Redevelopment agency directs staff to prepare minor amendment to add property to Riverfront TIF

The West Linn Redevelopment Agency held a briefing on the Riverfront Tax Increment Financing (TIF) area and discussed the possibility of adding a specific property to the district as part of a minor amendment.

Community development director Steve Cooper summarized the purpose of the TIF area (approximately 333 acres) and outlined how minor amendments can add projects or identify properties for acquisition. Cooper emphasized that the property at "1793 8th Avenue" was being presented as a focal point for discussion and not as a staff recommendation. He ran through comparable plaza projects in other cities as examples of how a small public plaza or community space could be phased and funded.

After public comment from Historic Willamette Main Street supporting acquisition for long‑term community benefit, Council President Mary Baumgartner moved to "direct staff to develop and provide notice of a proposed minor amendment... that identifies property for acquisition, includes a disposition plan, and corresponding updates to guiding principles and TIF projects." The motion was seconded, discussed (including concerns that buying a residential parcel removes tax‑paying property from the tax base), and approved on a roll call vote by the agency members present.

Agency staff said next steps will include an appraisal, evaluation of bonding or other financing mechanisms if needed, additional stakeholder outreach and a proposed schedule for the minor amendment process.