By Brian Hoop
Linnton neighbors had robust discussions about the Willamette Greenway path project at NW 107th and Front Ave. at both their November 3 general meeting and a discussion with City and State government representatives on December 1. The Greenway is a State approved long-term project to expand community access to the river from Portland to Eugene.
As described in recent newsletters, the Linnton Neighborhood Association has been awarded a $815,000 grant from the Oregon Legislature for the purpose of constructing a pedestrian path along the bank of the Willamette River as part of the COVID related American Rescue Plan Act approved by Congress last spring.
This path would follow a line existing in City of Portland zoning documents along the high-water line north of the new pedestrian path at NW 107th Ave. A 25-foot easement was agreed to in 1998 with property owner George Webb, owner of Harmer Steel.
We were fortunate to have Mr. Webb join us at the November meeting where he indicated he was open to considering options and continuing discussion. His main concerns were based on safety both for individuals accessing any future trail and potential property damage to his rail product storage yard.
He appealed to participants to consider the need to balance the roles of both industry and recreational access on the Greenway. All agreed safety was important. Webb indicated his materials are off the Greenway easement and the end of the current pedestrian trail does not necessarily indicate where the easement is. Linnton advocates suggested the project could pay for fencing to protect his property.
While a key goal of residents is a pathway accessing the beach, the reality is the Greenway only indicates an easement along the top of the bank. A path down to the river would cross private property and is not a condition of the easement.
Webb indicated he would have to agree with any plans that deviated from the State approved Greenway line, including if we wanted a path to the river across his property. Another consideration is his properties are bisected by one remaining residential property on the river side of Front Ave. which is likely not required to abide by the same easement Mr. Webb agreed to.
A separate meeting was held December 1st, led by government officials covering nearly every aspect of redevelopment of the Linnton Plywood Mill site. Pertinent to this topic, Tate White, a Senior Planner with Portland Parks and Recreation outlined her concerns and understanding of a path forward.
There would need to be clarity of project scope and feasibility, funding certainty and a solid budget for both capital construction, ongoing maintenance, and operation. She indicated she has been unsuccessful getting details about the funding source and any federal or state requirements. There would need to be property owner involvement and permission.
Her overarching message indicated the City has a complex planning and funding process for capital projects and this is not part of any current plans other than being a line in City planning documents. While she did not say no, it was also clear this could be a multi-year project and is not currently a priority.
What was clear was that any proposal including a pathway down to the river, especially if it was ADA accessible, would be significantly more complicated, requiring involvement of multiple State and Federal permitting agencies. This initiative will require vigilance on the part of Linnton residents if we hope to see this project come to fruition. For more information and to get involved, contact Sarah Taylor, Linnton Neighborhood Association Land Use Chair, 503-805-4680 or
sarahsojourner@mac.com.