After an outpouring of public concern at a hearing on February 12, the Gorge Commission has decided that they will keep the record open and continue to take public comment on the proposed destination resort.  The Commission will continue to hear in-person testimony at their next meeting on March 11. Great job to everyone who who spoke out against the urban-scale development!

Questions:  kelley@gorgefriends.org  503-241-3762x110

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION!

Broughton Destination Resort proposal: hundreds pour out to oppose housing development posing as a resort

With 200 people in the audience and testimony running two to one against the Gorge Commission Director's recommendation for the largest development proposal in the National Scenic Area, the Gorge Commission decided to keep the record open and take the issue back up at their March 11 meeting. Great job to everyone who who spoke out!

To learn more about what you can do, please contact: kelley@gorgefriends.org

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Oregonian Editorial Board Takes on Resort (2/14/08)

Congressman Blumenauer opposes the amendment.

Click here for talking points on the latest report.

Click here to read the Director's Report.

Click here to read more.

The resort proposal has been a source of contention for over a year, garnering over 1,000 public comments, with the vast majority opposed to a large-scale resort. Currently, the property is zoned “commercial recreation” because of the adjacent state park and nearby windsurfing site. The current zoning allows a “rustic resort” that includes 35 cabins, 175 camp spots and limited commercial development to support recreation activities. While Broughton Lumber Company claims that that current allowable uses are not economically feasible, ECONorthwest, the largest economic consulting firm in the region, studied the site and determined that redevelopment under the current allowable uses is economically feasible and more consistent with the recreation needs of the Gorge. EcoNorthwest report counters claims made by the Broughton Lumber Company that redevelopment under the existing rules is not economically feasible. Read more about the study in The Columbian.

A growing group of organizations and individuals oppose the plan amendment including: The Sierra Club of Oregon and Washington, Colulmbia Riverkeeper, Futurewise, 1,000 Friends of Oregon and The Washington Environmental Council. 

CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION! Send a letter to Gorge Commission and let them know that a huge private destination resort does not belong within a National Scenic Area at a world-renown recreation site. 

Read the Oregonian report on the Plan Amendment