Congress Square – Page 5 – The Portland Press Herald

Proposal to protect Portland parklands advances

The Portland City Council moves toward a June referendum on the plan even as the city fights the measure.

The Friends of Congress Square Park seek a June vote making it harder for the city to sell open spaces.

The effort aims to prevent development of Congress Square Plaza, which the city sold last year.

Congress Square is not a historic park worth preserving.

The square has never been seriously developed, and the city’s decision to sell the park makes that possible.

by Richard B. Anderson November 9, 2013June 9, 2014

A referendum protects the public interest.

Election Day proves to be a boon to the group opposing the sale of Congress Square Plaza.

But councilors who voted to sell part of the space ignored vision statements and the will of constituents.

The group hoping to put limits on the sale of Portland parks can collect signatures while the city appeals.

The city of Portland may be on shaky legal ground, but on the issue of good government, it is correct.