Wilsonville planners present preferred West Railroad industrial concept, emphasize undercrossing, infrastructure and habitat protections

Wilsonville staff and consultants on April 8 presented a preliminary preferred concept for the Basalt Creek master plan’s West Railroad area that seeks to balance long-term industrial job growth with habitat protection and regional trail connections.

“For the record, my name is Chris Myers. I’m a senior planner here at the city of Wilsonville and the project manager for the Basalt Creek master plan project,” said Chris Myers as he introduced the consultant team and the evening’s purpose. Lauren Scott of the consultant team summarized site constraints — limited sewer, water and stormwater; constrained road access; remaining habitat along Coffee Lake/Coffee Creek; and a railroad and BPA easement that bisect the site.

The preferred concept presented by staff blends two earlier approaches: one that emphasizes natural features and trail connections and another that prioritizes regional manufacturing and freight access. The proposed graphic concentrates developable industrial land in a central “purple” area while preserving wetlands…