Last Updated: January 2, 2024
Over a hundred residents across Lake Oswego submitted testimony in opposition to LU 23-0002, citing the proposed development violates the voter-mandated land use regulations expressed in Chapter X that prohibits all development inconsistent will preserving a Nature Preserve as a natural area. These are the sentiments our neighbors submitted into the record:
“In the past, we used to dig up wetlands for various development projects. We were naïve in thinking that we could just bulldoze through a wetlands area and that it would all grow back as it was. We were flat out wrong, but we didn’t know better.
However, times have changed, and we have discovered how fragile wetlands are, and what an important habitat they are. And no, they don’ t just grow back as they were. The proponents of the proposed sewer line and temporary road through West Waluga Park are ignoring the science that tells us that the destruction of wetlands is not trivial. Plus, the people who state that the area will simply grow back, are conveniently glossing over the fact that they can’ t allow trees to grow over the new sewer line because the root systems will interfere with the sewer pipes. How can they reconcile that with the thinking that the area will grow back to be the same as it was?
Those of us who voted for Ballot measure 3-568 (62% of us), expressly stated that we did not want roads built through Lake Oswego’ s 16 designated natural parks. The people who are proposing that a temporary road be constructed for the placement of a sewer line, seem to think that a temporary road doesn’ t count as a road. In my book, a road, is a road, is a road.” (G-632) –Westridge Neighborhood
“My kids currently enjoy playing in and around Waluga Park, and as a local voting citizen, I oppose the development of this area in violation of specific provisions against it.” (G-619) –Holly Orchard Neighborhood
“I am writing again to oppose this really poor plan to trench through West Waluga Park. I walk to West-Waluga Park several times a week. This Commission consistently and with detriment to the natural areas of Lake Oswego, ignores the public’s desire to maintain open space, natural preserves and preserve our oldest trees. It is offensive and short-sided. Apparently the Commission not only hates the oldest trees that are disappearing al over the city, the Douglas Fir, but ti also loves to build, build, build ni those natural areas with little concern to the preservation of land set aside for our enjoyment. tI makes me want to move and I moved here because of the trees and parks.” (G-613) –Mountain Park Neighborhood
“I’m very concerned that the city is allowing destruction of our wetlands. This is contrary to the messages we receive from the city about caring for and attending to replanting of our natural areas. There is no way the city should be supporting the removal of trees and disruption of understory in our parks that are marked for naturalization.” (G-608) –Lake Forest Neighborhood
“I’m writing this to express just how utterly dismayed I am by what the city is currently attempting to do at Waluga Park West.
The first take won’t be the one that is pounded into the ground by a survey party marking the spot where a proposed access corridor, trench and sewer line will begin slicing through Waluga Park West. No. The first stake is the one that is already being driven into the hearts of the Lake Oswego citizens who overwhelmingly voted to ratify citizen initiated Measure 3-568 in the Special Election of November 2, 2021.
That measure amended the City Charter by clearly specifying that any development project in a nature park must be consistent with preserving it as a Nature Preserve. The project now being envisioned for Waluga Park West has nothing to do with maintaining and preserving the park’snatural area. On the contrary, it favors a private developer whose proposed project will have lasting negative impacts on the park’shabitat.
I’m neither a lawyer, a consultant or a land use expert, and I haven’t the slightest idea of what Serial Lot Line Adjustments might be, but I am one of the 62% of voters who went to the polls in the November 2, 2021 Special Election and voted yes for Measure 3-568.
We voted yes because we wanted to preserve the natural areas of our nature parks and ensure they would be protected from private as well as from city development projects for generations to come. We believed that the election results were clear and that the will of the people would be honored. We believed that this kind of assault on the city’s nature areas by private developers would finally be prohibited from ever happening again.
For the city to now give the green light to a private developer to run a sewer line through Waluga Park West is a travesty. It makes a mockery of the Special Election of November, 2021. It’s as though a dense fog of collective amnesia one day oated into City Hall, carrying everyone there out through the windows into a distant parallel universe where no is yes and yes is no. If the city is going to try to pretend there was never an election, then one has to ask just exactly what value our elections and our City Charter actually have. For what purpose does a City Charter even exist? Is it nothing more than a piece of paper that can be made to mean anything the city wants it to?
