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More amendments concerning the West Hayden Island annexation proposal – and more opportunities to comment on them – are being presented this month by the Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission.

A public hearing is planned for May 14 at 5 p.m., but Eric Engstrom, project manager for West Hayden Island, said people will be able to submit written testimony until then.

Talk of annexing West Hayden Island began in July 2010, when Portland City Council members passed a resolution asking Bureau of Planning and Sustainability officials to draft an annexation proposal. It was a delicate subject, given that the island is valuable for both wildlife preservation and industrial development.

BPS commissioners recommended using 300 acres for a marine terminal. Also, 500 acres would be set aside as publicly accessible open space.

A second draft of the annexation proposal was presented in November.

Eden Dabbs, a communications specialist for the commission, said there has since been no shortage of feedback from concerned citizens and various stakeholders. The result is new amendments.

“The commission is going to take it one step at a time,” she said.

Engstrom said it’s difficult to encapsulate so many different modifications and amendments.

“There is a whole suite of amendments as a result of the feedback that (the) bureau has gotten over the last few months,” he said.

Aside from the land-use issues, the latest draft addresses economics, recreation, environment, transportation and other community benefits. Engstrom said more amendments could come be forthcoming.

The island’s ultimate fate rests with Portland City Council. When it comes to West Hayden Island, Mayor Charlie Hales has said annexation is premature with the future of the Columbia River Crossing still in limbo.

Tuesday’s hearing will be held at BPS’ offices at 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave., Room 2500A. Written testimony can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to the Planning and Sustainability Commission, 1900 S.W. Fourth Ave., Suite 7100, Portland, OR 97201.

Commissioners will hold a work session on the annexation proposal on May 28 at 6 p.m. More information is available at at the BPS or by calling 503-823-3329.

Editor’s note: This is a corrected version of a story published previously.