Myth #2 We'll be Eaten by Wolves!

I've been to a couple of meetings now where elected officials and some of my neighbors raise a frightening topic.

Development Pays For Itself is Myth #1 and I call this Myth #2

"If we get taken out of the Urban Reserve we'll be developed in no time. We'll have no say in our own future!

This strikes me as a bit of fear-mongering and not a lot of contemplative opinion.

If we get taken out of the Reserve, there will still be administrative hurdles to cross before we're plowed under. All sorts of MOU's and assumptions will need to be reviewed, revised and maybe lost or newly created if our status changes. We'll still be a Hamlet if that happens, just like we were before. What could be more perilous than being on the short list we are now?

Maybe if we're back to Undesignated we'd get serious about going to the legislature to ask about making it possible for EFU lands to add a second house in some instances, like the Measure 37 claims did. This is something several families I know would be interested in. There may be an upside to not being a reserve, frozen in zones until a city takes us over. Who knows?

We do know the cities still don't want to annex us and pay for our infrastructure.

Some folks in Borland talk about a big quarter million dollar survey Tualatin did in 2009 or so that outlined the pros and cons of annexing us, leaving us to think that because they did this they're hot to come get us. But actually, based on that survey and other realities they've changed course and are doing most of their growth in Washington County, with maybe a bit in Clackamas that's near Wilsonville, but not in the Hamlet.

Lake Oswego's citizens are not about to vote to annex us and pay one more expense on top of their current ones. And West Linn isn't interested either.

The ones that are saying this the loudest, including Clackamas County officials, seem to be the people that want to see us developed the most. So, does that mean it's easier for them to develop us if we're IN the Reserve? Or less expensive somehow? There must be some incentive.

And say West Linn brings in a bit of property along their borders. These folks already have said they want to come in and develop. Would that be terrible? Do we really think they'll come across Rosemont ala Braveheart and start developing us?

Like all things said with certainty (this being the exception of course!), look closely at what's said and who's saying it and what they'll gain by it. Ask questions.

And remember, when someone says Stafford is the Crown Jewel of Clackamas, they're usually only thinking it's the best place to develop, not the best place to live.  At least the ones I've heard say it - don't live here.

I'm Carol Yamada & I approve this message (!) Vote for me & vote often!  December 14th