For these reasons and on behalf of the thousands of Lake Oswego citizens who believed in and voted to ratify Measure 3-568 to amend the City Charter, I urge you, the members of the DRC, to reject the fantasy that is LU 23-0002. ” (G-607) –Bryant Neighborhood
“Unavoidable crossing of a protected nature preserve and wetland? Upon examination of city sewer map, ! find a second option. Just 175′ to the north of proposed development lies SMH00059, a manhole covering an 8″ arterial that lies approximately 2.25′ below the elevation of SW Baleine St. This provides more than enough elevation drop to support an 8″ gravity fed arterial. An easement will likely be required, but the will of the voters, who passed a development limitation within Waluga Park, will be preserved.
If the city cannot find an alternative to the proposed 525′ crossing of a charter protected nature preserve, then LU-00002 should be denied. ” (G-603) –Uplands Neighborhood
“I am a long time Lake Oswego resident who voted to in 2021 to preserve our natural preserved areas and this was passed by the citizens. I am disturbed to read that a private developer has been given access to cut trees and go into the Waluga nature area set aside in order to make a road. This is not what the Lake Oswego citizens voted for. This is outrageous that the voted amendment is being disregarded. Iam looking for the voters charter to be KEPT.” (G-602) –Uplands Neighborhood
“Ignoring the will of the people and the initiative passed by constituent’ s efforts 2 years ago is wrong … please consider honoring the endorsement of our community to preserve and protect the small fragments of natural place left. Every tree serves to mitigate the warming climate, muffle noises, and provide just a bit of space for non- human critters. Thank you for consideration. I will be observing the city council’ s actions with concern and expectation that the charter will be respected.” (G-598) –Bryant Neighborhood
“I walk from my neighborhood to Waluga Parks on a daily basis, what you are doing to that area is severely damaging the quality of that neighborhood and the people who use it.” (G-596) –Mountain Park Neighborhood
“Lake Oswego citizens are tired of having their wishes ignored and developers favored at every turn. West Waluga Park is a sanctuary and should be maintained as such in keeping with the stated preference of Lake Oswego voters. Do the right thing. Preserve our natural spaces and put the pressure on developers to find a better way.” –Westlake Neighborhood
“My husband and I moved to Lake Oswego 23 years ago specifically because of the parks and green spaces that exist in the town and are loved by its residents. We lived in Westlake until our recent move to the Westridge neighborhood. We were determined to stay in LO because of its parks and protected green spaces. Measure 3- 568, which we both voted for, should assure the continued protection of these areas. The city should not and can not disregard the voice of the voters!” (G-593) –Neighborhood
“Many Lake Oswego residents have submitted detailed documentation of the legal reasons the sewertr line crossing Waluga- West should be denied.
I am writing about my personal views on this matter. They are as follows:
1. Citiizens of your city have delivered their verdict regarding the management of natural spaces when Measure 3- 568 was passed. I particpated in the effort to disseminate information to my neighbors during this campaign. I find your posittion on the matter of LU23- 0002 contrary to the tenets expressed in Chapter X I find this disregard for the will of the people disingenuous at best and willfully unlawful at the worst.
2. Many citizens have specifically listed the evidence of your error in considering the granting of the proposed sewer line which, if permitted, would run through Waluga- West wetland. Neighbors who have lived in the adjacent properties have shared their personal experiences with you regarding the problems with the hydrology in this area. The consequences of cutting down over 60 trees and ripping up a swath of wetland is not something that can be remediated successfully.
3. The value of an action should not be predicated on which party has or wants money. There are other values that run deep though there is no monetary profit for someone to gain; the presevation of the living ecology of this wetland and trees has value. The value of honoring citizens’ electoral decisions. The honor in recognizing the value that natural spaces bring to our community. The honor in protecting what was meant to be preserved. The honor in doing the right thing,
The honor in denying LU23- 0002.” (G-591) –Bryant Neighborhood
“DRC has received a number of submissions which confront the inadequacy of the legal underpinnings for mandating this sewer line as well as demonstrating the engineering alternatives for the developer. This line in this place is not at all unavoidable. I agree entirely with the opposition on these points.
