Springfield is set to purchase more property in the Glenwood riverfront area.
The city’s Economic Development Agency Board unanimously approved purchasing around 0.8 acres between Franklin Boulevard and the Willamette River from two property owners for a total of $1.1 million.
The decision marks “another milestone in the effort to redevelop Glenwood’s Riverfront,” city spokeswoman Amber Fossen said.
Between SEDA and the city, that brings the total of publicly owned land for development in Glenwood to more than 12 acres stretching north from Franklin Boulevard to the bend in the Willamette River, located across the street from U-Haul Storage and the two recently constructed roundabouts on Franklin.
Springfield, which has jurisdiction over the unincorporated community, has been eyeing the area for development for some time and more recently has been looking for a partner to develop about 9.5 acres of publicly owned property within Glenwood.
Glenwood itself is a 1-square-mile area between Eugene and downtown Springfield bound by Interstate 5 to the west and south and the Willamette River to the east and north.
More:
A refinement plan for the area envisions the publicly owned properties as a vibrant riverfront neighborhood. The area would promote density and a mix of housing that incorporates commercial and hospitality opportunities as well as a focus on access to the riverfront and open spaces.
Some residents on Brooklyn Street, which is within the area the city is looking to develop, expressed concerns early on in the land discussions. They called for a more open, transparent process after two developers made proposals, one for a towering hotel and the other for a large development anchored by sports arenas that would incorporate neighboring properties.
Officials shifted gears late last spring to start looking for a developer through a request for qualifications.
SEDA, which comprises the City Council and the city’s representative on the county’s Board of Commissioners, unanimously voted in December to enter exclusive negotiations with Edlen & Co. and deChase Miksis to re-envision the Willamette riverfront on those 9.47 acres.
In July, the board issued a request for proposals seeking an experienced consultant or consulting team to prepare a master plan for the area to build on an existing refinement plan. The RFP closes Friday.
“Hiring an experienced consultant will be a significant next step in helping further refine the specific development plans for the area,” Fossen said. “We anticipate awarding the contract later this year.”
For subscribers:Facing possible eviction, Glenwood residents push back against development proposals
The 0.8 acres approved for purchase Monday are on North Concord Avenue and will be included as part of the larger development, city spokeswoman Amber Fossen said Wednesday.
The board also approved the purchase of 1.99 acres from Ramsey Properties for $1.2 million in March. That acreage is identified as “an area required for future public park, street and stormwater facilities” in the refinement plan.
Contact city government watchdog Megan Banta at mbanta@registerguard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.
