City of Gresham

Who's going to build a $30 million Rockwood catalyst project?

Josh Furher, Exec Dir Rockwood Development Commission

City councilors make a pick By this time next year, construction crews could begin building a $30 million economic campus where city leaders hope Rockwood and Gresham residents will learn, shop and make money.

Source: The Oregonian/OregonLive
November 17, 2015

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On Tuesday, Gresham City Council members approved the selection of the project's developer who will help pay for the project and bring in an architectural firm to design a 5.5-acre campus for technology, media, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Rockwood residents should also find restaurants, banking services and grocery items in an area that's seen major chains close their doors.

City leaders have so far found funding sources of about $11.5 million to $12.5 million of that cost to build at the project location, called by officials as the catalyst site. With a population of about 16,500, Rockwood is known for its high rates of poverty and crime but also its diversity and youth.

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"There are a lot of young smart people and a lot of great ideas that don't have an opportunity at this point," City Councilor Mario Palmero said. "I still think the American dreams lives in Gresham more than anywhere in the state of Oregon."

City Council members chose RKm Development, owned by Roy Kim, over two other candidates: Pate Retail and Hanlon Development. RKm built Bethany Village, a mixed-use development of residences, office and retail spaces just north of Beaverton. The developer will work with YBA Architects and Robert H. Foster Consultants on the project, according to their proposal.

Architects and designers would be influenced by Latin American, Northern European and Asian elements, such as "eclectic architecture, non-traditional plant materials, and a wide color palette," according to their proposal.

"To capture a multi-ethnic experience, the public spaces and circulation would take cues from Latin American urban plazas and Asian market streets while also acknowledging the nascent block structure of the immediate vicinity," the RKm proposal states.

More below the break

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Thu Oct 01, 2015 6PM-8PM Where: Gresham City Hall Rooms 2A and 2B 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

This is a Community Forum designed to ask for public input on the DCIP-8 project. DCIP-8 is a broad ranging project that, among other things, will review which sections of the Development Code should be moved to the GRC, how requests for Reasonable Accommodation under the Fair Housing Act should be processed and whether there should be changes made to current Design Review categories.

Read more about the DCIP-8 project.

More info
Contact Ann Pytynia at 503-618-2859 or Ann.Pytynia@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Mon Oct 05, 2015 6PM-9PM Where: Gresham City Hall Springwater Trail Rm 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Gresham-Ebetsu Sister City Association is a volunteer-based non-profit that works in the local community to promote and strengthen our educational, economic and cultural ties and enrich the lives of our citizens by contributing to world peace and prosperity.

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Contact Aaron Abrams at 503-618-2482 or Aaron.Abrams@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Tue Oct 06, 2015 6PM-8PM Where: Gresham City Hall Council Chambers 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

Regular Council meetings allow necessary City business to be dealt with, such as citizen recognition, citizen advisory committee reports, bid awards, resolutions, ordinances, public hearings, etc. Regular Council meetings are streamed live on the City's website. For more information contact the City Recorder at 503-618-2697.

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Read more about Council meetings.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:30PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall HR Training Rm 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Citizen Involvement Committee advises the Council on the development, implementation and maintenance of programs designed to facilitate citizen involvement, engagement and to foster a deliberative process between residents and the City. For more information about the Citizen Involvement Committee please contact Aaron Abrams at 503-618-2482.

More info
Contact Teresa Hall at 503-618-2871 or email Teresa.Hall@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:30PM-8PMM Where: Gresham City Hall Council Chambers 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Design Commission is the primary advising subcommittee to the City Council on design excellence for the built environment of the city.

More info
Contact Jamie Thomes at 503-618-2842 or Jamie.Thomes@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Mon Oct 12, 2015 6:30PM-8PM Where: Gresham City Hall Springwater Trail Rm 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Planning Commission advises City Council on long-range, comprehensive planning and land use issues within the city.

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Contact Tammy Richardson at 503-618-2401 or Tammy.Richardson@GreshamOregon.gov.

Coalition of Gresham Neighborhoods When: Tue Oct 13, 2015 7PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Oregon Trail Room 1333 NW Eastman Pky Get Map!

Public welcome
The Coalition of Gresham Neighborhood Associations was formed to provide structure and support for the leadership of Gresham's neighborhood associations, enabling more effective cooperation among neighborhood associations in order to achieve desired outcomes. Goals of the Coalition include providing a public forum for the review and evaluation of issues and problems, providing education and information on specific areas such as land use, and providing a unified voice for the neighborhood associations.

The Coalition meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7:00PM

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Wed Oct 14, 2015 6:30PM-8:30PM CANCELLED Where: Gresham City Hall Oregon Trail Rm 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Gresham Redevelopment Commission Advisory Committee (GRDCAC) meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The GRDCAC advises the Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) on the implementation of urban renewal plans.

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Contact Cecille Turley, Urban Renewal Program Technician, at 503-618-2545 or Cecille.Turley@GreshamOregon.gov.

Get Involved, Make a Difference When: Thu Oct 15, 2015 6:30PM-8:30PM Where: Gresham City Hall Room 2A 1333 NW Eastman Pky Gresham, OR Get Map!

The Natural Resources and Sustainability Committee advises the Gresham City Council on policy development matters and actions related to the protection, restoration and enhancement of:

• Natural resources
• Watershed health
• Water quality
• Fish and wildlife habitat
• Urban tree canopy
• Provision of public health
• Development, improvement and expansion of city parks, trails, and green space for present and future generations

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Contact Christa Thompson at 503-618-2525 or Christa.Thompson@GreshamOregon.gov.