, [and] enhanced public amenities and uses;” and

WHEREAS, all public and private parties involved in this economic development and revitalization effort – the City of Portland, OHSU, the tram construction firms Kiewit Pacific Co. and Doppelmayr CTEC Inc., the Portland Development Commission, North Macadam Investors, LLC and tram architect Sarah Graham – have worked collaboratively to address and cover unforeseen cost increases in the Portland Aerial Tram’s construction with contributions of money and in-kind services; and

WHEREAS, this agreement (attached as Exhibit A) represents a spirit of cooperation among all parties and demonstrates shared sacrifice in order to achieve a greater public good;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Portland directs the Portland Office of Transportation to continue and complete work on the Portland Aerial Tram in order to establish a vibrant new waterfront district and invest in the future economic well-being of all residents in the city of Portland.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Portland directs the Office of Sustainable Development to report back to Council annually on the improvement on local air quality and reduction of green house gas emissions from vehicle trips eliminated due to the Portland Aerial Tram.

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 474-2006

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36398 AS AMENDED