As a community we are anguished. Before the election when residents could vote for either the citizen’ s initiative or the competing city referendum, the mayor made some dismissive remark to the effect that the citizens’ initiative was due to residents not trusting the city. Well, in fact, as it relates to government, the real estate industry and suburbia- no, there is little trust and little basis for trust. The initiative, a charter amendment, prohibited development in the designated parks. The referendum which envisioned a future ordinance was squishy as to what would be permitted and where. It was soundly defeated.
But here we are. With a straight face the city, for a private developer, tries to justify a sewer trench 525 feet long, 25 feet deep, creating a de facto 17 foot road and in the process destroying 43 trees, 14 of which are significant- in a NATURAL PRESERVE? I believe in good government and good policy. I believe in democracy. I am very concerned when we can’ t get transparency and accountability out of government because this constant clawing away at it does diminish its stature. Poorly regarded public institutions are not at all healthy for any of us. But, in this egregious case, what is being proposed, albeit another slash at the city’s trustworthiness, is warranted and necessary. I’ m deeply regretful for that.
I oppose LU 23- 0002/ AP 2304 as conditioned to go through Waluga Park.” (G-590) –Uplands Neighborhood
“Why I Strongly Oppose the City’sTentative Decision on LU23-0002
Looks like the mayor, the city council and the city staff have all turned their backs on majority rule in Lake Oswego. I’ m astounded by how the city is engaged in trying to subvert the will of the thousands of Lake Oswego citizens who in November, 2021 went to the polls to vote overwhelmingly in favor of citizen- initiated Measure 3- 568 in the November 2, 2021 Special Election whose aim was to protect 15 natural areas in Lake Oswego from ANY and ALL development that was inconsistent with preserving them as protected Nature Preserves.
The city seems determined to give the green light to a local developer to connect his five- lot residential development project to city sewer services within the natural area of Waluga Park—West, now a city charter- protected Nature Preserve, in spite of the fact that the project involves the destruction of part of the parks’ s habitat. If this isn’t inconsistent with preserving a nature park, then I, for the life of me, don’t know what is. This is exactly the type of insanity that the voters were trying to keep from happening when they voted in favor of measure 3- 568 in the election of November, 2021.
I was one of the many petition signature- gatherers who devoted precious time and energy in trying to obtain the required number of signatures necessary to putting the measure on the ballot by the required deadline.
Since the election, I’ve had occasions to reflect upon what was accomplished. Citizens joined together, participating in meetings, donating money and time, canvassing neighborhoods throughout the city in good weather and bad, talking with neighbors about the issues. Over and over again, Iwitnessed the eagerness with which citizens wanted to sign the petitions.
When the election results came in, jubilant neighbors on my street were literally jumping up and down, shouting, and rejoicing in the knowledge that when citizens believe strongly in something and mobilize to work together, big changes are possible. What the city is attempting to do fills me with disgust, knowing that, with their actions, the City is making a mockery of what so many people believed in—the democratic process.” (G-586) –Bryant Neighborhood
“Furthermore, it is unclear how the city will continue to maintain this sewer line with no permanent access road through the wetland. This puts the wetlands at risk in the future for any maintenance or repair work that will have to occur.” (G-584) –Rosewood Neighborhood
“I voted for the bond measure and I am confused as to why the city would ignore a binding law enacted by its own citizens! Our protected green spaces are an important part of what makes Lake Oswego a special place to live. Why does the city favor developers, time and time again, over tax paying residents? ” (G-582) –Palisades Neighborhood
“I am opposed to LU 23-0002 because it is in violation of measure 3-568. The city of Lake Oswego and DRC are not respecting the wishes of citizens who voted to pass this measure. It is clearly stated within This measure that parks will be protected from any development. Installing a sewer line will be incredibly disruptive to the pristine natural area…disrupting one section will have detrimental impact on the surrounding area, as will removing 43 trees. It is frustrating to see that our city leaser continue to ignore citizen input in favor of development. Through the world, cities are undertaking efforts to maintain and expand natural areas. Here in Lake Oswego, the legacy our city leadership will be a failure to do anything meaningful to protect the natural beauty of Lake Oswego.” (G-576) –Southshore Neighborhood
