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Neighbors ask Milwaukie to pause Fernberg Park picnic shelter proposal, say nearby homeowners were not notified
Summary
Property owners surrounding Fernberg Park delivered a petition and urged the council to delay a proposed picnic shelter until the neighborhood association conducts a transparent feasibility process and directly notifies adjacent homeowners.
A group of residents whose homes border Fernberg Park urged Milwaukie city leaders to pause a proposed picnic shelter, saying they learned about the project from neighbors rather than from the neighborhood association or city outreach.
"A canvas of property owners bordering Fernburg Park revealed that not 1 of the residents we spoke to had received any prior communication regarding the shelter project," resident Martha Germany told the council, and she submitted a packet of written statements and a signed map titled "community response in opposition to proposed shelter building in Fernburg Park." "We respectfully request that the city council delay or reconsider this proposal until a transparent, inclusive process can be conducted," Germany added.
Other homeowners echoed the concern. Steve Tallman said he and others spoke to 13 homes that abut the park and found that none had been formally notified. "For whatever reason, the people that surround the park were never notified of this project at all," Tallman said. The neighbors have since collected eight to ten letters protesting the process and asking that the city hold a fuller, resident‑focused review.
At the meeting, residents asked the council to ensure the Linwood Neighborhood District Association completes a feasibility study and follows statewide planning Goal 1 guidance for citizen involvement. They asked the city to either delay the park shelter decision or re‑run the outreach so adjacent homeowners can participate.
City staff said they would share the submitted materials with council members and follow up. The council president suggested the neighbors attend the next nearest NDA meeting to raise the issue there, and staff said the packet would be distributed to all council members.
The dispute centers on process and public notice rather than technical park design. Neighbors said they do not object in principle to park improvements but want a clearer, recorded engagement process that includes adjacent property owners before the city proceeds with siting a shelter.
Council members acknowledged the concerns and said staff will ensure council receives the written submissions and that the matter will be included in follow‑up communications so neighbors get formal responses and next steps.
