Consider public hearings in the coming weeks to be a planning science experiment.
When Metro talks about urban development and design, without discussing the urban growth boundary, how many people care?
The Metro Council has two public hearings scheduled on this year's litany of planning changes generally referred to as the capacity ordinance. Among the dozen-plus rule changes the Metro Council will consider as part of the strategy are new town and regional center designations and designating six outcomes that will be the hallmarks of success.
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Not a topic – an immediate change to the urban growth boundary. The Metro Council is expected to find that at least half of the region's 20-year need for jobs and housing can be found within the existing boundary, giving the board another year to make a decision on expansion.
At a Tuesday worksession, the council discussed whether to hold a hearing on the ordinance in Oregon City, given that the hot-button topic of the boundary wasn't on the agenda. Hard cash costs for the agency to hold a hearing outside the Metro Regional Center are minimal, but it takes a few hours of staff time from salaried employees to have an evening hearing.
But Councilor Carl Hosticka, whose district includes southwestern Clackamas County, said leaving Clackamas County out of the hearing rotation would send the wrong message.
"The symbolism is important, to have one in Clackamas County," he said.
And Councilor Rod Park mentioned the experimental aspect, wondering how much interest a boundary-free discussion would generate. It might end up being a very short hearing, he said, or it could be substantive.
The Oregon City hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Clackamas County Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Road in Oregon City. Another hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 East Main Street.
The public can also comment at the Dec. 9 and 16 Metro Council meetings. The council is expected to vote on the proposed capacity ordinance on Dec. 16.
Correction 11/19 - An earlier version of this story said the industrial replenishment system is part of the capacity ordinance. It has been removed from the ordinance.