“I am opposed to the installation of a sewer line through Waluga Park West due to unavoidable negative impacts that the construction project will have on these sensitive public lands, not to mention the removal of so many trees. This development project should be rejected so residents of Lake Oswego can be confident that their voices are being heard when these types of issues are voted on and approved by voters. I believe the City of Lake Oswego is ignoring the will of the people to appease developers.” (G-575)–Palisades Neighborhood
“We agree with the comments of others who are opposed to the city’ s approval of this project. There are questions about its legality, especially where there are conflicts with the voter- approved Measure 3-568.” (G-574) –Palisades Neighborhood
“I am disillusioned and astonished that City is in the process of approving LU 23- 0002. Walluga Park- West is a protected Nature Preserve under Measure 3- 568. The Measure was a citizen’ s initiative that passed by a majority vote and, as a result, it became law on 11/ 2/ 2021. The Measure expanded upon” Chapter X- Park Development Limitation” and it outlines limitations on the development of fifteen nature parks. It is the City’ s responsibility to enforce Chapter X because it is in the City’s Charter and the Charter is its constitution. The first limitation of Chapter X states that” The City of Lake Oswego shall insure that all development within a Nature Preserve is consistent with the preservation of a Nature Preserve as a natural area available for public enjoyment.” It is obvious to anyone that building a sewer line and destroying 43 trees does NOT qualify as the preservation of a Nature Preserve.
An additional prohibited activity is to” construct or develop( or allow any person to construct or develop) any facility or any structure above ground that would impair or be inconsistent with the natural conditions of a Nature Preserve”. The construction of a sewer line, that requires disruption of the surface and the removal of 43 trees, impairs and is 100% inconsistent with the natural conditions of a Nature Preserve.
I would also like to remind everyone and to emphasize that” The Purpose of the Lake Oswego Tree Code( see Chapter 55—” 55. 02. 010 Purpose”) is to”… prescribe preventative protection measures to avoid damage to trees during site development in order to preserve the wooded character of the City of Lake Oswego and to protect trees as a natural resource …”. In the case of LU 23- 0002, alternative solutions have not been fully presented to the public but the City has the right and the responsibility to require the Applicant to do so.” (G-573) –Blue Heron Neighborhood
“I strongly oppose LU 23-0002 and request the DRC reject LU 23-0002 on the premise the sewer line through Waluga Park – West violates the voter-approved Nature Preserve land use regulations expressed in the City Charter: Chapter X – Park Development Limitation.
I reached out to my neighbors to get Measure 3-568 placed on the 2021 ballot.
The City must pursue other alternatives, presuming that they work to respect the voice of the voters and the intent of Chapter X of the City Code.” (G-569) –Forest Highlands Neighborhood
“Lake Oswego citizens are tired of having their wishes ignored and developers favored at every turn. West Waluga Park is a sanctuary and should be maintained as such in keeping with the stated preference of Lake Oswego voters. Do the right thing. Preserve our natural spaces and put the pressure on developers to find a better way.” (G-566) –Lake Forest Neighborhood
“It is beyond believe how in the face of such a clear vote by the citizens of Lake Oswego, City staff and City Council have any doubts about what the people want- namely to protect our parks untouched. Clearly, this proposed and tentatively approved request is in stark violation of everything, people voted for. I urge the City Council to do what is right and decline this request. Your voters want you to do so!!” (G-565) –Bryant Neighborhood
“To the Development Review Commission, Mayor and City Council Members
I write in opposition to the proposed sewer line extension through Waluga Park- West as part of the proposal LU 23-0002 and request the DRC reject LU 23- 0002
I have two primary concerns. The proposed road to lay the sewer line runs approximately 137 feet from the back of my property which abuts the park- something my wife and I find and enjoy: a pristine view from the back of our house. Iam against anything that will harm that natural environment. Iam not sure what the consequences will be for future development through the park with a new passage, but I would find that abhorrent. Furthermore, it appears to be in direct conflict with Ordinance 3- 568 a measure passed overwhelmingly by the citizens of Lake Oswego.
