Is it time for more open space?
The Oregonian reports that a community group is considering a tax levy to fund acquisition and care of parks and open spaces in the area served by Metro.
A task force of community leaders recommends that Portland's regional government seek approval next November for a $220 million bond. The money would be used to buy about 5,300 acres to preserve open space, protect wildlife habitat and enhance water quality.Oregonians have been in no mood to spend money lately, but Metro leaders say they want to build on a successful 1995 bond measure that raised $136 million to buy about 8,100 acres. They say an expected 1 million new Portland-area residents by 2030 will create the need for more natural areas.
"Voters consistently tell us this is what they want," Metro President David Bragdon said Monday.
The rest of the story has details on where acquisitions would be targeted and how the money would be spent. Read the rest - and discuss.
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Dec. 06, 2005
Posted in in the news 2005. |
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connect with blueoregon
11:47 a.m.
Dec 7, '05
Yes, the Metro area needs more open space and greenways to protect our water quality, improve livability, increase property values, and create transportation choices with multi-use paths through the greenways. People love to bike on areas away from cars, and this effort should help us meet that goal.
Good for our health, for the economy, for the environment. Case closed.
Dec 7, '05
I agree Metro needs to expand open space to protect our environment/water quality/quality of life. I also think that Metro deserves strong credit for doing so with the first ballot measure. I interned for Metro during the summer of 2001, when they were just starting "Project Greenspace" and was continually impressed by the focused and detailed plan the Council had agreed to and followed through on.