port of portland :: Milagros Boutique

Tagged: port of portland

We aren’t shy about our policy positions and political leanings, maybe not the best way to run a business but we are who we are…

One local issue that we are engaged in right now is asking the Portland City Council to deny the Port of Portland’s request to annex and rezone the West Hayden Island natural area. We don’t believe that allowing development in this wildlife area is in the best interest of Portland either environmentally or economically:

This 826-acre natural area provides critical wildlife habitat for more than 100 species of fish and wildlife including federally listed endangered species. The island’s wetlands, grasslands and riparian habitat make it an irreplaceable resource and natural asset.
The area is a critical flood plain that is ill suited for industrial development. During the flood of 1996, this area was completely underwater.
The public cost of development of the area will be exceedingly high. It would require significant tax-payer funded infrastructure including a new bridge to serve the area (above and beyond Columbia River Crossing redevelopment plans).
The Port of Portland cannot say what it intends to build or when it will be built. It is relevant to note the Port of Portland already controls hundreds of acres of vacant industrial land. How will adding this precious natural area to the Port’s vast surplus of idle property help our economy?
With regard to public investment for job creation and freight transit needs in the region, a collaboration with the Port of Vancouver remains dollar for dollar a better investment – even before the cost of environmental impact is calculated.

These are the key reasons we oppose the proposed annexation and rezoning. However, we encourage you to find out more for yourself. Check out the Audubon Society’s website as well as the City of Portland’s official website on this issue.

If you feel like we do – or even if you don’t – please contact the city council and let them know where you stand:

and/or attend the the West Hayden Island Hearing at City Hall on Thursday, July 29th at 6:00 pm

Thanks and peace.