The second concern has to do with the removal of trees necessary for the laying of the sewer line. While there is mitigation required for both the laying of the line and the trees, replacing full grown trees with native species expected to grow to the existing trees’ heights will take longer than I have years to live. I find that mitigation is a misnomer as it does not suggest even a 10 year wait for those trees to develop to an equal height.
Perhaps a reconsideration of an alternative way to plan for sewage from the proposed development is in order. While this might increase the cost of development it should fall on the developers not on the citizens of Lake Oswego. It is, after all, the cost of doing business and that should not be a burden on neighbors and citizens of Lake Oswego.” (G-564) –Lake Forest Neighborhood
“I am dismayed that Lake Oswego City staff and City Council would blatantly make decisions that disregard and ignore the votes of citizens. It appears that the City government is favoring developers’ interests rather than representing those who live, work, and vote in Lake Oswego. I worry that a precedent will be set for continued disregard of citizens’ expressed interests.
West Waluga Park currently provides numerous habitat and ecological benefits. Natural areas also contribute well-documented psychological and emotional benefits.” (G-562) –Palisades Neighborhood
“Dear Honorable LO Mayor and Council Members,
I ask that you do not approve the sewer/ utilities access to be trenched through the Waluga natural area.
Removing significant trees, understory plants and a 17′ x525′ bulldozed area does not resemble any type of preservation as defined in Chapter X amendment. Sometimes humans do not need to, should not have, access to develop every inch of the planet that they deem fits their needs. Leave natural areas untouched for flora/ fauna that consider it their home. (Except to remove invasives I add cheekily.)” (G-561) –Mountain Park Neighborhood
“Mayor Buck and City Council Members
I am contacting you directly to share my concerns about issues related to next Monday’s DRC hearing on LU 23-0002. The city is requiring the applicant to construct a sewer line all the way through the West Waluga Park wetland in apparent violation of the City Charters Chapter X protection. The city attorney has opined that the City Charter is not applicable to the city’s requirement. Furthermore, the city scheduled the DRC appeal hearing during the Thanksgiving holiday week before the appeal was even filed. This has the obvious appearance of attempting to limit public participation.
I know that some of you were not happy with the passage of Ballot Measure 3-568. Nonetheless it was supported by 62% of the electorate. The city’s position on LU 23-0002 seems like an attempt to undermine the clear intent of Lake Oswego voters in the November 2021 election. I believe that city staffs attempt to ignore Chapter X’s intent or legally parse it’s language will only lead to serious conflict in the community. Our voters who supported the Chapter X environmental protections simply will not accept that those protections allow a sewer to be trenched through West Waluga Park.
My request to you is to cancel or postpone Mondays DRC hearing and avoid the immediate looming controversy that I feel will result. Take the time to look at alternatives to the proposed route through West Waluga. LU 23-0002 will be a precedent setting decision that could expose many other protected natural areas to this kind of environmental destruction. I strongly believe that Lake Oswego residents deserve to have a voice and a discussion with the city before such a decision is made.
Thank you for considering my request. In these times it seems like we can always find legal interpretations to justify our actions. Sometimes leaders have to decide to just do the right thing. This truly feels like one of those moments.” (G-560) –First Addition Neighborhood
“I am disillusioned and astonished that City is in the process of approving LU 23-0002. Walluga Park-West is a protected Nature Preserve under Measure 3-568. The Measure was a citizen’s initiative that passed by a majority vote and, as a result, it became law on 11/2/2021. The Measure expanded upon “Chapter X -Park Development Limitation” and it outlines limitations on the development of fifteen nature parks. It is the City’s responsibility to enforce Chapter X because it is in the City’s Charter and the Charter is its constitution. The first limitation of Chapter X states that “The City of Lake Oswego shall insure that all development within a Nature Preserve is consistent with the preservation of a Nature Preserve as a natural area available for public enjoyment.” It is obvious to anyone that building a sewer line and destroying 43 trees does NOT qualify as the preservation of a Nature Preserve.
