A planned sale of a small parcel near the Oregon Convention Center was delayed Thursday after a Metro councilor called for more dialogue with the Union Pacific Corp.
Councilor Bob Stacey asked the Metro Council to postpone its vote on the sale until Sept. 5, a request that got the backing of five of his fellow councilors. Councilor Carlotta Collette abstained from the motion to postpone.
Stacey said he asked for the postponement so Metro and Union Pacific can talk about their respective efforts, as well as those of Metro's partner jurisdictions, regarding right of way and other public needs.
Councilor Sam Chase said projects like the North Portland Greenway, the Sullivan's Gulch trail and other efforts involve conversations with Union Pacific.
"What is our relationship with them, and how can we think about building that relationship as much as possible?" Chase said at Thursday's council meeting.
The specific parcel that Metro could sell is a mere 1,474 square feet, located just south of the Oregon Convention Center. In exchange for the parcel, Union Pacific would give up a 2,270-square-foot communications easement on Metro property, and pay Metro $1,000.
According to a Metro staff report, Union Pacific is asking for the property so it can shift its track to the north.
After Thursday's meeting, Stacey said he believes Oregon Convention Center officials have properly evaluated the recommended sale.
"I thought it prudent to take a moment and take stock of those situations where discussions were underway, or communities desired to have discussions," Stacey said, "and ensure the railroad is aware of them and making best efforts to accommodate the interests that it can."