The City of West Linn is creating a Vision Plan for the Willamette River Waterfront. The Plan will create a framework for future land uses and activities based on the past 30 years of planning and current community values and aspirations.
What is this Vision Plan?
The intent of this Vision Plan is to present an inspired and achievable framework for the transformation of West Linn’s Waterfront into a vibrant place that provides new opportunities for residents and visitors to access and experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the area.
The complexity of the site provides challenges, but recent public investments, private property owner initiatives, and a groundswell of community support have marked a turning point in the City’s renewal efforts.
Upcoming Events
April 16 Bolton Neighborhood Association
April 20 Volpp Street & 4th Street (Streetside Booth, 7am-11am)
May 5 Cinco de Mayo in Willamette (Booth)
May 6 Neighborhood Association Presidents (Presentation)
May 8 Willamette Farmers Market (Booth)
May 15 Willamette Farmers Market (Booth)
May 21 Historic Review Board (Presentation)
How to Get Involved
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Project Goals
Building on decades of past planning efforts and public input, the desired outcome of the Waterfront Vision Plan is the creation of a revitalized area that provides a diverse mix of land uses, increases access to the river and recreational opportunities, and celebrates the Indigenous and industrial heritage of the site.
Project Timeline
This Vision Plan builds on decades of thoughtful work conducted by City staff and the community to reimagine the Waterfront. The most recent planning effort included community engagement between 2016 and 2021, that was unfortunately delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Vision Plan marks the restart of that process. The project will take 12-months and be concluded by the end of 2024.
Fall/Winter 2023/24
Preliminary Vision Plan
Guiding Principles
Planning Framework
District Planning
Public Consultation
Option Testing
PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Spring 2024
Vision Plan Refinement
Option Refinement
Economic Assessment
Public Review
Implementation Strategies
Final Documentation
PREFERRED PLAN
Summer/Fall 2024
Financing Plan
Public Review
Legislative Adoption
LEGISLATIVE ADOPTION
Guiding Principles
Four guiding principles were developed from previous public consultation. These represent the community’s priorities for the West Linn Waterfront and were used to shape the design concepts presented in this Vision Plan.
Reinvestment Opportunities
The area will maintain its long history as a working waterfront, while creating opportunities for reinvestment in the historic heart of the community.
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Provide opportunities for reinvestment in the three planning districts
Accommodate access, parking, and security for the paper mill and electric utility sites
Land use decisions support community vision and market principles
Set expectations and parameters through market-feasible zoning and design guidelines
Encourage and enable private sector investment to build high quality places
Adaptive reuse of existing buildings
Public and private owners work together on timing of land use transitions here
Transportation Improvements
Through public and private investment, the Waterfront will safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and truck traffic through improved facilities and turning movements, while reducing conflicts and supporting land uses.
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Balanced land use and transportation design
Livability and accessibility of nearby neighborhoods
Preserve truck access as needed to support commercial and industrial activity
Leverage public funds with private investment for safety and capacity improvements
Improved local access through the area
Creative solutions for multi-modal improvements
River Access
The community and visitors will have enhanced visual and physical opportunities to enjoy the river and falls through trails, open spaces both natural and within the built environment, and aquatic recreation.
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Public and private spaces woven together in a singular experience
Views of the Willamette River and Falls
Water quality and fish habitat protections
Continuous trail network
Physical access to the river’s edge
Historic Character
The community and visitors will experience a revitalized and vibrant Waterfront, while experiencing and celebrating the working and historic industrial uses and important natural, historic, and cultural resources of the area.
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Natural, historic, and cultural values are protected and embraced
Respect Native American rights and traditions along the Willamette River and Falls
Collaboration with other regional efforts
Collaboration with efforts to repair and reopen the Willamette Falls Locks
Support business viability and vitality
Maximize economic connections to Willamette Main Street