What will Portland's newest urban-renewal zone around Portland State University do?
By Beth Slovic | For The Oregonian/OregonLive
Adams in 2010 floated a much larger zone that included PSU and stretched 345 acres
from Northwest Portland to the Willamette River. Adams shrunk the plan to dampen criticism that it lacked focus and was too expensive.
Proponents:
PSU President Wim Wiewel said new classrooms and campus development would ramp up the university's research capabilities, helping to improve the region's economy. He also cheered the symbolic boost. "This clearly signals enormous support in the region for Portland State," Wiewel said.
Critics:
The League of Women Voters of Portland didn't question PSU's worthiness, but
members charged that city officials violated the spirit of state law by declaring PSU "blighted"
to make it eligible for urban renewal. The league also decried the zone's financial hit to local agencies. League member Shelley Lorenzen said Portland was going to "rob Peter to pay Paul."
Multnomah County:
To help make up for its revenue loss,
Adams also agreed to a $19 million deal with the county
, which hopes to build new headquarters for its Department of County Human Services on the PSU campus. PSU would also partner with the county on research programs.
Lincoln High School:
Adams agreed to set aside $10 million for Portland Public Schools to help it renovate the overcrowded school. But a substantial overhaul would also require that the school district pass a construction bond.
Portland State School of Business Administration:
High on PSU's wish list is the expansion of its business school, a $50 million project that would draw about $2 million from the district. The university would seek additional funding from the state.
Neuberger Hall:
One of the biggest academic buildings at PSU, Neuberger also needs new classrooms. The zone will provide $200,000 for expansion planning.
East Hall:
The building with historic flavor serves PSU's growing international student community. It would also draw money for planning purposes, about $225,000.
Startups:
The zone juts south of Interstate 405 to include two Oregon Health & Science University buildings housing 250 employees. OHSU may move the administrative offices to South Waterfront and repurpose the buildings for private startup companies that would then pay property taxes.
Affordable housing:
The zone sets aside $46 million for affordable housing projects, but specific plans for that money won't be spelled out for several years.
Beth Slovic
In 2040 dollars, Portland would forgo about $70 million in taxes, Multnomah County would forgo $68 million and the state schools fund would forgo about $75 million over the life of Portland's new 28-year urban renewal district. An article in Friday's newspaper gave incorrect figures for the forgone taxes.