Over the past 18 months the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability staff have been talking with interested groups and individuals during topic-specific meetings and community walks along the river as well as at visioning sessions, open houses and meetings hosted by others. River planners used this information to the develop the River Plan / South Reach Discussion Draft. View the Discussion Draft here. Comments on the Discussion Draft are due on Nov. 27, 2019.
What’s in it?
The River Plan / South Reach is an update to the Willamette Greenway Plan for the south reach of the Willamette River.The Discussion Draft includes the following early recommendations:
Watershed Health and Resilience
- Apply new River Overlay zones, which include a 50-foot river setback and new bird-safe glazing, exterior lighting and landscaping requirements.
- Update floodplain development regulations to reduce flood risk and expand salmon and steelhead habitat.
- Identify habitat restoration opportunities in key river and upland areas.
Recreation and Scenic Resources
- Increase access to in the Willamette Greenway Trail network.
- Complete planning and identify implementation funding for the Ross Island/Oaks Bottom/Sellwood Riverfront Park complex and the former Staff Jennings site.
- Develop culturally specific City programming and activities.
- Allow a small amount of river recreation-supportive retail in three South Reach parks.
- Expand partnerships that address boater education, safety and enforcement.
- Designate and protect the unique views of the South Reach.
Tribal Engagement and Collaboration
- Work with tribal nations and the urban native community to identify culturally significant locations, natural resources and practices that honor and perpetuate tribal customs, traditions and culture.
Riverfront Communities
- Ensure all nearby neighborhoods have safe and convenient access to the riverfront.
- Improve coordination and services to the houseless communities, while reducing impacts on natural resources.
Learn more at an open house
Project staff are hosting an open house to share information about the discussion draft and hear what community members have to say about it. Refreshments will be provided.