May 2012 update: UGB Expansion and the West Union Farmer's Market

May 10, 2012

Hello Helvetia Supporters!

It is springtime in Helvetia!  The farm fields are covered in lush red clover and the fields of winter wheat are thriving throughout Helvetia.  It's a great time to come on out to Helvetia and explore all that it has to offer!

Today's update focuses on the Metro UGB expansion.  Following that we have some community news about the West Union Farmers' Market and a special opportunity for you to purchase a unique "Save Helvetia" poster.  You won't want to miss it!

Latest developments on Metro’s UGB Expansion

We are still awaiting a written order from LCDC for their verbal approval of Metro’s Reserves ordinance from last fall.  BUT, we do have news about Metro’s proposed Urban Growth Boundary expansion.  You may remember that Save Helvetia submitted Objections to the proposed UGB expansion last fall, in conjunction with 1000 Friends of Oregon.  The LCDC hearings on the UGB expansion are today and tomorrow in Salem.

The staff report from DLCD (Department of Land Conservation and Development) recommended that Metro’s proposed UGB expansion be rejected.  According to “Metro News”, DLCD (the state staffers) told LCDC (the appointed commission) that Metro’s 2011 urban growth boundary expansion decision was likely illegal, and should be sent back (remanded) back to Metro to fix it.  It largely signed off on Metro’s 2010 capacity ordinance, which made some changes to Metro’s planning rules and expectations.  You can read a summary of staff's reasoning in this article.

It appears that last year's successful appeal of McMinnville's UGB expansion by 1000 Friends of Oregon is making staff a bit nervous -- they are now requiring more detailed analysis from cities and Metro.  The LCDC commissioners could choose to ignore staff's recommendations.  Whatever LCDC decides, there will undoubtedly be appeals.  AND - whatever the outcome is for the UGB expansion, it cannot be implemented until the Reserves decision is finalized.  The latest word on this is that the written order is "days away" from being released.

For you hard-core land-use readers, here are links to recent Metro articles covering the UGB expansion:

Metro's approaches and Oregon rules lead to state recommendation of UGB remand (April 20)

Acting DLCD director to MPAC: Courts have forced remand recommendation (May 9)

LCDC FAQ: Looking ahead to Thursday's review of Metro's 2011 UGB expansion (May 9)

and the latest report on today's proceedings:

As hearing opens, LCDC weighs regulation versus precedent (May 10)

Announcing the West Union Farmer’s Market

Helvetia has a new Farmer’s Market!  Located at the NW corner of Cornelius Pass Road and West Union Road, the “West Union Farmer’s Market” will operate on Saturdays and Sundays through September.  Because the market is just starting up, we encourage you to stop by and support our local craft and produce vendors.  Of special note is Sweetrock Bakery, locally owned and operated by the Vireday family, which offers delicious Swiss breads baked using traditional Swiss recipes.  The Viredays are long-time Save Helvetia supporters.

Purchase a unique LIMITED EDITION Save Helvetia poster!

Also at the market: Megan Perra, a local artist who is passionate about land conservation, has designed and produced a delightful 11 x 17 inch poster featuring the unique motifs of the Helvetia area.  Available in digital print quality for $15 or "fine art" quality for $30, Megan is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of these posters to Save Helvetia.  Posters will be available at the West Union Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.  So if you want one of these posters, be sure to visit the market!  If you can’t make it to the West Union Farmer’s Market and are interested in purchasing a poster, please visit Pixel Point Artistry, where you can place an order online.

The "Save Helvetia" version of the poster will only be available for a limited time, so be sure to pick one up!

That's it for this edition... we hope to see you at the West Union Farmer's Market!

The Save Helvetia Steering Committee