OPINION: Urban renewal is a win for walkers, bikers and drivers

As an avid walker, a mother to teenagers who rode bikes around Wilsonville before they could drive and a former two-term school board member who cares for all our youth, I am happy that our city invests in bike and pedestrian connections. My son was hit by a car at the intersection just east of the underpass of I-5 while riding his bike to the gym. Anything that protects pedestrians and bicyclists is a win for us all. Measure 3-605 and the Town Center Urban Renewal Plan will do exactly this.

The Town Center Urban Renewal Plan isn’t limited to bike and pedestrian improvements. Parking strategies are also part of the plan. However, because of state laws that passed the last few years, the city can’t require parking minimums in the Town Center area. These state laws apply to 48 cities in Oregon, including Wilsonville, and these state laws apply regardless of any plan that is put into place.

The good news is that the project list included in the Town Center Urban Renewal Feasibility Study includes several millions dollars for parking solutions ALONG WITH investments for bikes and pedestrians. This is a win for us all. Join me in voting YES on Measure 3-605.

Chelsea King

Wilsonville