Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stafford Roundabout topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves right-of-way process for Stafford 65th/Elgin roundabout amid rural character concerns
Summary
The board approved initiating right-of-way acquisition and declaring public necessity for the Stafford 65th/Elgin roundabout project, citing safety and traffic issues; residents urged more study of cumulative impacts on Stafford Road’s rural character and tree canopy.
The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners on June 25 authorized the start of right-of-way acquisition and associated negotiations for the Stafford 65th/Elgin roundabout project, a multi-agency effort with a total project value listed as $12,805,240 funded by community road funds, system development charges, the City of Wilsonville and Washington County.
The item (removed from the consent agenda for separate discussion) prompted public comment and extended board debate. Kelly Bartholomew, a Save Stafford Road resident, told commissioners the project would repeat earlier mistakes from the northern Stafford corridor, removing mature trees and reshaping farmland: “The decision before you is…about the legacy that this board will leave for the last remaining triangle of rural landscape.”
Commissioners framed the project as a safety priority. Commissioner Savas noted the intersection is “very odd” and dangerous, and said right-of-way acquisition can take years. Commissioner West and others said increased traffic from regional congestion and local development has made the intersection more hazardous and that partnering with neighboring jurisdictions lowered the county’s cost and made the project feasible.
County Administrator Gary Smith and staff said authorizing the right-of-way process does not immediately trigger condemnation and that any formal condemnation would return to the board for approval. The board voted to move forward with the right-of-way process; the motion carried 4–0 after discussion.
Staff and partners will continue outreach with affected property owners and coordinating jurisdictions. Commissioners asked staff to keep the community informed about design details and mitigation measures for scenic and community impacts.
