What's Happening in Tigard, OR…

Tigard is considering construction of a multimodal bridge and/or pedestrian and bike bridge over Highway 217, and is looking for input from residents.

Community engagement coordinator for the community development department of Tigard, Lauren Scott, said the pedestrian/bike bridge would be able to provide greater access to trails and parks for residents while the multimodal bridge would connect commercial areas. Flyer printing is often used for providing more details about such projects to enable residents to make informed decisions.

Scott added that these are potential crossings for the future which is why city officials are looking for feedback from residents about whether such crossings should be built. Should there be support for any of these projects, Tigard would then conduct technical and financial feasibility studies.

This is part of the city’s Washington Square Regional Center plan. The plan includes the demolition of the existing Sear’s store which could be replaced by office space, a grocery store, housing, a cinema, or a hotel. Other aspects of the plan include offering a wide range of housing options with opportunities for businesses to use existing buildings which are vacant as tall mixed-use buildings are not likely to be built and a focus on outcomes financial in nature that will enable the region to function better.

Tigard will have an online interactive open house for input from residents, which will be open until the end of the month.