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Camas Abandons Plans for Senior Living Center By Round Lake

After hearing from numerous Camas citizens regarding the possible sale of public land near Round Lake to build a senior living center, and begin the process of rezoning that property, the city has decided to halt the entire process.

Camas City Administrator, Pete Capell, issued the following statement today:

The City of Camas received a conceptual plan for a senior living facility to be constructed on public open space property located on Everett Street, south of Lake Road. The plans for this project included provisions for trails and parking spaces for use by the public, as well as providing emergency and maintenance access to the dam and creek.  The City is always looking to better its parks program and with a sale of the property there was a potential to leverage the funds received to obtain a grant in excess of the value of the potential sale proceeds.”

With these ideas in mind, the City felt the idea was worth reviewing.  There were multiple hurdles that would need to be crossed if the City did decide to go forward with a sale. The City first needed to alert the State that the zoning and comprehensive plan designation might be changed for this property.   City staff planned to discuss the possibility to surplus and rezone the property at several public meetings and public hearings, the first being at the Parks and Recreation Commission on Wednesday, October 25th at 5:00 pm and culminating in a series of workshops and public hearings which would have to be held before the Planning Commission and the City Council.  The onset of these discussions did not commit the City to sell the property to anyone.  In addition, there remained multiple elements which would be negotiated only in the event the property was deemed surplus and in the best interests of the City.

After a discussion with City Council at a workshop on October 16th and the subsequent article in the Camas-Washougal Post Record on October 19th, numerous emails and Facebook messages were received indicating that our community treasures our open spaces and would not support selling the property.

The City is sensitive to the will of its citizens.  While the City believes there was merit in having a public discussion about this proposal and vetting it through the many steps outlined above, City staff have received enough feedback and understand how the community feels about the project and will immediately stop the consideration process of the proposal.

The property will remain as open space in public ownership.

Senior

A local developer had planned to build a senior living center adjacent to Round Lake, in Camas.

A number of the comments we received insinuated that something improper had occurred in the submission of this proposal from an assisted living group that Tim Hazen is affiliated with.  Council members are subject to specific limitations outlined under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington.   Council members are also citizens and are not denied an opportunity available to all other citizens to acquire and maintain private economic interests.  As noted, the planned process would follow all of the required steps with numerous opportunities for the public to comment before a final decision was rendered by City Council. Mr. Hazen further resigned at the start of the process according to both the regulations under the Code of Ethics laws of the State of Washington and general ethical practices, to avoid any hint of impropriety.

Mr. Hazen was an excellent City Councilor and served his constituents in an exemplary manner. Please thank Mr. Hazen for his service to the community. I hope that he will still be willing to serve as a volunteer and leader in our community.

Pete Capell

City Administrator

To learn more, visit www.cityofcamas.us

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Proposed Round Lake Senior Living Center Hearing Set for Oct. 25

Camas, WA — Camas residents aren’t too thrilled about the City of Camas selling public lands to build a senior living center near Round Lake on Everett Road. Opponents of the development will hear details at a City of Camas Parks Board meeting, to be held this Wednesday, October 25 at Lacamas Lake Lodge.

The Parks Board will review the proposal, and may ask for additional input to continue the discussion, or they may settle on a recommendation and forward that to planning. Additional public hearings will be scheduled to discuss the matter and give citizens input.

The uproar began when Camas City Council members last week approved the first re-zoning step that would turn a 2.7-acre parcel of public land into a new development for seniors. Additional private lands would also be purchased. The proposed development is a 125,000 square-foot, 81-unit senior living center with underground parking, as well as a 48-bed memory care center.

The councilors were informed that city staff was approached by a developer who wants to purchase public lands to construct the facility. It was learned soon after that developer is Tim Hazen, who abruptly resigned from his city council seat last week.

Hazen is the owner of Premiere Senior Living

The city of Camas purchased the 5-acre open space from the Moose Lodge in 2002 for $200,000.

Citizens are concerned that once you lose an open space property, it will never be preserved for future generations.

“My thoughts are that the city shouldn’t be able to sell public land without the consent of its citizens since it IS public land,” said local resident, Liana Gulzow. “And the fact that Tim Hazen would benefit from this — and he was a former city council member — is just not sitting well with a lot of people. I’m concerned that this huge senior living facility is so close to Round Lake that it could affect the use of the trails that so many of us frequently use. And, not to mention the traffic situation.”

