Beaverton council directs staff to adopt scaled-down Milliken Way concept; construction eyed for 2027

The Beaverton City Council on June 3 voted 7-0 to direct staff to incorporate a revised concept plan for Milliken Way (Watson to Hall) into a resolution for adoption at a future meeting.

The revised plan aims to use Washington County MSTIP funds remaining for the project and keep property impacts to a minimum. Dan Turk, project manager for the Milliken project, told the council the estimated design-and-build cost is $8,400,000, including a 40% contingency, and that the plan ‘‘reduces the footprint’’ from the prior concept and would not require business relocation.

The plan narrows the roadway cross section (e.g., reducing sidewalk widths from 15 feet to 10 feet and as small as 8 feet at one pinch point), preserves dedicated bicycle space with pavement-level buffered bike lanes rather than sidewalk-level cycle tracks, and adds intersection safety features such as rapid rectangular flashing beacons, ADA-compliant ramps, bulb-outs, high-visibility crosswalks and removal of a slip lane at Watson. Turk said the project team anticipates beginning design and right-of-way activities after a 60% design milestone, with right-of-way acquisition likely starting in late winter (February–March) following that work. Construction is planned for a single season, targeted March–October 2027.

Public comment and business owners influenced the discussion. Paul Thornton, owner of Thornton Coffee, told councilors his daily customer base and the business’s reliance on regulars make prolonged construction especially risky and asked the city to delay work until the coffee shop can relocate or to provide financial support. ‘‘Thornton Coffee isn’t an occasional destination for our customers. They’re a daily destination unlike most businesses,’’ Thornton said.

Brett Francis, property manager for two of the properties most affected by the proposed extension, praised the project manager and said recent changes ‘‘have been budget friendly, reasonable’’ and that he supports the revised plan. James Terwilliger, chair of the Greenway Neighborhood Association Committee, earlier urged preservation of a nearby green corridor (the 120 Fifth area), saying the neighborhood prefers keeping trees and informal trails rather than building an arterial.

Councilors asked detailed questions about mitigation for businesses during construction and whether MSTIP funds could be used to offset business losses. Turk and city staff said MSTIP funds can be used for right-of-way acquisition and related permanent or temporary easement payments but are not an appropriate vehicle for compensating lost business revenue. The city attorney stated that payments to offset business losses would be a discretionary policy decision and would likely need general fund support and an explicit council policy.

On construction phasing and schedule, a consultant from KPFF, Peter Craig, said the team expects a one-season build under day-work assumptions and that targeted weekend work could help accelerate progress; night work carries added complexity and cost.

Councilors also encouraged staff to continue working closely with affected businesses on sequencing and temporary parking or other creative measures to reduce revenue impacts during construction.

The motion to direct staff to incorporate the revised concept plan was made by Councilor Hartmeyer Prigg and seconded by Councilor Duggar; the motion carried 7-0.

Proponents said the scaled-back proposal better fits available funding and addresses safety, walkability and bike connectivity while limiting property impacts; opponents and business owners urged additional mitigation for downtown merchants. The council indicated it expects a resolution for adoption to appear on the June 17 consent agenda and design and right-of-way work to proceed if adopted.