Residents clash over town center and urban renewal; petitioners near ballot signature goal

A robust public comment period at the Nov. 17 Wilsonville council meeting centered on the Town Center plan and a citizen petition seeking voter approval for urban renewal decisions.

Eric Winters, a Wilsonville resident and a chief petitioner, told the council the petition drive "is nearing its successful completion" and said volunteers collected the signatures needed to place the proposed measure on the May ballot. He said residents across neighborhoods supported holding a public vote on major city projects.

Speakers represented a range of views. Susan Reed said she "support[s] the plan wholeheartedly" and urged more pedestrian-only spaces in the downtown concept. Other residents flagged concerns: Jay Bidrow alleged the recent council appointment process was undemocratic and pointed to large campaign donations from outside groups; Kyle Bunch urged council members to publicly acknowledge and apologize for alleged bullying of a former council member and called for accountability.

Several comments focused on development choice and affordability trade-offs. Brad Williams and others debated the balance between single-family housing and higher-density options and urged the council to consider long-term infrastructure costs tied to new development.

Council did not take immediate action in response to the comments; staff and councilors noted the petition and public interest and reaffirmed plans to continue public outreach on the Town Center planning process.