Camas residents have taken to social media to express their concerns, as well.

“Our city should not be selling public park land,” said Ammon Child. “Especially to a recently resigned city council member who clearly has been working on this behind the scenes!”

In order to re-zone, Camas leaders must hold a series of public meetings to change the parcel’s zoning, which is currently parks open space.

City Councilwoman Bonnie Carter said she thinks the city is setting a bad precedent.

“The only thing that was requested of the council was to direct staff to submit paperwork to the state to have the parcel of land considered for re-zoning,” said Carter. “This request was unusual because it did not first go through the normal channels of review before going to council, but it is legal. The rezoning request deadline to the state was last Wednesday, hence the unusual request. Mr. Hazen’s experience on council and city planning knowledge played into the timing.”

Carter assures that the project will still go through the appropriate channels starting with Wednesday’s meeting.

“Lack of information concerning the actual request of council and what will still happen has many folks upset,” said Carter. “And rightfully so.”

Hazen will present his proposal, and there will be an open process wherein citizens can express their opinions on the matter.

To learn more about this process, visit http://www.cityofcamas.us/businessdev/plancommission

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Rios: Getting His Family Out of Devastated Puerto Rico

It’s been a month since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, and as first responders and local leaders face the herculean task to get necessary supplies to millions of victims, one Portland resident shares his story of trying to get his family out of harm’s way.

Rio Rios, 49, is a Puerto Rico native, and although he’s lived most of his life in the United States mainland, his parents (Luis and Virginia), sister (Yanira), niece (Natasha) and nephew (Gabriel) were caught in harm’s way as Maria threw an already struggling Puerto Rico into the dark ages.

“Eighty-five percent of the island is still without power,” said Rios. “And the water situation is dire. Water-wise, it’s hard to keep things clean because when the water does come it’s contaminated, and only 60 percent have water. There’s no money, no work, no economy. Even the banks are closed. ATMs don’t work. Basic necessities aren’t easy to find. Traffic lights don’t work, which backs up traffic for miles.”

To put it in perspective, the island is 100 miles long and 30 miles wide, and has 3 million-plus people living there, he said. It’s densely populated.

In Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, where his family resides, homes keep their lights on by using gas-powered portable generators at sporadic times during the day, which is causing some pollution issues.

“Before Hurricane Maria hit, life in Puerto Rico was already difficult,” Rios said. “And now it’s ten times worse.”

Since Maria wreaked its havoc, Rios has worked hard to communicate with his family, sending them needed supplies, and keeping current, but given the dire situation there, he and his wife, Allison Anderson, offered to bring his mother, sister, and youngest nephew to Portland.

“Given mom’s health issues, and that my sister cannot work and provide for her family, we decided to bring them here. It’s what family does,” said Rios. “My father has decided to stay there, for now, and so has my niece.”

Anderson has been preparing her office, which will be turned into a bedroom.

“It’s been so sad to see them go through this,” said Anderson. “It’s devastating to see such a beautiful place be destroyed.”

The couple will receive Virginia on October 22, and Yanira and Gabriel on October 30.

They are presently looking for employment for Yanira, who is a speech pathologist, and for a school for Gabriel to attend.

“This whole tragedy has been devastating,” said Rios. “I’m an American citizen, I’m a veteran, I served in the Gulf War, but I grew up in Puerto Rico. This where I was formed and shaped. I’m really sad about what’s happened to my family. Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico. And, I wasn’t able to protect my family.”

Agriculture is a big part of the economy there, but given the hurricane’s devastation, new crop harvests are a year away.

“They can’t find cheap food,” Rios said. “The magnitude of the problem overwhelms everyone, especially the first responders who have been working so hard.”

Rios urges everyone to take emergency preparedness seriously.

“Let’s get the word out about having a 72-hour kit, about having 30 days worth of food in a storage closet,” he said. “People make fun of those who prepare, but it’s a good idea. Look at the reality of what’s happened in Puerto Rico. Don’t you think those people would appreciate a 30-day supply of food on-hand?”

He said canned meat is prized right now, as fresh meat can’t be easily preserved without electricity.

“It’s a major humanitarian crisis,” he said. “This is like every post-apocalyptic movie I’ve ever seen, except it’s real. It can happen.”