An additional prohibited activity is to “construct or develop (or allow any person to construct or develop) any facility or any structure above ground that would impair or be inconsistent with the natural conditions of a Nature Preserve”. The construction of a sewer line, that requires disruption of the surface and the removal of 43 trees, impairs and is 100% inconsistent with the natural conditions of a Nature Preserve.
I would also like to remind everyone and to emphasize that “The Purpose of the Lake Oswego Tree Code (see Chapter 55 – “55 .02.010 Purpose”) is to “… prescribe preventative protection measures to avoid damage to trees during site development in order to preserve the wooded character of the City of Lake Oswego and to protect trees as a natural resource …”. In the case of LU 23-0002, alternative solutions have not been fully presented to the public but the City has the right and the responsibility to require the Applicant to do so. ” (G-559) –Bryant Neighborhood
“Please deny this application. Ch X, sec. 43 of the City Charter, the state comprehensive plan, and the city’ s comprehensive plan all require this application be denied; as does prudent and socially responsible public policy.
Chapter X
Section 43 provides, in relevant part, that”[ t]he City of Lake Oswego shall insure that all development within a Nature Preserve is consistent with the preservation of a Nature Preserve as a natural area available for public enjoyment.
The City of Lake Oswego shall not construct or develop( or allow any person to construct or develop) any Athletic Facility, any Telecommunications Facility, or any parking lot, road, or trail for motorized vehicles within a Nature Preserve. The City of Lake Oswego shall not cut( or allow any person to cut) any tree in a Nature Preserve for the purpose of facilitating the construction or development of any Athletic Facility, any Telecommunications Facility, or any parking lot, road, or trail for motorized vehicles.
The City of Lake Oswego shall not construct or develop( or allow any person to construct or develop) any facility or any structure above ground that would impair or be inconsistent with the natural conditions of a Nature Preserve.
(Amended November 7, 1978; November 2, 2021.)
The plain language of Ch X is clear. Installing a 17′ wide by 500+- foot long road so a sewer line may be trenched would directly violate both the letter and spirit of Ch X Removing the trees would also violate Ch X
Comp Plan
Our land use constitution, the Comprehensive Plan, weighs in favor of denial of this application, both the State comp plan goals 1( citizen involvement) and 5 natural resources), and the City’ s comp plan, which also provides for citizen involvement and, with respect to trees, ” Healthy Ecosystems,” Att. B, pp. 11- 13 Ordinance 2687, Jan. 2016). Goal# 1 is citizen involvement because Gov. McCall, in ushering through the Comp Plan, recognized how precious our environment was, and that development interests would or may have an outsized influence on local policies and practices and citizens were a necessary check against unwise or short- sighted development policies and practices. Healthy Ecosystems praises mature trees for many reasons, including providing habitat for our nonhuman brethren; sequestering carbon; improving air, soil, and water quality; preventing surface runoff and erosion; increasing property values; providing privacy and noise buffers; promoting health, including mental and emotional health; and decreasing crime.
The City must consider Healthy Ecosystems and citizen input as mandatory criteria or as the lens through which both the Development Code( LOC Ch 50), the Tree Code( LOC Ch 55), and all other codes are interpreted, as ORS 197. 175( 2)( b) requires cities to enact land use regulations to implement their comp plan provisions. Indeed, the very purpose of the Development Code is” to provide the principal means for the implementation of the comprehensive plan.” LOC 50. 01. 001( 2)( a). It is noteworthy that the Development Review Commission’ s charge is” to regulate impacts of development upon*** trees” ( LOC 50. 001. 001( 2)( a)( x)) and” to protect the city’s aesthetic beauty and character” LOC50.01.001(2)(a)(xiv))-andnottoprotectdevelopersandownerssothey may do whatever they wish with mature trees and natural areas. Also, to the extent the city argues this app isn’ t” land use”: the DRC oversees land use and design and is hearing this appeal. The very act of investiture of jurisdiction to hear this appeal is an admission that this app is” land use.”
