Countdown to Elections of Bash, Coffey, & Ferrie ;)

Friday, July 17, 2009

Interesting Links from OregonLive.com

Paths linking past and present, Connie Baron, Special to the Oregonian and Michelle Trappen, The Oregonian
http://blog.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/2008/03/paths_linking_past_and_present.html
My commentary: A great article highlighting the pioneers of the places we call home.
Meek, Cornelius, Cornell...

Washington County Cities use down time to prepare for rebound, Jonathan Nelson, Special to the Oregonian
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/04/washington_county_cities_use_d.html
My commentary: A dense briefing about what the little neighbors are planning: Cornelius and Forest Grove. Trying to share some sparks from Hillsboro's success.

To serve and protect -- on a shoestring, Jill Rehkopf Smith, The Oregonian
http://www.oregonlive.com/washingtoncounty/index.ssf/2008/09/to_serve_and_protect_on_a_shoe.html
My commentary: Given recent events in my neighborhood..an Increased Visibility of Graffiti all around, I find this article eye-opening.

Metro/UGB/Cornelius = DENIED!
Both by Nick Christensen, March 2008
http://blog.oregonlive.com/hillsboroargus/2008/03/officer_recommends_metro_ok_co.html
http://blog.oregonlive.com/hillsboroargus/2008/03/metro_rejects_cornelius_ugb_re.html

Urban / Rural Reserves Process 1/2 completed

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/argus/index.ssf?/base/news/1247854844231860.xml&coll=6
Forum explains growth requirements, Hillsboro Argus, Nick Christensen

Excerpt:

"...Metro's John Williams, who oversees the study process for the regional planning agency, explained the state has a mandate to think about 20 years worth of growth. Mary Kyle McCurdy, the reserves representative for 1,000 Friends of Oregon, said two-thirds of the Metro area's growth will come from children and grandchildren of existing residents.
"We have a lot of capacity for relatively modest increases in density for this region," she said. "No one's talking about the region looking like the Pearl District. But downtown Beaverton, Hillsboro and Cornelius can handle more density without going out into farmland."
That's the goal of the Washington County Farm Bureau, which proposed setting a rural reserve for one mile around the existing urban growth boundary, essentially boxing in growth for the next half century. "

My commentary:

With all due respect to Ms. McCurdy & 1,000 Friends of Oregon: Now I haven't been around for very long in Cornelius.. But I disagree that Cornelius like Beaverton/Hillsboro can handle more density 'without going out into farmland'. I agree with others views that Cornelius needs to expand its UGB in order to bring in Industry, i.e. high concentration of jobs. The open spaces/ vacant lots within the city limits may bring jobs, but more likely restaurant chains, small service stores, and vendors that employ < 50 max. We're thankful to have Wal-Mart coming in about a year to at least give the employment base a jolt for 200-300 people. My point is, I think its an unfair assessment/commentary to lump in Cornelius with cities like Hillsboro and Beaverton with far greater land mass. Compare City Budgets and Historical accounts of Land Use, and please base commentary on such things. For example, Cornelius is said to have 1/2 the # of jobs for # of residents, land valuations are far less than neighboring cities, and I can easily understand why Cornelius has a hard time supporting itself. Police, Fire, and bare necessities like Parks, and all the other folks that make our city function and development survive on a slim income. In summary, Cornelius needs jobs, therefore it seeks to partner with industries, and consider itself a worthy member of the Portland "Metropolitan" area. Hillsboro and Beaverton owe all their current momentum to the likes of Intel, Tektronix, and Nike. Why should Cornelius be any different? We're just trying to catch up. :) The alternative is for Cornelius to throw it's cards in and become Forest-Boro or Hillsgrove, and avoid nonsensical discussions and uphill battles with neighbors and Metro Councils."

Cornelius Graffiti Hall of Shame








These images are being shared to emphasize the audacity these vandals have in our neighborhoods in Cornelius. A full span of some unsuspecting neighbors fencing is completely violated with black spray paint.

2nd Old Building to be Burned

http://www.kuik.com/Article.asp?id=1415804&spid=

At 6:00PM Monday July 20, 2009, the Cornelius Fire Department will be burning down a large old strip mall. This building is near the intersection of 26th Ave/Baseline, just by Cornelius Stadium Theatres and the Car Wash location.

" This event will be a benefit to all parties as this event will: A) give firefighters the rare opportunity to do some unique training on a large scale building in a live fire situation B) demolish the strip mall that has sat in disrepair for several years C) remove one less target for graffiti D) remove a structure that has been a target for illegal activity."

I agree with the author, events like these promote the beautification of Cornelius.