Hillsboro staff outline $41.8M transportation plan and proposed supplemental development charges for Witch Hazel Village South

City planning and public works staff presented the Witch Hazel Village South supplemental system development charges (TSDC for transportation; PSDC for parks) at the Nov. 5 Hillsboro City Council meeting, outlining the infrastructure plan for roughly 150 acres planned for urbanization and an estimated 1,100 dwelling units.

Dan Diaz of planning summarized the project area and the policy basis (the Witch Hazel Village South community plan and applicable city and Metro code sections). Matt Delotta described the transportation capital program, which includes new roadways, intersections, bicycle and pedestrian facilities and a bridge over Gordon Creek. The transportation improvements were estimated at about $41,800,000; staff said approximately $8.8 million of that would be funded via the supplemental TSDC component allocated to new trips, resulting in a modeled TSDC cost that equates to roughly $10,400 per new single‑family home in the current methodology.

Kevin Hughes and parks staff described park and greenway needs for the estimated population increase (staff estimated about 2,500 new residents overall for the village south study area). Park infrastructure costs were presented at approximately $14,200,000; after applying existing base park SDC projections the consultants identified a funding gap of roughly $6.7 million, producing supplemental park fees estimated at about $7,000 per single‑family home and just under $5,000 per multifamily unit. Staff proposed an annual index for the supplemental fees based 50% on local land value changes and 50% on construction-cost changes.

Council asked technical questions about fee methodology, annual indexing, and whether the new council after the November transition would receive the same briefing. Staff said the transportation ordinance had completed public-notice requirements and asked the council to consider first reading that evening; the parks supplemental fee would proceed with a 60‑day public comment period and return for readings in early 2025.

Councilor Pace moved, and Councilor Martin seconded, a motion for first reading of Ordinance 64 91 authorizing the Witch Hazel Village South transportation supplemental development charge; the council approved the first reading by roll-call vote (all voting 'aye'). Staff said the parks supplemental fee will continue through the required public comment process and be scheduled for consideration after the council transition.

Next steps: second reading and final adoption of the transportation ordinance is scheduled for Nov. 19, 2024; parks SDC methodology will be noticed for public comment and returned to council for readings in January 2025 for action by the incoming council.