OregonianArticleAug2008

The Oregonian

Mayor's decision on road reversed

125th - Rob Drake objects, but Beaverton councilors see Green Lane as a possible link

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

DAVID R. ANDERSON

The Oregonian Staff

BEAVERTON -- Mayor Rob Drake is not the boss of the City Council, at least when it comes to plans for extending Southwest 125th Avenue.

Councilors made that clear Monday night when they reversed a decision Drake made. They voted 3-2 to keep Southwest Green Lane as a possible route for connecting 125th to Southwest Hall Boulevard.

Drake last month assured a group of homeowners that the city would honor a 10-year-old agreement to steer the future road away from the Meeker Townhomes.

The vote's ultimate effect remains in doubt. Councilor Dennis Doyle, who is mayor-elect and takes office in January, was one of two councilors who agreed with Drake and said the city had to take Green Lane out of consideration to keep its word. Under Beaverton's strong-mayor form of government, it remains to be seen whether the council can force the issue.

For 36 years, the city has considered extending 125th Avenue from Brockman Road to Hall Boulevard, providing a relief valve for Greenway Boulevard. Ten years ago, an advisory committee chose a route north of wetlands at Hall Boulevard. The city has never found the money for the project, which is estimated to cost as much as $15 million.

A consultant's report earlier this year found that using Green Lane, south of the wetlands and adjacent to the townhomes, could save millions of dollars. That provoked outrage from residents of the 88 townhomes.

The Monday night discussion began with a tense exchange between Drake and Councilor Cathy Stanton, who said Drake couldn't unilaterally take Green Lane out of consideration. Drake bristled at the suggestion he was making an emotional decision to please a vocal minority.

"I don't do anything lightly," Drake said. "I'll never apologize for listening to those folks."

Councilors Bruce Dalrymple and Catherine Arnold voted with Stanton to continue studying the Green Lane option. Dalrymple said he expected more evaluation of the options before a decision. Arnold said it might influence her decision if the northern route cost $5 million more than the Green Lane option, for example.

"We need to make the best decision for the entire city," she said.

But after several minutes trying to formulate a motion, the council had difficulty deciding on a next step.

At Drake's urging, the council agreed to take up the subject at its next meeting Aug. 18.

David R. Anderson: 503-294-5199; davidanderson@ news.oregonian.com



	The Oregonian Mayor's decision on road reversed 125th - Rob Drake objects, but Beaverton councilors see Green Lane as a possible link Wednesday, August 06, 2008 DAVID R. ANDERSON The Oregonian Staff BEAVERTON -- Mayor Rob Drake is not the boss of the City Council, at least when it comes to plans for extending Southwest 125th Avenue. Councilors made that clear Monday night when they reversed a decision Drake made. They voted 3-2 to keep Southwest Green Lane as a possible route for connecting 125th to Southwest Hall Boulevard. Drake last month assured a group of homeowners that the city would honor a 10-year-old agreement to steer the future road away from the Meeker Townhomes. The vote's ultimate effect remains in doubt. Councilor Dennis Doyle, who is mayor-elect and takes office in January, was one of two councilors who agreed with Drake and said the city had to take Green Lane out of consideration to keep its word. Under Beaverton's strong-mayor form of government, it remains to be seen whether the council can force the issue. For 36 years, the city has considered extending 125th Avenue from Brockman Road to Hall Boulevard, providing a relief valve for Greenway Boulevard. Ten years ago, an advisory committee chose a route north of wetlands at Hall Boulevard. The city has never found the money for the project, which is estimated to cost as much as $15 million. A consultant's report earlier this year found that using Green Lane, south of the wetlands and adjacent to the townhomes, could save millions of dollars. That provoked outrage from residents of the 88 townhomes. The Monday night discussion began with a tense exchange between Drake and Councilor Cathy Stanton, who said Drake couldn't unilaterally take Green Lane out of consideration. Drake bristled at the suggestion he was making an emotional decision to please a vocal minority. "I don't do anything lightly," Drake said. "I'll never apologize for listening to those folks." Councilors Bruce Dalrymple and Catherine Arnold voted with Stanton to continue studying the Green Lane option. Dalrymple said he expected more evaluation of the options before a decision. Arnold said it might influence her decision if the northern route cost $5 million more than the Green Lane option, for example. "We need to make the best decision for the entire city," she said. But after several minutes trying to formulate a motion, the council had difficulty deciding on a next step. At Drake's urging, the council agreed to take up the subject at its next meeting Aug. 18. David R. Anderson: 503-294-5199; davidanderson@ news.oregonian.com ©2008 Oregonian