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Creative solutions for Murray-Cornell lot

As we wrote about in the June issue, Washington County is looking for a developer or team of interested parties to come up with proposals for the vacant corner at Murray and Cornell. The “Request for Expressions of Interest” is now posted on the County website.

The county worked with consultant John Southgate to explore ways to reach its goals, which include furthering the vision of the Cedar Mill Town Center as a walkable, vibrant, and friendly place for our residents. Whether this RFEI will accomplish that goal will depend in large part on who responds to this request.

The document is interesting and readable, so take a look and put on your thinking caps!! We invite our readers to share it with anyone who might have an idea! Several printed copies will be available in the Cedar Mill News office if you’d like to borrow one.

While some of us would like to see the corner developed as a spot for food carts and public events, it’s likely that at least part of the property will be a business, perhaps a restaurant. Other uses that are suggested in the RFEI include mixed-use development with multiple upper floors of housing and retail at the ground level.

The RFEI indicates that the County is willing to work with interested parties to modify Town Center zoning and other regulations to bring about “a use or activity that contributes to a strong sense of place and is consistent with the Cedar Mill Town Center vision.”

The RFEI suggests a due date of September 14 for proposals, but that is a “soft” deadline. Depending on the number and quality of proposals, the county proposes several options for the selection process.

Please direct inquiries about the project to Stephen Roberts, Special Projects Coordinator, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation, at 503-846-3798 or stephen_roberts@co.washington.or.us.

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