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Surprising amount of expertise and passion in our city! The Lake Oswego Sustainability Network
With around 40 attendees, we had an exploratory meeting to determine if there is interest in forming a sustainability group in Lake Oswego. The answer was an enthusiastic "yes!". The purpose is to give a voice to those who favor a sustainable and livable city, to support the many interests and projects of our members and to create the camaraderie and pleasure that allows people to enjoy getting involved in their city. We will be meeting every two months and keeping in touch with this newsletter and facebook. Contact us or check out our next meeting if you want to be involved.
NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON DECEMBER 11TH AT 5:30 PM. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
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Seven reasons that now is the best time to get involved in Lake Oswego:
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There is more change happening, right now, than we have seen in years!*
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This change is happening fast
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The changes will dramatically affect how Lake Oswego looks and feels
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Our city leaders are often responsive to citizen input. Even a few people who are organized can make a difference.
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Many believe that the sustainability voice is being lost -- that opponents are framing the issues and dominating the discourse.
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Involvement can chase away apathy and depression, and, if you pay attention and work with a team, it can be easy and fun!
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We have a great group to make things easy for you and provide information and support.
*The Wizer Block, The Kruse Way development, Potential development at the WEB site, The Boone's Ferry, Lake Grove project, The potential North Anchor project, to name a few of the upcoming changes |
Why the Boone's Ferry Project matters to all of us
A committed group of Lake Oswego business owners and residents have been working to improve Lake Grove since 1999. In 2008, a plan was adopted by the city council. In 2012 the city's citizens showed their support by voting for the first phase of the plan: a bond for $5 million. We expect to get an additional $4 million from the State's department of transportation. However, the whole plan costs $26 million. Here is why the plan matters to all of us: 1) The plan will increase safety. The current lack of safe crossing and turn signals will cause accidents. 2) The plan will help our school children. Currently children have no safe way to walk to Lake Grove Elementary! 3) The plan will increase walkability, bike access, attractiveness and livability. This type of change is important for residents and business owners. Studies show that there is a 116% premium for walkable retail, and property values increase near walkable areas. This plan will help us keep local businesses and jobs. 4) The plan will help promote health and the environment. Walking and biking reduces obesity and other health issues, and reduces smog and greenhouse gasses. 5) New water management plans will keep our water cleaner; 6) Local citizens and business leaders have worked on and supported this plan for years. 6) The plan is financially sound. 7) The Oregon Department of Transportation's grant will be lost if we don't go forward; 8) Lake Oswego voters have supported the plan. Lets keep the commitment to the Lake Grove area. Please consider writing to council members supporting the project or attending the November 19th Council meeting (see events calendar). |
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