Decision Coming for West Hayden Island Annexation

Over the next four months, the City of Portland is expected to determine whether West Hayden Island will be annexed into city boundaries. The property is currently part of unincorporated Multnomah County and annexation is necessary to facilitate future development. Metro brought WHI into the region’s Urban Growth Boundary in 1983 to fulfill a marine industrial land need, and the Port purchased the property from Portland General Electric in 1994 for future marine industrial use.

In July 2010, City Council directed city staff to develop a land use plan that considers no more than 300 acres for marine terminal development and at least 500 acres for open space. A public process convened by the City of Portland continues to explore annexation and creation of a long-range land use plan for the entire 800 acres.

The Port introduced concept plans last September to demonstrate how the 800-acre property could accommodate 300 acres of industrial marine development and 500 acres of open space for natural resources and recreation. The plans were broad and conceptual – if annexation does occur, any future development would reflect the needs of the market at that time and a separate environmental process would be required.

The last of four of the 14 studies required by city council for the annexation process have been completed. Technical comments have been provided and final reports will be made available over the next month. Next steps include a conceptual mitigation plan with a cost-benefit analysis that considers the impacts of development and restoration opportunities. Zoning language will determine the types of uses allowed and accompanying design standards. The beginning of a mitigation strategy will consider natural resources, traffic and the needs of the community.

The next WHI Advisory Committee Meeting will take place on May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, 1900 SW 4th Ave, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Room 7a. The first hearing before the City of Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission is expected in July before the plan is taken before the Portland City Council in September.

Key Dates:

May 18 – WHI Advisory committee meeting – review of agreements, public comment
June 11, 13 – Open Houses
June 15 – WHI Advisory committee meeting – review of code and agreements, public comment
July 24 – Planning and Sustainability Commission
July/August – Planning and Sustainability Commission hearing
September/October – City Council hearing(s)/action

West Hayden Island Advisory Committee:

Susan Barnes, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
Andrew Colas, Colas Construction/ NAMCO
Andy Cotugno, Metro
Pam Ferguson, Hayden Island Livability Project/Hayden Island Resident
Don Hanson, OTAK/Planning and Sustainability Commission
Chris Hathaway, Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership
Rich Gunderson, Portland Parks & Recreation, City of Portland
Brian Owendoff, Portland Business Alliance/Real Estate
Sam Ruda, Port of Portland
Bob Salinger, Audubon Portland
Bob Tackett, NW Oregon Labor Council
Victor Viets, HiNOON

For more information, see videos and additional resources available on the Port’s website.

Related Link:
West Hayden Island