Editors Note: The planned appeal that I had filed for the new Hillsboro Hops Stadium was withdrawn just before the hearing. While there were a lot of unresolved issues, the facts indicated that for me to mount a meaningful appeal, I was required to spend almost $20,000 in personal funds to hire traffic consultants to prove our points. The City of Hillsboro had not provided much data, leaving me the only one to do it to refute the statements they had made on the record. In the end it was better for me and the process to step back and work with the situation as it is. Still unfunded and unresolved, the stadium project is moving ahead. The death of my Mother happened at the same time, which made me remember that Mom always made the best of every situation and was a great public servant- she would advise me to realize when it is time to step aside- even if I do not want to. In addition, I met with the Hops ownership, and we have entered into an agreement to develop a Washington County Sports History display in the new stadium, should it be built. This was not required, and I am happy they accepted the request and will be working with me and the Hillsboro Historical Society on this.
The Hillsboro Parks and Recreation District has posted an online statement about the new Hillsboro Hops Stadium proposal. Anyone paying attention to this hotly contested proposal knows that it will mean the destruction of three of the 6 premier recreational fields at the Gordon Faber Recreational Complex. Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation team are asking for community input and opinions about what to do as a part of the space being reinvented. Almost all of the tournaments traditionally held at the GFRC have been canceled, and the programs for the next few years will be greatly impacted. While not resolved, funding for the new ballpark seems inevitable even if the City Council needs to loan the team the money to fill the $20 Million funding gap. State and County funds are expected to be committed, too.
For the Record, let us all assume the new Stadium is a Go- assuming that fact, what do you want to see as a part of the reinvented complex?
UPDATE: Down Below you will be asked to take the survey. However, the questions all have a predetermined outcome that the new Stadium is happening. Since I posted the original story things have really heated up on Social Media and boy the Hillsboro Parks Facebook Page is full of great ideas and some really heated debate- that will not come through in the Survey I am afraid. Have a look:
From the Hillsboro Parks and Recreation Department:
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE
Plans for the replacement fields are in development and designs are based on the findings and recommendations found in the Loss of Use Report(External link). The report details the impact a new ballpark would have on community use at Gordon Faber Recreation Complex. It was developed through analysis of current and historic uses at the complex, looking at hours that would be lost and gained for the community with shifting uses among facilities there.
As the replacement fields project moves forward, community members are invited to weigh in on options for the new fields along with other potential amenities that could be incorporated into the project. Please see the survey below.
Additional background information can be found on the Hillsboro Hops Ballpark project webpage(External link).
Sadly, this survey leaves alot to be desired! Not really getting actual input and comments from the community but seems to be steering the survey for more desirable results for the city leaders who have already made their decisions. As most of us recognize, city surveys are only lip service and no attention is given anyway.
Well said Jeff–I agree completely after making more of an effort the past year to learn the full story behind what is going on in the city (thank-you Dirk–you are very helpful also!), and this is exactly what I have discovered.
…..”even if the City Council needs to loan the team the money to fill the $20 Million funding gap.” This statement leads me to believe that the City of Hillsboro has entirely too much of the taxpayers discretionary loose cash.
Dirk, what’s happened with the thousands pledged to your “GoFundMe” campaign? Some of the pledges were made “anonymously” and certainly not made for the intention of throwing in the towel.
I agree with Jeff regarding the survey. A joke! If the City of Hillsboro had an ounce of integrity they’d put this farce to a Vote of the Citizens, especially since it’s OUR MONEY they’re playing poker with! They know it would be defeated and the “Beloved” Hops would be gone.
The “loan” would never be paid back. There’s precedence for that happening!
Mike,
I put in most of the money raised. I messaged all the donors viz GoFundMe what was happening and why the appeal could not go ahead- simply put I was required to pay for tens of thousands in traffic planning to prove there existed significant risks because the City had not provided any data- not only during this approval but also during the 2012 approval and even the 1997 GFRC approval. I am out of pocket about 4K and raised about 1900 dollars, which mostly came from two donors. So far no one has asked for a refund and I offered it. I will not be made whole. We did get a concession from the team to do a Hillsboro Sports History Installment along the main entrance or seating area to pay respects to the great athletes, Men and Women, of greater Hillsboro.
In regards to the Council putting this to a Vote, well I agree. The good people of Eugene will get to Vote on their $15 Million Dollar Bond – so that is the right way to do it. https://www.opb.org/article/2023/12/15/eugene-emeralds-new-stadium-city-council-funding/
Thank you for trying to fight the worthwhile fight, and I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Take care, Dirk!
Thank you, Brian!
Happy Holidays!
Dirk
Interesting- everytime we run a story, the News Times follows- but that is a compliment. They are also keying in on the Facebook posts in which the City is just taking a pounding from people – a drubbing really! Here is the news-times story- https://www.hillsboronewstimes.com/news/hillsboro-gauges-community-feedback-on-replacing-ball-fields-at-gordon-faber-rec-complex/article_95d2adbe-9ba9-11ee-b2d5-3b2f9805eb54.html
check Out the Hillsboro Parks Department Facebook Page to join in the Fun!