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Council affirms planning decisions on data center appeal; URA negotiations continue with grocer prospect
Summary
Staff told the commission City Council affirmed planning commission and staff decisions on a data-center appeal (one councilor abstained); there is a 21-day appeal window. Director Brian Paul also updated the commission on the Forest Grove Forward visioning project and an exclusive negotiating agreement with Fresh Foods for a downtown grocery site.
Planning staff told the commission that City Council recently affirmed the planning commission's decision on an appeal relating to a proposed data-center project (referred to in proceedings as the crane data-center). Staff said the council denied the second appeal and affirmed prior decisions; one councilor abstained. A 21-day window to file an appeal with the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) remains open. Staff cautioned that the 21-day period does not automatically stay local permits; appellants must request a stay from LUBA to prevent permit issuance.
Director Brian Paul gave the director's report, including updates on the Forest Grove Forward visioning exercise and the Urban Renewal Agency's exclusive negotiating agreement with Fresh Foods for a downtown grocery site near Jesse Quinn development. Paul said the ENA is active (roughly two months into a six-month term) and that Fresh Foods is considering a boutique-format store of about 19,000'20,000 square feet. The director also introduced new senior planner Matt Johnson and staff member Angela.
Why it matters: The council's affirmation keeps the data-center land-use approvals moving forward unless an appeal is filed and LUBA grants a stay. The grocery negotiation, if it moves to a DDA and construction, would be a central Urban Renewal project with downtown economic implications.
What happens next: The 21-day appeal window to LUBA remains open on the data-center decision. The URA and Fresh Foods continue negotiations under the ENA; staff said the ENA could lead to a DDA if terms pencil out.
