Our last article riled up thousands of folks. That drove a lot of them to City Hall tonight. This reporter has NEVER seen in 40 years the level of manipulation, favoritism, and Bullshittery we saw – it was a total mess. The Governor sent her staff and hid in Maldonia Hall, I suppose- one staffer tried to be kind, and the rest bullied people trying to get questions answered or to have a chance to speak. I will have a full report tomorrow – but here is a lead-up. This is our new podcast, The Western Valley. Our stories will be picked up and converted into an AI-driven podcast that will always be 110% on-topic, targeted, and shared worldwide.
The good thing about being treated like a dog by the Governor’s right hand, Anca Matica, in your hometown is that you get motivated to double down. This Gen Z 20-something was rude and subjected me to the worst form of denials, non-answers, and deflections. She knew who I was and would not let me testify, ask questions, or respond when I asked why we were being stuffed into the small room at City Hall when 150 opposition folks were rallying outside. She refused to offer to be equitable to those with disabilities and who had no seats. I tried twice, and she said, “No comment.” I spoke to City Manager Robby Hammond, who told me the Governor’s team chose the small room. I went back and forth, and Anca shut me down- They were determined to have the opposition in a separate room with no chance for actual testimony or comment. The Governor copped out and hid in Salem, not wanting to face the people of Hillsboro who, up until tonight, have NEVER been told about this 373-acre expansion.
If Tina’s staff would treat a fellow Democrat like this, imagine what they would do to a Republican. These are not politicians- these are Autocrats (someone who insists on complete obedience from others; an imperious or domineering person) and are the worst form of leaders. They answer to the highest bidder and then use words like Equity and Inclusion as cover, and they would not know what those terms were if they bit them in the ass. Over 20 people testified tonight from a liberal democratic perspective to focus on saving farmland. Kotek’s people almost seemed to be laughing, and US Senator Ron Wyden’s staffer scoffed at each one of them. Again, some of these elitist Democrats, with their heads up their backsides, who spend too much time on Instagram, actually were scoffing at and demeaning brilliant people with lived experiences, farms, and degrees that they will never hope to have. It was deplorable. If you are sitting here in Hillsboro, North Plains, Washington County, or Portland and asking yourself, “Why would anyone ever back or believe Trump?” look no further than the self-entitled elitist Democrat.
If I am nothing, then the people of Hillsboro, who I write for, represent, and have been with for 60 years, must be nothing. And if that is what you think, well, hang on- because you are going to get a good old Washington County ass whooping before this is over, metaphorically speaking. And if any of you want to go for the real thing- send your best. I am right here! ;)
Welcome to The West Valley. Now, we expand our base to all of Washington County West of the River—ooh, baby! I like that, but I guess you are not worried. After all, it’s not like we make up 50% of the State’s economy, right? Keep up with your siloed echo chamber that makes you believe you run the World. I must break the bad news to you that you do not. Your power is fleeting and very limited. Those of us standing and bearing witness to all you do and the layers of false theatrical gyrations you continue to put out are not fooled- please know that your days are numbered. You might claim to be a Democrat. But you are as fragile and fleeting as the MAGA extremists who have ruined the GOP. You will not ruin our Oregon.
Bottom line? That was a bullshit meeting; you all had a plan worked out weeks ahead of time, and as many of those wonderful people testified tonight said, this was inequitable, it was NOT inclusive, and as a group who is pushing this through, you were all exposed. We see you, we know who you are, and we will always be here.
Now, tomorrow we get down to business!
I watched the meeting from the East Coast. Late night for me. I was surprised to see so many members of the NW Hillsboro Alliance being allowed to speak in the very limited time that was allotted for public comment. They were united in their effort to bring in the 1700 acres. So, were they just the first ones in line, or were they allowed to push an agenda? Hmmm.
They were there early and took up the meeting space which was the small room. The meeting was set up in the small room knowing that the crowd was huge and that the opponents were outside at a published rally. I asked the Governor’s staff why we were being placed in the small room, she said it was the Cities decision. I immediately asked City Manager Robbie Hammond, and he said the Governor’s staff decided. I went right back to them, and she said “No Comment- I am not discussing it”. The cards were stacked in favor, I turned in early as a neutral, and was never called and I demanded to know why- they were going to look into it. The money was flowing all over the room – it was sickening.
P.S. The map of the Alliance’s plan: http://nwhillsboro.org/concept-plan.html
The view from up here: The Alliance is built not to show cracks. There’s grave concern (given the age of some of them, literally) that the growth boundary won’t get across Jackson School otherwise and that they won’t get paid.
Their concept plan wants the land north of Scotch Church road (where many of them and their offspring live) to go industrial). A sticking point with “the whole 1,700” is that their plan specifically wanted to avoid some ugliness by making the land south of Scotch Church to Evergreen residential.
