Letters in Support - Rick Gruen

An annexation to be proud of. An annexation that is good for the community, good for the economy and good for the environment. Imagine that this was right here in our Oregon City. It can be if you, like me, vote to support the annexation of this wonderful Beavercreek property that is the bridge between our urban growth needs and rural roots.

As an Oregon City resident, and for the past two years, I have been a part of the County’s Green Ribbon Committee, a committee tasked to identify local economic opportunities for our agriculture and natural resource based industries. As part of our work, the Green Ribbon Committee saw great potential in the idea of a Green Economy Center – a place where local people, businesses, organizations and higher education can connect to benefit from emerging green building, renewable technology, as well as our increasing desire for locally produced foods. That place turned out to be the Oregon City Golf Course.

Annexation of the Oregon City Golf Course, showcasing the Herberger family’s vision to preserve and incorporate the rich tradition and history of this site into a 21st century livable community is the right thing to do. This annexation supports the Beavercreek Concept Plan adopted earlier by the City of Oregon City and Oregon City stakeholders.

Open space, golf course, walking trails, green jobs and education, low impact development, local food supply, walkable neighborhoods, sidewalk cafes, community gardens and a pubic meeting place. These are all good things for Oregon City. The Oregon City Golf Course – an annexation we are proud to vote yes on.

Rick Gruen