More than 50 community members and regional government representatives braved rain and traffic on May 23 to gather at the Tualatin Library for a community forum to discuss Southwest Corridor transit options. With a goal of influencing a long-term plan to create livable and sustainable communities along the corridor between Portland, Tigard and Sherwood, participants were updated on progress of studying high capacity transit options in the corridor. They also gave feedback on upcoming key decisions.
Those who were not able to attend can view materials and give input via a brief online survey through June 26.
The crowd overwhelming recognized the opportunity for improvements in their communities, especially surrounding public transportation. Equally adamant was the sentiment for the need to preserve what makes their communities unique. While many attendees were not transit riders, most expressed the opinion that high capacity transit would benefit everyone who lives and travels through the corridor.
Metro staff interviewed several participants asking them their priorities for the corridor:
Brian Hickmann of Sherwood:
"Most of my trips are north to Hillsboro to get to work, I take the back ways and it works – it’s low traffic, but it’s not the safest road with just ditches on either side. I also have a lot of friends in Lake Oswego and Tualatin area, and do a lot of shopping there too. If (Highway) 99 was easier to get through, or there were other options that would be great. For me it’s about getting around easier, to see friends, go to work and go shopping.
"I didn’t see a lot of improvements on 99 presented today, but I guess there’s not much you can do. Tualatin/Sherwood could be 4 lanes; it needs it, especially during rush hours when it’s a mess. I personally wouldn’t take public transit. The places I want to go – shopping or go see friends – I don’t think would be served well by transit and it would take too long to get there. I’m a car driver, but I’d support a good bus or light rail line that would get people around easier, especially for commuters."
Carol Bellows, unincorporated Washington County, near King City:
"I would love to see this area to be more interesting. I like the idea of a mixed use development that attracts a variety of people – all interacting. My daughters are bored here and want to leave, and I don’t blame them. I want to be in a place my kids want to stay and they can get around on their own. Today parents have to drive kids everywhere. If kids could bike or take transit they grow up faster – in good ways – and become capable adults.
"I think rail transit spurs investment more securely; it’s solid and set - bus routes change. Light rail will bring a solid base for investment, and it will bring more people – although not everyone wants that."
Like many others at the forum, Bellows has participated in the Southwest Corridor project for more than a year, attending meetings and giving feedback to several steering committee members. While Bellows was enthusiastic about the direction and overall vision of the project, she expressed eagerness to learn more. In July, decision-makers will narrow the high capacity transit options that will be studied in more detail. A variety of opportunities to comment on the plan exist prior to that, including an online survey and another community planning forum at the Tigard Library from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 26.