Puerto Rico Fundraiser

Over the past weekend, several Puerto Ricans gathered together to raise funds for their devastated brothers and sisters. The benefit featured live music, a live auction, and lots of food. They raised $24,000 in funds that will go directly to Puerto Rico.

To learn more, visit: https://www.youcaring.com/flores

Gallery: Images from Puerto Rico

 

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Events: 1st Annual Halloween Night Trunk or Treat @ Grove Field Airport

The Camas Washougal Airport Association (CWAA) is hosting its first annual Halloween night “Trunk or Treat” at 5:30 pm at the Port of Camas-Washougal Grove Field Airport, which is located in Fern Prairie.

“The Trunk or Treat is a concept where several cars or trucks all pull into a line or semi-circle where their trunks all line up and make an easy and quick way for people with small children to get a reasonable amount of candy without getting stuck in long lines, walking several blocks or being stuck outdoors in the cold,” says CWWA representative, Terah Brice. “It’s offered to anyone, but the basic concept is geared towards people with very small toddlers or elementary-aged children and aimed to fill candy baskets in a fun and fast manner.”

“For a lot of us residing in the Fern Prairie area, we don’t see trick or treaters at our homes because we live down unlit streets with very spaced out houses or long driveways,” she said. “So we also get the opportunity to hand out candy when we would otherwise have zero spooky visitors.”

The trunks will all be decorated with lights and spooky gear and a lot of the vehicles owners will dress up in costume, as well. The CWAA will also offer complimentary coffee and popcorn with a donation can set out. The organization is promoting this to families that are headed to the downtown area to start their trick or treating.

“We are hoping to jump start their candy bags with a good load so their parents don’t have to stay out until 10pm trying fill their children’s candy quota goals,” Brice said.

The fun starts at 5:30pm on October 31 and will go until people stop showing up or when volunteers get too cold. The festivities will occur in the nicely lit Airport parking lot, making it an easy place to pull off for a couple of minutes and hop right back on the road to downtown for the rest of the evening.

To learn more about CWAA, check them out on Facebook @cwaagrovefield

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Russell Addresses Costly Utility Bills in Washougal City Council Campaign

Washougal, WA — With just a few weeks left in the 2017 political campaign season, candidate Julie Russell continues her campaign for the Washougal City Council seat being vacated by the retiring Dave Shoemaker.

Over the past few months, she’s knocked many doors, gone through hip replacement surgery, and attend public forums to discuss her positions. Health wise, she’s recovered from her surgery and enjoys meeting with local residents.

So, what are the top reasons she’s running?

“I’ve always liked serving and making the community a better place,” says Russell. “Plus, I think we need to look at all options to address high utility bills, and do better community planning.”

The high cost of water is a hot topic among Washougal residents.

“So many struggle with high water bills,” said Russell. “I’ve met residents who re-use dishwater just to make ends meet.”

The city made some errors in the past, she said, in dealing with sewer systems.

“They didn’t upgrade sewer facilities in time and fell past state-mandated timelines so they had to build a costly system to keep the sewer safe and sanitary,” Russell said. “We’re currently using reserve funds to pay those bonds.  One option to address is to possibly merge with Camas or Clark County to provide a better water sewer and water.”

She also wants  to look at making improvements to blighted areas in Washougal.

Russell

Julie Russell is married to Evan Russell, and they have four children.

“There are areas where clearly code isn’t being enforced, so we need to do that,” she said. “Let’s get grants or set up volunteer community projects to clean up blighted property and spaces. Let’s work together to make these areas look better.”

She also wants to spend time on economic development, and do more to attract and keep businesses.

“The process to onboard new businesses needs to be streamlined so it’s easier to do business in Washougal,” she said.

Russell is running against Adam Philbin. We plan to feature his views in a future article.

