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Beaverton receives support for urban renewal plan

By: Nick Bjork//June 20, 2011//

Beaverton receives support for urban renewal plan

Nick Bjork//June 20, 2011//

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Beaverton city officials have received unanimous support for the proposed downtown urban renewal plan from the public service providers the plan would financially affect.

Over the past month the proposed plan, which would funnel nearly $151 million in future property tax dollars toward projects in the blighted area, was submitted by the city to the various tax-funded entities with a request for a vote on whether they supported the plan.

The plan was unanimously supported by the School District, Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, and Washington County. The plan also received a vote of support from the Beaverton Chamber of Commerce, even though it’s not a government agency.

Under state law the city would need approval from 75 percent of these entities if it were to make a major amendment to an existing urban renewal plan, like increasing the size or indebtedness. But there is no such requirement when creating a new plan.

鈥淐oncurrence is not required by state law, only consultation,鈥 said Mayor Denny Doyle. 鈥淏ut we chose to seek concurrence with our local government partners in order to get their highest level of participation and involvement in the success of our program.鈥

The city will ultimately have to win over voters for the plan. Unlike most Oregon municipalities, Beaverton requires voter approval when creating a new urban renewal area. The plan is expected to go before voters in November.

A public hearing on the urban renewal plan has been scheduled for June 21 at 6 p.m., at Beaverton City Hall. Following the public hearing, the city council will review the plan at its June 12 meeting. If approved by council at the meeting, the plan will be submitted to voters in November.



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