UPDATED! Milwaukie Elks Club Saved From Smart Growthers

November 19, 2012

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As one Clackastani Rebel put it, “Elections have consequences.”

Plans to raze the venerable Milwaukie Elks Club and replace it with section 8 housing to accommodate its proximity to future (unwanted) light rail has been deep sixed.

“…County Administrator Steve Wheeler realized a majority of the five board members did not support the project moving forward, county spokesman Tim Heider said.
“The support for it had just evaporated,” Heider said. “It was clear from Steve’s conversations with individual commissioners that there was no support for it.”

And then the Oregonian reported:

 John Ludlow, the incoming chairman who beat current Chairwoman Charlotte Lehan in the Nov. 6 election, e-mailed county commissioners and Wheeler this morning requesting they delay any decisions on the option agreement for the Elks site.

“It is my intention, once I am chair, to initiate a termination of the purchase,” Ludlow wrote. “I am confident I will have a board majority to support the decision.”

The nonpartisan board will switch to a 3-2 Republican advantage next year with many expecting policy shifts from the current board, where Democrats enjoy a 4-1 advantage.

Here’s the letter newly elected Chair John Ludlow sent out to County officials:

The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners
Dear Commissioners,
In the spirit of cooperation with the upcoming board membership changes, I request that you avoid making any decisions regarding the option to purchase the Elks property.
 
It is now well known that the membership is overwhelmingly opposed to the sale of their facility and a preservation effort has been underway.
 
It is my intention, once I am chair, to initiate a termination of the purchase. I am confident I will have a board majority to support this decision.
 
I am additionally concerned that board action towards this purchase, which in part involves the stated purpose of assisting TriMet’s Light Rail parking structure access and egress, may require a county wide public vote under the recently passed measure 3-401.
 
I thank you for you understanding. 
 
John
John Ludlow
Clackamas County Commission Chair-Elect
503-682-3419

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