Russell also has the endorsement of four of seven incumbent Washougal city councilors:

  • Dan Coursey
  • Dave Shoemaker
  • Michelle Wagner
  • Ray Kutch

Russell’s Background

Education

  • George Fox University, M.A.  Master of Arts in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy – 2012
  • Brigham Young University, B.S. Bachelor of Science in Psychology, AS Associate of Science in Travel and Tourism – 1983

Career Highlights

  • Julie Russell Family Counseling; LMFT, LPC, LMHC, RPT, Self-employed/Owner/Operator.  Offices in Tigard and Vancouver; 2013 – Present
  • LDS Family Services – Therapist, Adoption and Children’s Services; 2008 – 2013
  • Open House Ministries; 2011 – 2012
  • Avanti Destinations – Quality Control, Contract Management; 2001 – 2004

Prior Government Experience

  • Tigard Water District Commissioner, Elected Position – July 2007  to Nov. 2016
  • West Bull Mountain Planning Technical Advisory Committee – March 2012 to Nov. 2014
  • Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)- Jan. 2008- Nov. 2016
  • Vice Chair-Washington County Citizen Participation Organization (CPO-4B)-July 2005-Jan. 2008
  • City of Tigard, White Paper Parks Committee – 2004

To learn more, visit www.julierussellforwashougal.com

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Toyota C-HR: This Car Has Excellent Styling, Roomier Than It Looks

Over the last two decades, Americans are buying fewer hatchbacks and station wagons than they used to. But data has shown the public likes them if they ride a bit higher, with optional all-wheel drive and have the feeling of an SUV, which has given room for the crossover market to take off. Toyota answered with the hugely successful RAV4, and they are hoping to continue that success with the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR

The C-HR is smaller and less expensive than the RAV4, and was originally designed for Toyota’s Scion brand.  The car is quite sporty and has excellent handling. It also has an extensive list of standard safety features, which alone are good reasons to consider the C-HR.

The Toyota C-HR is well-equipped in its base XLE form, with dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlights,  and traffic-adapting cruise control — as all standard. The C-HR starting price does cost more than the competition in its class, but we do recommend the XLE Premium trim. But it doesn’t cost much more than the XLE and includes features such as heated front seats and a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert.

The car’s sporty styling delivers. It’s fun and nimble when going around turns, but the engine’s 144 hp doesn’t provide much torque.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive and tested well when driving over 100 miles on one trip. The vehicle does have a lot of tire noise.

The dashboard ergonomics are easy to use, and very pleasing to the eye.

If you want lots of storage space, you won’t find it here. Aside from a small bin in the front there is cargo space behind the second row, but it’s not substantial.

Overall, the car is fun to drive, with excellent handling and great styling. People notice when you come around the corner.

C-HR Photo Gallery

We brought the 2017 Camas 11/12 All-Stars to have some fun with the C-HR. As you can see, a lot of people can fit into the car. 🙂

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Update: Camas RB Yaacoub Suffers Two Broken Bones

VANCOUVER, WA — Camas Running Back, Randy Yaacoub, suffered two broken bones at Friday’s Junior Varsity game against Coeur d’Alene during the fourth quarter, and was transferred via ambulance to PeaceHealth hospital in Vancouver. The sophomore, who plays for both JV and Varsity teams, scored for Camas the previous week during the home field season opener.

Today, Randy’s mother, Viviane Yaacoub, issued the following statement:

“During the game, he fractured both his tibia and fibula and was sent to the emergency room right away. The surgery went very well, he is recovering very well. They placed a titanium rod and some screws in his leg and were allowed to take him home the next day. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play for the rest of the season, and will be on crutches for eight weeks, and be recovering for six months, but with physical therapy and exercise he will be better than ever next year. Thanks to the support of his coaches, his team, and friends, our family is doing very well.”

The Yaacoub Family

 

Yaacoub

Randy Yaacoub was transferred to a stretcher following a severe injury during Friday’s JV game at Doc Harris Stadium.

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Charleigh Chaston Update: After 12 Surgeries, Healing Slowly But Surely

Portland, OR — Several weeks ago, Washougal teen, Charleigh Chaston, fell 60 feet while hiking at Panther Falls, and sustained many severe injuries. During that time, family and friends have held a fundraiser to offset the family’s many medical expenses, and have done what they can to support the Chaston family.

This morning, Voss Chaston, Charleigh’s father, provided an update on his daughter’s progress.

“Charleigh continues to do well in her recovery,” said Voss. “She has had a dozen surgeries in the last four weeks. Her jaw and her femur are healing nicely without complication. She did have an infection in her right lower leg that has slowed the healing process and required several surgeries, but the doctors feel she is rounding the corner on that. She finally had surgery on her foot yesterday to pin some of the broken bones in place. She likely will not have full use of her right foot, but we have to see how things heal and how therapy goes. She is getting stronger every day. She is starting some of her seminary and schooling in the hospital this week.

