Your opinion counts

Many public agencies ask for public feedback on their projects and proposals. You may wonder why you should take time to attend a meeting, answer surveys, participate in online “open houses,” and write to elected officials. The truth is that a very small percentage of the public responds, but those responses are noticed and taken into account by the agencies, for the most part. Make Cedar Mill’s voice heard loud and clear!

Here are some opportunities for you to make a difference this month.

NOTE: if you read The News on paper, it’s hard to use the links! You can go to the CMN website and read the stories online where the links will take you to the surveys!

Washington County Budget Listening Tour

The Washington County Board of Commissioners would like to hear from community residents to inform their budget priorities over the next several years. Four separate, hour-and-a-half listening sessions are scheduled in each of the four commissioner districts throughout the month of November.

Each session will provide an opportunity for information gathering as well as discussion and input on how county government should prioritize spending. All are welcome at any or all of the sessions, which will include light refreshments. Language interpretation is also available by contacting 503-846-6288 at least one day in advance of the chosen session.

[Ed note: We see improving staffing at LUT as a big priority! We have noticed that several important developments in our area have chosen to annex into Beaverton before they develop their properties. Timberland, Cedar Grove, and the Cedar Hills center are a few examples. Delays due to lack of sufficient staffing in the Planning Department of LUT is often cited as one of the reasons. This is also given as a reason for not tackling important issues like tree protection.

Another priority should be improving the county's website. We've been told that it will be revamped in 3-4 years! If you have ever had trouble finding information, you'll agree that we shouldn't wait that long.]

All sessions begin at 7:30 pm and are free. Online registration is strongly encouraged through the following links:

Wednesday, November 6, Aloha Library, Register
Wednesday, November 13, Hillsboro Brookwood Library. Register
Monday, November 18, Meadow Park Middle School,. Register
Monday, November 25, Tigard Library. Register

Those who are unable to attend may also submit their ideas for top budget priorities by sending an email to CAO@co.washington.or.us with the subject line “Budget Tour.”

Comment on Significant Natural Resources Assessment by November 25

(See SNR article)

Cornelius Pass and Germantown intersection online open house

Visit and share your feedback through November 8. Enter the open house

A traffic study was completed to evaluate interim (immediate) safety improvements to the Cornelius Pass/Old Cornelius Pass, Cornelius Pass/Germantown and Old Cornelius Pass/Germantown roads intersections.

Cornelius Pass and Germantown roads are heavily traveled north of U.S. 26 that meet at a 'T' intersection without signals. Traffic volumes, speed, and challenging intersection geometry contribute to traffic crashes at this intersection. Nearby Cornelius Pass/Old Cornelius Pass and Old Cornelius Pass/Germantown road intersections also present safety concerns.

The estimated $1.1 million project is funded through the Traffic Impact Fee (TIF) and Transportation Development Tax (TDT. Proposed improvements include:

Traffic signal at Cornelius Pass/Old Cornelius Pass roads intersection
Limiting Germantown Road (Old Cornelius Pass Road) traffic to eastbound only between Cornelius Pass and Old Cornelius Pass roads
Improve traffic flow at intersections

Construction is anticipated from February-May 2020.

For more information, visit the project webpage, or contact Capital Project Services at 503-846-7800 or lutproj@co.washington.or.us.