Lastly, this app must be considered in the context of our times. One decision at a time, we are experiencing a tragedy of the commons, where individual, self- interested decisions, taken collectively, result in great harm; here, loss of not only many grand trees, but of habitat and biodiversity. We can ill afford to lose more habitat and biodiversity. In the past 30 years, we have lost 40% of our insect biomass( Xerces Society senior conservation biologist and guest speaker at recent Old Town NA meeting) and 30% of songbirds( Scientific American article, Oct 2019).
Please deny this application.” (G-558) –Old Town Neighborhood
“In violation of voter approved nature preserve protections.” (G-557) –Palisades Neighborhood
“I and my husband own a home on Inverurie Rd. within 1/ 5 mile of this proposed development. I am in total agreement with so many of our neighbors who are vehemently against providing sewer to the development through wetlands. This destruction of the wetlands and the habitat it provides to wildlife, plants, and birds will be irreversible.” (G-556) –Lake Forest Neighborhood
“I strongly oppose the direction that the City is currently going. At least it should be postponed until further review and investigation by the City and the Developer. There are alternative solutions that the City has not fully explored which would harm less of the wetlands, possibly cost less and be more beneficial to those who live around this area. I won’ t restate those alternative solutions as others have already done so elequently. Also, I feel this is being rushed through the process before citizens have been able to respond properly. Last, Iam highly concerned about how the City is violating the voter approved nature preserve charter protections. Waluga Park is one of thel5 nature preserves that falls under the protection of City Charter Chapter X.” (G-555) –Palisades Neighborhood
“The city council must follow the law. Voters decided that this proposed action was not permissible— and yet you are choosing to violate that mandate. Please adhere to what we all decided.” (G-554) –Hallinan Neighborhood
“I was very surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that the City Council voted in favor of measure LU 23-0002, which will allow a developer to use the back part of Waluga West Park in order to connect a proposed development to connect to city sewer services.
Proposal LU 23-0002 will certainly damage existing habitat, and the removal of 43 trees in that area is a travesty.
The citizens of Lake Oswego voted overwhelmingly for Measure 3-568 to prevent all development that is inconsistent with the preservation of Lake Oswego’s Nature Preserves as natural areas.
Perhaps the City Council didn’t realize how strongly the Lake Oswego residents felt about preserving these natural areas. It’s not a real good idea to go against the will of the people.
It should be obvious that constructing a 17′ wide x 525′ long road, the removal of trees, and the disturbance to the designated wetlands in Waluga Park – West to facilitate trenching and installation of a sewer line for a private developer is not, in any way, what the majority of Lake Oswego voters want to see happen.
I certainly hope that the Development Review Commission and the City Council will reverse the recent LU 23-0002 decision. ” (G-553) –Westridge Neighborhood
“As a voter in the City of Lake Oswego, I request that you cancel the DRC meeting scheduled for Monday, November 20th. Waluga Park is a voter protected park, and the public has not been informed by the City of their encroachment plans. The City has failed from the start to mention and disclose this infraction to the voters for over 2 years. Voters should be able to expect the City to act with integrity, transparency, and honor; which they clearly have not.” (G-548) –Palisades Neighborhood
“The construction of a 17- foot by 525- foot lane through designated wetlands in a natural park is diametrically opposed to Measure 3- 569. It would cut a scar through Waluga Park West and take down established trees unnecessarily. The city and the developer must find an alternative path to hook to the sewer. This can be done along the road that gives access to these five lots.