“The support from the youth, the ward (LDS Church congregation), and the entire community has been humbling and absolutely amazing,” Voss said. “We have felt the love and the prayers from everyone. Words can’t express the gratitude and emotion we feel from this support. I believe it is one of the many miracles that have surrounded Charleigh in this entire ordeal. One miracle after another.”

Charleigh

The Chaston Family. From left: Finn, Taeg, Mindy, Voss, Charleigh, and Koy.

Chaston’s injuries

Chaston and her family were hiking at Panther Creek when she slipped and fell 60 feet to a rock at the bottom of the falls. Immediately after the fall, a nurse, a chiropractor, and her brother Taeg took care of her until she was life-flighted to a Portland hospital with severe injuries to her legs and jaw.

Her family reports she had no neck, head or spinal injuries.

Her injuries include shattered legs and jaw bones, as well as foot, heel, ankle and pelvis breaks.

Until August 30, she was in ICU in critical condition, but stable condition. She is currently in a less critical pediatric unit.

Friends of the Chaston family are still raising funds to offset the family’s medical expenses. The donate site is: https://sites.google.com/site/cheerforcharleigh/

All funds will go directly to the Chaston family.

Charleigh

Charleigh has had a dozen surgeries since her 60-foot fall at Panther Falls in August.

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Camas High’s New Principal: “Working and Living Here Just Feels Right”

It’s the end of a busy day early in this new school season as Camas High School’s brand-new principal, Liza Sejkora, sits down, takes a breath, and reflects on a life-changing moment.

“I’d been applying for principal jobs along the West Coast, thinking it was time to leave Arizona and go to California. I never got a bite from California. But, I did get responses from the Pacific Northwest, and last Spring, when I got out of the car here in Camas for the job interview, I felt it immediately. This is where I’m supposed to be, and I’ll tell you this: Working and living here just feels right.”

That April day was filled with a campus tour (with 20 students), a professional development presentation to 15 teachers, and a panel interview with 20 people from the school district, school board, teachers, and parents.

“I felt instant support,” said Sejkora. “I felt the Camas welcome wagon. When I got home, I told my husband ‘this is the job I want.'”

And when the offer came in June, she was elated. By June 12, she was on campus for meets and greets.

“Steve Marshall was so gracious,” she said. “He made me feel so welcome.”

She spent several weeks commuting from a friend’s house in Milwaukie, OR, while her husband of 20 years, Heath, prepared for the move. That’s when she realized she wanted to live in Camas, as well. And, everything just fell into place.

“It’s magical here.”

Vision for CHS

“Let’s be honest,” said Sejkora. “This is a successful place, it’s a solid program. People come to Camas for the schools. People all over know how well things work here. I want to embrace those traditions, but I also want to set goals while we grow.”

During the interview process, she heard directly from a lot of students who want their voices heard in decisions at school. So, she’s forming a Principal Advisory Committee to hear more voices.

“The ASB leaders, the athetes, and more confident students make sure their voices are heard,” she said. “I’m looking to also connect with the other kids. The ones who feel left out. I want students to explore things they haven’t done, and I want to hear what they think.”

Part of that is marketing.

“Let’s publicize more of what we offer,” she added. “How do we help the Key Club advertise what they do well? We will work on a student Senate to get a different view. Let’s also talk more about the talented teachers we have.”

She also wants to work more with alumni, who she says are proud Papermakers.

“I’m a collaborative leader, and my vision is seeing and serving each student, and hear the voices we haven’t heard yet,” she said. “I also want to do that with the teachers. I want to hear their voices.”

So, what is she hearing from the students?

“So many ask me ‘are you going to let us wear hats?'” she said with a smile. “Every kid is working on me for hats. Yes, I said hats. They’re not asking about using cell phones. So I just tell them we will look at the history and why we have that policy.”

 

Sejkora

CHS principal, Liza Sejkora, hangs out with the JV Volleyball team. From left: Mackenzie Hancock, McKayla Buzzel, Tessa Patterson, Kate Golb, Liza Sejkora, Jessie Westby, Mackenzie Gilchrist, and Kaya Moss.

Sejkora’s Background

Sejkora grew up in Southern California, in Orange, specifically, and as a young adult (during her junior year in college) followed her family to Arizona, where she would finish school, get married, and start her family.

