Lake Oswego polling residents on ballot measure idea

The city of Lake Oswego wants local residents' opinions on a proposed ballot measure that, if approved, would pave the way for Stafford Road improvements within a protected park property.

The city is considering forwarding a ballot measure to voters that would amend restrictions enacted via a 2021 charter amendment that prevents developments and improvements at city-owned parks. However, the ballot measure would pertain only to Stevens Meadows, a 20.5-acre park that sits outside of Lake Oswego but is owned by the local government.

Clackamas County wants to encroach upon about 9,000 square feet of the park for a project that would add a roundabout at Childs Road, realign an intersection at Johnson Road and Stafford Road, build a southbound left-turn lane at Johnson Road and add a bike lane along Stafford Road. Without the ballot measure, the county could either scrap the project or go through an eminent domain process that the city has stated it likely would contest in court.

The city indicated in a release that it is calling or texting residents to gauge their opinion on the matter, noting that this is not a scam. The city is conducting polling this month and results will be revealed to the City Council at a meeting Tuesday, July 16.