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Planning Commission recommends rezoning two Urban Renewal properties after tenant testimony about notice
Summary
The Planning Commission recommended that the City Commission rezone two Urban Renewal Agency–owned homes at 214 Tumwater Drive and 313 South 2nd Street from institutional to R-3.5 to facilitate sale for affordable homeownership; a tenant testified she had not received notice and staff and the applicant pledged to follow up.
The Oregon City Planning Commission on Nov. 24 voted to recommend a comprehensive plan map amendment and zone change to the City Commission for two Urban Renewal Agency parcels at 214 South Tumwater Drive and 313 South 2nd Street.
Staff said the parcels were purchased in 2007 and rezoned to an institutional designation in 2008 for a public project that was never developed. The Urban Renewal Agency directed staff to prepare the properties for sale; staff explained rezoning to R-3.5 medium-density residential would restore the parcels’ prior zoning and make them marketable for homeownership, including opportunities aimed at low- to moderate-income buyers.
James Graham, economic development manager for Oregon City, told the commission the agency planned appraisals and marketing steps and said the intent is to return the properties to the tax rolls and enable homeownership. Graham said he had instructed the property manager to notify tenants; after tenant testimony that she had not received direct notice, Graham said he would rectify the notification process the next day.
Tenant Kayla Bingham (recorded in the transcript with pronunciation notes) testified she has lived at 214 Tumwater Drive since 2020 and described the notice posted in her yard as causing fear and uncertainty. "This is the only house that my kids have ever really known," she told the commission, asking for clear communication, timeline updates and resources to prepare for a possible move.
Staff emphasized that the Planning Commission’s role is to evaluate land-use criteria (zoning appropriateness, service availability and plan conformity). The staff report referenced available public services and a transportation letter from ODOT with no anticipated impacts. Staff recommended no ownership-based conditions on the rezoning because conditions must be site-based and proportional to the land-use approval criteria.
A motion to recommend the zone change and comprehensive plan amendment to the City Commission passed on a roll-call vote; one commissioner recorded a dissenting vote, citing concern for tenants and the balance between fiscal calculations and community compassion. Commissioners asked staff to forward non-land-use comments to the Urban Renewal Agency, including suggestions that tenants be offered an opportunity to purchase before the properties are marketed widely and that the agency consider transition time and tenant protections.