She’d earn her BA in English from Arizona State University (ASU),  followed by an MEd in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, with a Gifted Endorsement and Administration Certificate. Her career started in the high school English department in Chandler, Arizona, where she taught Language Arts, and became involved in school clubs.

“I worked with a lot of Freshmen, as well as Seniors,” Sejkora said. “We did a lot senior prep for the Seniors, and I also taught AP Literature.”

She enjoyed working with students in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program, which is for non-honors students that have potential and demonstrate some great skills.

“I love working with kids who maybe don’t fit in, or feel like they don’t excel,” said Sejkora. “I want them to know they have a place.”

During this time, she was approached to seek a leadership position, so she pursued that Admin Certificate.

“I absolutely love school,” she said. “I love teaching! I like to be in the classroom. I was also a yearbook adviser for eight years.”

She then decided it was time to enter a doctorate program at ASU, “which opened up my eyes to the need for social justice, and where my passion for leadership came alive.”

She earned her EdD in Educational Administration two years ago.

During the last five years, Sejkora has worked as an Assistant Principal in two schools: Higley High School in Gilbert, AZ, for three years, and at Coronado High School for the last two. She estimates that 90 percent of the kids at Coronado were either eligible or participated for free or reduced lunch programs. She said it was an eye-opening experience.

Family

The Sejkora’s have two sons: Ian, 17, a Junior who attends CHS, and Trevor, 13, who attends Liberty Middle School.

“Heath encouraged the move,” she said. “I think he was ready to leave the heat in Arizona, so being here is a good change for him, as well. Ian is a Varsity wrestler who likes video games, and he said he feels very welcome here. Trevor is more artistic and loves music. He plays the flute, and is a huge video gamer, too.”

She said it’s not easy to change schools as a Junior, but that being here in Camas has been a positive adjustment.

“We’re also looking forward to our first Papermaker Football home game,” she said. “I hear it’s amazing. Being here just feels magical.”

#PapermakerPride

Sejkora

Liza Sejkora was hired in June to be the new Camas High School principal.

 

 

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Had Enough With Traffic? Officials, Citizens Discuss Transportation Solutions

Vancouver, WA — Local leaders held a Transportation Solutions Town Hall Saturday at WSU Vancouver, which was organized by Washington State Representative, Liz Pike, to present solutions to the growing Portland/Southwest Washington metro traffic problems. During the 2+ hour session, Pike, along with engineers and architects, presented multiple proposals and listened to the concerns, ideas and feedback from Southwest Washington residents.

Pike organized the event to encourage “common sense solutions” to a problem that keeps getting worse. KOIN 6 News reports that “traffic volumes are up 300 percent from a year ago” as 80,000 commuters drive in from SW Washington to Portland each business day. Congestion is heavy along both Columbia River bridges (I-5 and I-205), as well as on I-5 southbound, I-84, I-405 and Highway 26 throughout Portland Metro.

The solutions panel was comprised of Pike, architect Kevin Peterson; local businessman Bill Wagner; bridge designer, Linda Figg; and transportation engineer, Dave Nelson, who presented various solutions and then responded to public feedback.

Transportation

The Transportation Solutions Panel. From left: Rep. Liz Pike, Kevin Peterson, Bill Wagner, Linda Figg, and Dave Nelson.

The panel presented the following proposed solutions:

  • New East County Bridge
  • New West Express Bridge/Tunnel — Five Phases
  • Practical Design Fly-over Near I-5
  • New Tunnel Below I-5 Corridor
  • Cascadia Commuter Express/Cascadia High Speed Rail and Multi-Modal Bridge over the Columbia River

This transportation solutions panel does not support a replacement for the Interstate Bridge following a multi-year $200 million study that resulted in zero results.

“A new I-5 bridge would not get us to Portland any faster,” said Wagner. “The whole CRC process resulted in wasting tax dollars on a study. And Clark County continues to reject light rail coming from Portland.”

Wagner said the panel does approve making seismic upgrades to the Interstate Bridge, and insists that replacing the bridge would be a waste of public resources.

