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Clackamas County defers decision on Fisherman's Bend land transfer to Metro
Summary
After staff outlined deed restrictions and safety- and access-related constraints, Clackamas County commissioners voted 5-0 to defer a decision on letting three Fisherman's Bend parcels (about 17 acres) revert to Metro until ODOT access studies and research on compensation options are provided.
Dan Johnson, the county's director of transportation and development, told the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on June 16 that three parcels collectively known as Fisherman's Bend total roughly 17 acres along Highway 224 and were acquired in 2008 from Metro with deed restrictions including a reversionary clause.
Johnson said the parcels have no feasible vehicular access because the Oregon Department of Transportation identified sight-distance and speed-related safety constraints at the Highway 224 frontage. He added the county has gated the site and faced repeated costs for cleanup of illegal camps and dumping, and that the property "no longer provides the public connection to nature, nor does it generate revenue for parks operations." Johnson recommended the board consider allowing the property to revert to Metro to reduce county exposure.
Commissioners pressed staff on two practical questions: how many other Metro-donated parcels the county holds and whether access constraints could be overcome. Commissioner Helm said she was concerned about returning land acquired for natural and open-space purposes; Commissioner West urged the board to explore regional compensation mechanisms. Staff offered to provide an ODOT access analysis and a county map of Metro-owned properties to inform the board's decision.
Faced with incomplete information, Commissioner Savis moved to defer the matter "to a future date," Commissioner Helm seconded, and the clerk recorded a 5-0 vote to defer. The board asked staff to research whether Metro could be asked to compensate counties for properties taken off the tax rolls and to return with the ODOT access findings.
If the board later decides to let Fisherman's Bend revert under the deed restriction, the county would need to confirm the deed's reversion conditions and coordinate transfer logistics with Metro.
The board will revisit Fisherman's Bend after staff provides the requested mapping and access documentation.
