Frequently Asked Questions | Campus Expansion

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Frequently Asked Questions

Campus Expansion: Frequently Asked Questions

Did the University of Portland purchase the Triangle Park property? The University finalized its purchase of the Triangle Park property in December 2008.

Is the University of Portland also intending to acquire the McCormick and Baxter site? We will continue to discuss opportunities for the site with the DEQ, the EPA, the current owner, and any other necessary parties.

What does the University of Portland intend to do with the Triangle Park property? The University will initiate a planning process with its public partners including the City of Portland, DEQ, EPA, and neighborhood stakeholders to determine the most appropriate use for the property. We anticipate this process taking the better part of the next few years.

Will the University move classroom buildings or dormitories to the waterfront?

It’s premature to reach conclusions about any specific uses for the waterfront property. We are excited about the opportunities for natural resource restoration, a new Greenway, a Greenway trail along the river, as well as opportunities for stewardship of the natural resources through our growing environmental science program. There is a real opportunity here to take blighted and contaminated industrial land and restore it under the stewardship of the University of Portland as a public asset. The balance of the property could be developed with a variety of University of Portland facilities including recreational, educational, and otherwise.

What is the status of the clean-up on the Triangle Park and McCormick and Baxter properties?

We are currently discussing the status of remediation for the Triangle Park property with both DEQ and EPA. DEQ has conducted significant testing of the Triangle Park property and has reached conclusions regarding the required remediation. We will continue our discussions with DEQ regarding the scope of clean-up activities necessary to accommodate future uses. Based on our discussions with DEQ, we do not anticipate any significant issues with the remediation or clean-up status of the property.

As to McCormick and Baxter, we understand that the remediation of that site was to be completed in the fall of 2005 under an EPA/DEQ order.

What are the contaminants on the property? Are they leaching into the river and are they dangerous to human health?

The University of Portland will consult, on an ongoing basis, with both the EPA and DEQ to assure that all of the University’s activities on the property are consistent with the protection of human health and the environment.

What planning activities will need to occur before the University of Portland can develop the property?

The City of Portland has rezoned the property to accommodate University of Portland uses. Before any development of the property commences, the University of Portland must submit a master plan outlining its projected uses for the property. During the planning process the University of Portland will seek the advice of the City of Portland and its affected agencies, including the Portland Department of Transportation and the Bureau of Planning. It will also seek the advice of the EPA, DEQ, and neighborhood stakeholders.

Will the University of Portland be building new access roads to traverse the bluff?

The extent of transportation improvements necessary for the property will be based in large part on our upcoming planning process. The level and magnitude of transportation improvements will be based on the types of activities that will occur on the waterfront property. Until we have determined those activities, it is difficult to project the type or level of transportation improvements. What we can say is there will be improvement.

The City of Portland recently adopted a Willamette River Industrial Urban Renewal Area for properties just to the south. Based on a City study, these properties to the south were determined to be fit for industrial development and redevelopment. The Triangle Park property was excluded from the Industrial URA based on an evaluation by the City of Portland.

What reaction have you received from the University Park Neighborhood Association?

The University of Portland’s liaison to the UPNA has been providing regular progress updates on the Triangle Park property to the UPNA membership. We will continue to meet with UPNA and seek the advice of UPNA in our planning activities. This property will allow the University to expand away from the neighborhood residences, which is positive for the overall neighborhood. The University campus provides many assets to the immediate neighborhood and the community, and we anticipate that this expansion will help us provide additional public benefits.

Is the City supportive of University of Portland expansion?

The City of Portland has been very helpful in our discussions and has provided guidance on the future planning process. As we have submitted no plans to the City of Portland, it would be premature to speculate on the City’s position. However, this expansion will allow the University of Portland to enhance its presence in the City, continue its mission on The Bluff for the next 100 years, and deliver significant economic, educational, and community benefits to the region.