Do not violate the law of the land. Deny this unnecessary destruction of a natural park within the city limits. Deny the permit.“ (G-546)
“We live in an area of growing public mistrust in government institutions. The council’s disregard for Measure 3-568 creates a public perception that the city government doesn’t respect the will of the citizenry. It creates the impression that the council respects elections only if they agree with the results and otherwise ignores and denies them. This attitude is undemocratic and further erodes trust and confidence in city government—which seems bent on ignoring the values of the majority of its voters. When will you finally get this message and start to reflect the values of conservation and preservation that all of us who voted for Measure 3-568 hold dear? Why won’t you represent us faithfully by helping to protect our nature preserves rather than fighting us at every single turn?” (G-544) –Palisades Neighborhood
“ADDENDUM – is the city aware there is an available sewer tap only 120′ (1 property) next to the proposed 5 lots? Absurd to approve the developer to cause such destruction in the protected wetland when this is available. Also – this wetland has 6″ or more water standing year round – how exactly has the city determined it is even engineering feasible to go in for almost two footbal lengths at 17′ wide in a marsh? What would even be required to support the heavy vehicles? This makes no sense.” (G-543) –Lake Forest Neighborhood
“It is clear that the veracity of the city elected officials and their paid staff is questionable at best. Just 2 years ago the city sent the Lake Forest residents, which mostly cannot even vote for city elected officials, a letter stating that they were no longer going to do partial annexations yet now the city is doing just that. The mayor and city councilors (and their paid planning department) are in an all fired hurry to accommodate private developers in their hast to destroy the livability of the Lake Forest neighborhood so they can pat themselves on the back for meeting “their” housing goals. What a bunch of low lifes.” (G-538) –Neighborhood
“Lake Oswego Planning Department and City Government,
Testimony for: Ordinance 2874 Legal Restrictions and LU 23-0002 Statement in Opposition
The Stafford-Tualatin Valley Community Planning Organization Members supported the LoveLOParks, Lake Oswego Citizens Measure 3-568 and continue to support their opposition to city approval of development methods in LU 23-0002 at the Waluga Park Nature Preserve.
Lake Oswego needs a City Government that will listen to its citizens as well as the surrounding communities impacted by decisions issued by its leadership.
Include these comments in the final record for Ordinance 2874.” (G-537) –Stafford-Tualatin Valley CPO
“I worked closely with the grassroots effort to get Measure 3-568 on the ballot and helped educate the community on the measure by writing countless letters and handing out flyers to fellow neighbors. I voted for Measure 3-568 to prevent all development that is inconsistent with the preservation of Lake Oswego’s Nature Preserves as natural areas.
It is very disheartening after working so hard to educate the community and get fellow neighbors to vote on Measure 3-568, the city would so clearly violate it. The city must pursue other alternatives.” (G-535) –Westridge Neighborhood
“I challenge every single one of you who either hold a position of government or pull a paycheck on our tax dollar payroll to stay quiet on all of the decisions surrounding this city if you are not a resident. I am not making rules in your town, don’t make them in mine.” –Palisades Neighborhood
“If for no other reason other than showing respect to the citizens of Lake Oswego, the City government should not pursue this development. But there are ample legal and moral reasons to not fly in the face of the citizens in support of a private developer. See below…” (G-531) –Forest Highlands Neighborhood
“Seriously? Dear government employees, please stop jerking your constituents around. Just because your measure failed doesn’t mean you can ignore the one that did pass. What you can do is either find an alternate solution to this issue, or deny the project. Those are your options…
“Thank you for your consideration” is a nicer closing than I would choose, especially if Mr. Rapf is involved, but my peers in Love LO Parks are better people than me, so I’ll leave it.” (G-526) –First Addition Neighborhood
“The arrogance underlying the suggestion that citizens resort to litigation to compel the city to follow the law is breathtaking. We should accept that challenge if it becomes necessary and include a demand that the city pay the resulting legal fees if the challenge is successful. The litigation suggestion would not have been made if those behind it risked having to bear the litigation costs themselves, personally, instead of being able to expend taxpayer money for their blatantly illegal and irresponsible frolic. Furthermore, if they are relying on advice from the city attorney, their advisor should be answerable for malpractice.” –Bryant Neighborhood
“Holy f*ck this is outrageous! Anti-DEMOCRATIC” –Palisades Neighborhood
“Please do not take away the natural beauty of West Waluga park by developing it. This park should be saved for generations to come and that is why L.O. residents.voted to protect our parks from future development. You are destroying the very places that make our city desirable! This is all to build more enormous houses that could be built elsewhere. Please don’t betray “us” voters by not upholding our wishes for some preservation. ” –Sincerely, Long time L.O. resident and taxpayer
“Thanks for being vigilant with regard to code violations. ” —Forest Highlands Neighborhood