When Metro asked residents of the region last August to provide feedback about expanding the urban growth boundary and how and where the region should invest in communities, more than 600 people stepped up to respond.
A constant throughout the comments collected was strong support for maintaining a tight urban growth boundary by making the most of what we already have.
And what exactly does that look like? How about 24-hour coffee, free Wi-Fi and a sense of community?
The site of Ava Roasteria, a free-trade coffee house in Beaverton, was once the location of Nick's Auto Body. Years after the shop closed, the environmental impacts from the petroleum-based products once used remained. Due to the perseverance of Amy Saberiyan, the owner and developer of the property, the contaminated site was cleaned and the old underground gas tanks removed. Ava Roasteria opened its doors on the site in 2006 and now plays host to students studying for exams, friends gathering for a cup of coffee and entertaining live music performances.
As the first brownfield redevelopment in all Beaverton, Ava Roasteria has grown to become a community asset and a model for how urban areas can recycle contaminated lands and make the most of existing commercial properties in key locations.
Rob Pochert, the economic development program manager for the City of Beaverton, said of the popular gathering place, “It’s been an exciting addition to the downtown core. It serves as an example of the kinds of projects urbanized areas can utilize. I hope we see more of this kind of revitalization.”
Brownfield redevelopment helps support the region's six desired outcomes by creating vibrant communities, promoting economic prosperity and ensuring clean air and water.