Editors Note: The Friends of North Plains Smart Growth is a grassroots organization of local people who rose up to challenge their City by doubling the size of their wonderful little town overnight. A better group of folks you will never meet. Along with the 1000 Friends of Oregon, the group presents a documentary screening that any Oregonian, both old-timers and newcomers, can benefit from seeing. We all live in this place we call Oregon, with the benefits set down by our leaders in the 1960s and 1970s. Their actions, led by legendary man and Governor Tom McCall, made Oregon what it is today. If we are to continue to enjoy these natural resources, beaches, mountains, and way of life, we all must take a stand. Now is the time. Can we save the Tualatin Valley, which has become ground zero in the battle of big smokestack industries versus people and farmland? That remains to be seen. I encourage you all to get involved and vested in this matter. This film will be an important tool in the understanding of what we must do and the history of how we got here. I hope you all attend or get involved.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friends of North Plains Smart Growth
Monday, January 15, 2024
Documentary on Land Use Planning, Screening in North Plains on January 28
North Plains – Governor Tom McCall’s overarching purpose for the Oregon’s Land Use Program was to enhance the quality of life for all Oregonians. It’s a tall order, but for the last 50 years, the program’s 19 goals have helped Oregon not only protect beaches, working land, and habitat, but also incentivize industry and housing at all income levels.
“Clustering development, preventing sprawl, and putting the right housing and industry in the right places is not only the most efficient way to build livable cities, it also protects surrounding farmland, forests and habitat at the same time,” said Aaron Nichols, farmer at Stoneboat Farm and board member of event sponsor Farmland First. Intentional planning is also good for our climate. By a conservative estimate, Oregon’s land use planning program reduces greenhouse gas emissions due to land conversion by 1.7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide per year in Western Oregon alone.
To learn more about this program that has helped prevent the Willamette Valley from becoming Orange County, join Farmland First, Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District, 1000 Friends of Oregon, and Save Helvetia for a Free screening of the new documentary An Oregon Story: Saving our Beaches, Farmland & More.
The feature-length documentary highlights Oregon’s innovative land-use planning program that has been a model for the nation. Through a compelling blend of archival footage and interviews, the film honors both the visionaries who established these vital policies and the dedicated individuals who have defended them over the past 50 years.
When: Sunday, January 28, from 3-5pm
Where: Jessie Mays Community Center, 30975 NW Hillcrest St, North Plains
Free! No need to RSVP
What: 10 min intro followed by 1 hour 20 minute screening of the documentary, followed by a 30-minute panel of experts in land use and urban design.
Snacks and beverages will be provided. Children are welcome.
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Just seeing this now, on Jan 29th. Is the movie available online to view? Do you know?