The long view is best for Rockwood

The Gresham Outlook, May 13, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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Renewal of the Rockwood neighborhood will come deliberately – one well-remodeled business or beautified sidewalk at a time. Such an approach requires patience, an overall vision and the willingness to hold out for the right types of development that will move Rockwood incrementally forward.

For those reasons, we must concur with the Gresham Redevelopment Commission’s decision last week to walk away from a proposed project that might have put a building on the ground, but that wouldn’t necessarily have served as a foundation for further redevelopment.

The commission proved capable of taking the long-range view when it rejected the idea of inviting the YMCA to anchor a cultural marketplace within the Rockwood triangle formerly occupied by a Fred Meyer store. We have nothing but admiration for the YMCA, but we do not believe such a facility would be a catalyst for residential and commercial growth in the area. The former Fred Meyer site, now owned by the Gresham urban renewal agency, is considered the key spot for redevelopment to occur in Rockwood. Whatever ends up on that property will help define the neighborhood for decades to come.

The site has been vacant since the urban renewal agency leveled the Fred Meyer building in 2007, and it would have been too easy for the redevelopment commission to believe any type of development would be better than nothing. The temptation to do something – anything – was likely strengthened by the fact that highly regarded developers – Williams and Dame and Capstone Partners LLC – were bringing the proposal forward and saying it was the only project that could pencil out during this economic downturn.

But that’s where patience comes in. There’s no doubt that financing for development is severely limited – if not nonexistent – during the current recession. Economic slumps, however, inevitably give way to better times. And it is preferable to allow the Fred Meyer site to sit vacant for even a few more years than to proceed with a concept whose primary advantage was that it had no competition.

Gresham urban renewal officials now are talking about interim measures to make use of the triangle even as it waits for a more enticing development proposal. Possibilities include holding a farmers market on the property, planting grass to provide some green for children to play on in the urban area. In the meantime, the Rockwood urban renewal district continues to generate about $2 million a year in tax revenue that can be plowed back into the district. Plus, the redevelopment commission can continue conversations with Williams & Dame, Capstone and other developers who’ve shown interest in the 6.5 acres of land.

The rejection of the YMCA plan could be seen as a short-term setback for urban renewal. But we believe the decision reaffirms the urban renewal agency’s commitment to establish a vibrant commercial and residential core for Rockwood.