Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Oppenlander Field topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Neighbors press board to preserve Oppenlander Field; warn against quick sale
Summary
Multiple community members asked the board to keep Oppenlander Field as parkland, raised questions about prior sale conditions and bonds, and suggested transparency and joint negotiations with the city rather than a rapid sale to developers.
Several West Linn residents used the Oct. 7 public comment period to press the board to preserve Oppenlander Field and to involve the city and community in any disposition decision. Amanda Davis, who lives near Oppenlander and frequents the park, described the trees and recreation use at the site and asked the board to consider preservation before allowing development. "I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful kind of art," she said, asking the board to consider the 20 mature Doug firs at the south end of the site.
Other speakers noted that a $3.5 million bond tied to prior negotiations remains on the table and urged the board to slow any sale process, explore partial purchase options with the city, and consider community-led fundraising to keep the field as park space. "A quick sale to a developer will not be well received by the community," said a public commenter who called for transparent negotiation and engagement with city officials.
