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Commission reviews former Saint Joe's site after March sale to Cooper Properties; land bank sees conservation potential
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a scorecard for the property commonly referred to as the former Saint Joe's rehab site (about 33 acres), noted the parcel sold in March to Cooper Properties, and discussed trails, a possible pool, private-road access issues and whether the land bank should pursue the undevelopable portions for conservation.
Commission members reviewed a recent site scorecard on May 13 for the former Saint Joe's rehab property on Washington Avenue and discussed whether portions of the parcel could be candidates for Land Bank conservation after the site sold in March.
"It sold to Cooper Properties," said a committee member during the meeting, noting the sale occurred around the time public comment on the property was filed. The member said the site includes a large building, an extensive trail network and what might be a pool adjacent to the structure.
Members focused on the non-developable, wooded and fielded areas behind the building as the portions that best match the Land Bank's conservation goals. Commissioners discussed a recode tool that allows greater density on smaller footprints as one mechanism developers use to preserve open space while concentrating building impacts elsewhere.
The commission also raised access questions: a gated, tenant-maintained private road sits near the parcel, and commissioners said it is unclear whether city acquisition would impose maintenance obligations or association responsibilities. Chair said the city currently has emergency access but that the private road's maintenance arrangement and legal status remain murky.
A committee member estimated the sale price at roughly $4–5 million and said the parcel is about 33 acres; both figures were given as approximate and flagged for confirmation. Commissioners agreed to follow up with additional due diligence, mapping and outreach to neighbors and potential partners (including Portland Trails) before recommending any acquisition or conservation action.
