Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Right Of Way topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council committee authorizes PBOT to seek property rights for Northeast Columbia Boulevard improvements
Summary
The Finance Committee authorized the Bureau of Transportation to negotiate for permanent and temporary easements (from 10 property owners) and, if needed, exercise eminent domain for intersection improvements at Northeast Columbia Boulevard with Cully and Alderwood; the project is estimated at $9.5 million, about 90% federally funded, with design
The Finance Committee on May 5 authorized the Portland Bureau of Transportation to begin negotiations for permanent and temporary property rights and to pursue condemnation if necessary for intersection improvements on Northeast Columbia Boulevard at Cully and Alderwood.
PBOT staff said the project (estimated cost $9.5 million) is primarily federally funded and aims to improve freight mobility and safety by adding side-by-side left-turn lanes at the tightly spaced intersections, dedicated turn lanes on Alderwood Road, a new traffic signal at Columbia and Cully and a traffic-signal replacement at Columbia and Alderwood. PBOT said the project would also add pedestrian and bicycle improvements, including wider sidewalks, upgraded ADA ramps and a multi-use path on the north side of Columbia.
Priya Donipaul, a bureau staff member who introduced the items, and PBOT right-of-way staff explained the acquisition process, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act requirements for just compensation and the city's practice of seeking negotiated agreements before pursuing eminent domain. Heather Byers, a PBOT right-of-way agent, said permanent and temporary easements are needed from 10 property owners; staff told the committee they had recently re-contacted directly affected property owners and planned additional mailings and an open house as design proceeds.
Funding and schedule
PBOT project manager Steve Sigathe told the committee the project budget is about $9.5 million, with roughly 90% federal funding through a combination of a Port of Portland partnership and Metro Regional Flexible Fund monies. PBOT said the project is at about 60% design, environmental review is complete and construction is expected in summer 2026.
Property acquisition and outreach
PBOT's right-of-way staff outlined the eminent-domain steps required by ORS Chapter 35 and federal guidance, including certified-mail notices, a 15-day appraisal inspection notice, an offer packet with an appraisal and a 40-day period for property owners to consider the city's offer. Marty Maloney, Right-of-Way Acquisition, said PBOT averages about 160 easements per year across bureaus and has historically resolved most acquisitions through negotiation rather than trial.
Council questions and staff responses
- Councilors asked whether property owners had been contacted directly; staff said they had reached out and left messages where necessary and that the properties affected are primarily industrial landowners, with one exception (Portland Parks property for a golf course).
- On maintenance, staff said sidewalks are typically the adjacent property owner's responsibility under City Code Title 17 after the two-year warranty period; PBOT said multi-use path segments not defined as sidewalks in code are maintained by PBOT.
Vote and next steps
Councilor Green moved the ordinance to authorize PBOT to acquire the rights; Councilor Novick seconded. The committee recorded a roll-call vote in which Novick, Green, Amaluz and Chair Zimmerman were recorded as voting "Aye"; the clerk announced that "the ordinance carries." Staff said PBOT will continue outreach and return with related materials as the project moves toward right-of-way negotiations and construction.
Ending: PBOT staff said they will continue outreach to property owners and neighborhood groups and will bring necessary documents back to council as negotiations proceed.
