Milwaukie, Metro Reopen Talks on Main‑and‑Harrison Lot, Emphasize Affordable housing and Public Space

Milwaukie city staff and Metro’s transit‑oriented development (TOD) team resumed discussions on redevelopment of the city‑owned Main and Harrison parking lot, emphasizing affordable housing, active ground‑floor uses and keeping the site’s role as a downtown gathering place.

City officials told Metro the lot functions as the city’s “front door” and must continue to host community activities such as the farmers market, tree lighting and downtown events while also exploring options for affordable housing and parking. Metro staff described the agency’s TOD program, its investment tools and the precedent of multi‑phase projects in the region.

Assistant City Manager Joseph Brillio said the city and Metro met in January to reengage a decades‑old redevelopment effort, and that the city wants a “creative” outcome that balances competing priorities: affordable and market housing, commercial space, parking and public event space. Brillio noted the site’s configuration—about one acre total, with the city owning the eastern half and Metro owning the western half—and reminded council the site is in the city’s urban renewal area and next to Historic City…