New East County Bridge

This proposal comprises:

  • $800 million new Columbia River Bridge east of Glenn Jackson bridge.
  • Four new traffic 12′ lanes — two northbound, two southbound.
  • Wide safety shoulders.
  • Two 12′ multi-use protected pathways for bike and pedestrian experiences.
  • Long spans to accommodate river traffic.
  • Gradual grades for better truck speed and mobility.
  • Environmentally friendly bridge design with long open spans to touch lightly on the river.
  • 150-year lifespan.
Transportation

This is the concept for the new East County Bridge.

New West Express Bridge/Tunnel — Five Phases

West Express is an eight-lane limited access corridor with three express lanes in each direction, flanked by dedicated high-speed merge and exit lanes and features an elevated 20-mile bicycle and pedestrian path.

  • Phase 1A and 1B: Vancouver to West Portland.
  • Phase 2: West Portland to Beaverton/Hillsboro with tunnel under Forest Park.
  • Phase 3: New 19nd Ave Bridge to OR I-84.
  • Phase 4: Seismic retrofit of I-5 bridge.
  • Phase 5: Vancouver to I-5/north Clark County via Fruit Valley Road.

The project would alleviate traffic pressure from I-5 and I-205 routes.

Practical Design Fly-over Near I-5

This plan comprises:

  • $1.5 billion cost, four lanes each direction plus new SR 14 ramps.
  • 2.2 mile bypass of Marine Drive, Hayden Island, and the existing bridge.
  • Convert old bridge to local access, and replace in future with an at-grade local access bridge with lift span.
  • Move ship channel to center of Columbia River to avoid 95% lifts.
  • Victory Blvd. intersection to Mill Plain Blvd. with little new right-of-way acquisition required.
Transportation

Concept for I-5 Practical Design Flyover.

New Tunnel Below I-5 Corridor

The is a $4.5 billion project that spans 7.8 miles — from Leverich Park to the I-5/I-405 couplet, which adds two lanes north and two lanes south, offering massive freight mobility improvement, as well as improved commute times. The project would be privately designed, financed, built, owned, operated and maintained. It’s estimated completion time would be four years.

Cascadia Commuter Express/Cascadia High Speed Rail (CHSR) and Multi-Modal Bridge

This project would require $1.7 billion for a new multi-modal bridge, 1.2 mile tunnel and 11.3 miles of CHSR corridor with three auto interchanges. The multi-modal bridge is double decked west of the existing BNSF Freight Rail Bridge. The top deck has four lanes for vehicles, and the bottom deck has two tracks for freight trains, and two tracks for the Cascadia Commuter Express/CHSR.

The Cascadia Commuter Express corridor would run from the Rose Quarter Transportation Hub to a platform stop in West Vancouver and have a platform stop at 78th and Fruit Valley Road in Hazel Dell.

The 11.3 mile Cascade Commuter Express train would move 16,000 people per hour, and the trip time between Portland and Vancouver would take six minutes. This would be a private-public partnership.

Public Input

During the public input segment, Robert Schalk, who worked for the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for nearly forty years, said “Most of what you drive in Portland I helped design.” Schalk’s opinions included the following:

  • No light rail to Clark County from Portland unless Clark County has its own light rail to test first.
  • Buses are more practical than light rail because they can spread out over more territory.
  • The traffic coming from Interstate Avenue and Marine Drive onto the I-5 bridge are too much for what the span was designed for.
  • The metro area needs both a new west side and east side crossings.

Julie Russell, who is running for Washougal City Council, said “People are opposed to tolling, and we need to hear their voices, and how do we get elected officials to understand that cars and new lanes aren’t evil?”

Roan Friar said he was intrigued by the fly-over design, but has concerns about funding. “I am also opposed to tolling,” he said. Others also inquired about the feasibility and speed of projects that are privately financed.

Figg said going the private funding route would still require environmental impact assessments, which would take about seven months. Privatized projects would be funded by investors who would toll passage to recoup their investment.

Richard Grill expressed his concern about working with Oregon. “They need to hear our side.”

What’s Next?

Pike encourages Clark County residents to “speak out for improvements to their infrastructure by rising up and making their voices heard.”

“Get in to see politicians, talk to them face to face, get to know people in Portland, and let them know what you think,” she added. “Rise up …”

Figg said: “It’s about communication and working with people in Portland for common sense approaches. Attend town halls, stay engaged.”

Lacamas Magazine will continue to discuss this topic and follow up with future town halls and progress. Public feedback and ideas are encouraged.

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