Right-of-Way (ROW) is the small strip of land next to a road. In most places in America, this strip belongs to the city or county so neighbors can use it for paths and sidewalks.

On September 6, 2016, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will begin hearing a so-called “housekeeping” ordinance (Ordinance 814) that includes, among other things, permanently waiving the requirement to dedicate ROW for several types of development.

We are requesting that the Commissioners include language in this ordinance that requires ROW dedication as part of the conditions for permission to develop property, including the replacement of a single-family dwelling and certain other development situations.

If the county misses the opportunity to get this ROW, it must spend taxpayer money to buy the land—if it’s even available—at some future time when paths or sidewalks are built.

If you agree that the county should require ROW dedication to improve safety for pedestrians, sign our petition! It will be delivered to the BCC at the September 6 meeting and/or at a future hearing. Don’t let them sell us short!

And please consider attending the meeting to show your support for walkable neighborhoods:
10 am, September 6, Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building Auditorium, 155 N. First Ave., Suite 300, Hillsboro, Oregon 97124