Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commercial Vacancy And Civic Life topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents ask council to address vacant Wilsonville commercial properties and revive community events
Summary
Several residents raised concerns about long-vacant properties such as the movie theater, Shari's restaurant and a fries location, and urged the council to take steps to attract businesses and revive community events that strengthen civic life.
Multiple Wilsonville residents used public comment on May 19 to ask the council to address a cluster of long-vacant commercial properties and to support community-building events.
"I think we should reconsider that," said David Coral about the council's reported denial of a Home Depot store in Wilsonville, urging the city to revisit decisions that affect local shopping options.
David and April Coral said empty properties including the movie theater, a Shari's restaurant and a fries location are a frequent topic in neighborhood discussion and social media, and they urged the council to take action so the sites do not attract vandalism or blight. Other speakers, including Rotarians and longtime residents, urged the council to partner with civic organizations to revive events such as Boones Ferry Days and to support volunteer groups that provide concerts and other cultural programming.
Rick Wallace, representing a new Wilsonville Pride organization, thanked the city for supporting upcoming pride programming and a mural reception, and residents highlighted Rotary's long-running contributions to the community, including scholarships and summer concerts.
Councilors acknowledged the concerns, pointed to ongoing economic development and urban renewal discussions, and encouraged residents to engage with staff on property-specific questions. No formal council action to acquire or rehabilitate private properties was taken at the meeting.
