On July 19th, the Planning and Zoning Hearings Board extended the "hearing" stage.

Last night, I learned a lot about the Planning and Zoning process and the outstanding "missing" pieces before a decision can be made. Before I get into the lessons learned, I'd like to say that:

The Hops (Short Season LLC, a group of 30 investors) have done a good Public Relations job. 

Here's the truth: The Gordon Faber Recreation Complex was built for ACTIVE participation for youth and adult athletic events and tournaments. That's it. 

And now all those activities are going to be relegated to "second class" in the new "big dog" Hops Stadium? Not to mention the 7,000 maximum attendance allowed due to parking limitations that makes concurrent big events impossible. 

The lure of big money and big profits has shifted the purpose of the complex to one which the voter's were not involved in, unlike the original Gordon Faber Recreation Complex.

It's NOT the Gordon Faber Entertainment Complex for PASSIVE participation.

We already have that - Westside Commons and the Wingspan Event Center, previously known as Washington County Fairgrounds. This venue is within walking distance from surrounding neighborhoods, and Trimet Buses and the MAX line reduces much of the car traffic. Plus there are models in place to handle massive numbers of people to and from the site, such as parking and shuttle service to and from the Airshow, adjacent to the Commons, where about 40,000 people attended this year.

Another serious consideration that came up briefly at the meeting is that we have competing regional projects and any additional Hops success accelerates the possibility of a downtown Portland Major League Baseball team. Will the Hops and Minor League Baseball live up to their obligation? The Mortenson Construction and Real Estate representative said that "they're aware and working that in the contract."

What does the Planning and Zoning Hearing Board need before they can reach a decision?

They need data from a traffic impact statement, code noise limits in decibels and distance traveled, and code lighting (dark sky, trespass, etc.) from 150 foot tall lights. Yep, 150 foot light poles. (They said it over and over and I'm trying to envision light poles as tall as a 15 story building!) Imagine living in close proximity to Angel Stadium in Anaheim during a Los Angeles Angels game?

I came away from the zoning approval meeting thinking that an upgrade to the existing ballpark may take more time, but will NOT cost more money. And it will maintain the purpose for which the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex was originally intended.

I still advocate for a VOTE by the citizens before building a new structure or renovating the existing Ron Tonkin field. The City and Hops keep calling the new building a ballpark but the structure they're proposing is actually a Baseball Stadium.

I know many folks have been hyped up to think of all the wonderful opportunities a new  Baseball Stadium will afford Hillsboro. But, you know how marketing goes. And a good salesman can sell ice to an indigenous person in Alaska, right?

We need to vote on this size of a project BEFORE they forge ahead. Thanks for signing!