SPRINGFIELD – Last week, the Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA) invited community members to Roaring Rapids Pizza Company to view the proposed master plan and chat with project leaders of the Glenwood Riverfront Redevelopment.
The free event was an informal, drop-in meeting with poster boards featuring site proposals, the project’s evolution, street characters, potential uses, and the project timeline. There was no formal presentation, but project partners were stationed around each posterboard to provide insight and answer questions.
The plan includes mixed-use and residential zones, with commercial areas closer to the Franklin Blvd. and residential ones closer to the Willamette River. One of the project principles is connecting the community to the river.
“It’s a big group effort,” said Allie Camp, economic development manager.
According to Dan Halverson, land-use planning consultant and realtor, the Glenwood Team comprises about seven people, including engineers, planners, and architects. Halverson emphasized the project’s economic efficiency and the positive community response. He also noted potential benefits, such as increased housing and community engagement.
“I can’t believe how many people showed up,” Halverson said. “I’d say 98% have just been really excited.”
City councilor Steve Moe agreed. “We’re getting a good turnout,” he said, looking around the crowd of roughly 50 people.
Camp said during the Feb. 9 SEDA board meeting that an advertisement for the meeting was sent out “far wider than the required 300 feet from the site.” However, some Glenwood neighbors did not hear about it and felt they should have been informed.
“I’m an elected official for Glenwood, and I was never even invited to this,” said Sabrina White, a member of the Glenwood Water District. “Neither were the residents that live out here. They’re residents of Glenwood. They should have been notified. They were not.”
Elyse Ditzel, City Manager’s Office and public information officer said: “The City followed and exceeded the notification requirements. … At the request of the Springfield Economic Development Agency Board, notice of the meeting was mailed to property owners within 1000 feet of the project area.”
Ditzel also noted the City posted the notice on its website, social media sites, and issued a news release.
“Because we recognize the significance of the Glenwood riverfront project and its regional interest, our intent was to go beyond minimum requirements to encourage broad awareness and participation.
At this time, additional engagement opportunities have not yet been formally scheduled. As the project progresses, future steps in the review process will follow the applicable requirements of the Springfield Development Code, she said.