The farm folk are right that this is great farmland, and that the irrigated/non-irrigated status of it shouldn’t matter given what tends to thrive there. But the landowners surrounding me have always had a different vision of what this area would look like than the folks up there. They want a neighborhood that connects to Jackson School and Fishback Creek and the rest of it. They want services and amenities. If they can’t move farm equipment around freely anymore, they want to at least be able to walk places.
To my knowledge, those discussions are still happening. However, in their view, it’s all a nonstarter if they’re left out of the expansion. Given the recent residential development on the lower side of Evergreen, there are neighbors who’ve already invested heavily in their direction. The Scotch Church folks seem to think the rest of us are just going to go along to get along. If “the whole 1,700” comes to pass, I think they’ll be surprised by who doesn’t.
They shouldn’t be: There have been blank spots on their map for a long time. They’ll call it “neighbor against neighbor,” but they’re very particular about who receives that designation.
We got our very first look at a map for sewer and water plans from the City Last night. They have had 4 years to prepare maps for North Hillsboro in terms of sewer and water designs- and they still have not done it. There are hundreds of acres of land inside the UGB in North Hillsboro ready to go, and they still have no plans. That is embarassing and telling. They do not want to plan what they already have in as it does not serve the false narrative of “we have no industrial land”. It is very sad. It was very telling to see Tom V hugging Sollman, and new City Council candidate, EJ Case. The NWHLA also stacked the small conference room and the comment cards- all the droning on about the 1.700 acres was really more about needing to get paid than anything else. It is understandable given the fact that the uptick in value is somewhere North of $1.2 Billion dollars – that money will buy a whole lot of cheese and maybe some better farmland- or a nice island in the Pacific.
The work continues!
I expect this from the state level, they are looking out for statewide interests. It’s when the local politicians and staff don’t look out for local interests to provide balance between the two that bothers me…
Wow! This is quite the heated write-up. Putting the name calling and cussing aside, for a moment – does this expansion not allow Hillsboro to create good, white collar jobs? Or will it really lead to crummy, polluting industry? Do we know?
And what about these specific tracts of land is so important that turning away (presumably) white-collar jobs and money is worthwhile, and who actually benefits from doing so? Have you asked the farmers/families who own the land?
I get the sense sometimes that the opposition is railing against the destruction of this bucolic fantasy of farmers tilling the soil, but, frankly, it was economic growth and opportunities like this that made Hillsboro the comfortable community it is today. Now the homeowners and residents who already “got theirs”, so to speak, are seemingly rushing to pull the ladder up behind them, ignoring others who would like a chance at the same economic growth they benefited from to “preserve” land that they don’t have a direct hand in stewarding…they just like the view and idea of living in the country *shrug*
But maybe I’m missing the truly nefarious plot in all this. Multi-national companies and state government are big, complex creatures and journalists are truly the warriors on the front-lines. Thanks for what you do. Hopefully I’m not in the minority in thinking that good jobs are a good thing, and if Intel and the CHIPs act can /actually/ bring them, we should put the security and wealth of future-generations front and center.
I mostly agree with this. We produce such a surplus of foodstuffs that the gov needs to subsidize farmers. Let’s use that land for things that ensure our security in a less globalized and capital rich world. This isn’t the 90s anymore.
George (or is it Tom?);
If you want to participate in our Digital Town hall here, you need to do better than “george@cheese.com” as your email address. Funny though!
“We produce such a surplus of foodstuffs that the gov needs to subsidize farmers.”
This is not 1929 and those are not the reasons why modern government provides farm subsidies. The U.S. government subsidizes farms with crop insurance, which prevents farms from being wiped out in the event of say, wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes or unusually hot or cold years. It subsidizes marketing and export aid (kind of similar to what it does with the tech industry). It also subsidizes modernization of existing land and cultivation practices.
Besides, the overwhelming majority of farm subsidies go to wheat, corn and soy producers. Very little of it ends up in the hands of fruit, meat, small dairy, wine or grass-seed producers… which is what we have in our corner of the world
It helps to have farmers in the discussion.
“Let’s use that land for things that ensure our security in a less globalized and capital rich world. This isn’t the 90s anymore.”
You’ll be stunned to learn that food security in a changing climate is one of those things that comes in handy in a “less globalized” or “capital rich” world. Also, if you’re positing that only new tech facilities can save us, then it shouldn’t matter if they’re in Arizona, Ohio or New York—or if they’re built on sites with existing infrastructure rather than farmland.
Appreciate all these details Jason–makes so much sense, we can’t always assume we can import the amount of food that we do now (I heard 50% quoted at the hearing). I have always felt Industrializing this prime farmland is short sighted–of course Big Money tends to fuel this focus in government.
You clearly have not been following the money, the land owners manipulations, political donations, or the long history of land policies in Oregon. Let me just say this. Almost no Hillsboro citizens spoke last night. There has not been 1 meeting on this matter in which the people of Hillsboro were informed about any of it. The Mayor, some councilors, and other staff have been in protracted meetings outside our City Limits, had provate meetings at City Hall, and refuse to answer any questions. There has been no process, no transparency, and no community input. Having been here 60 years I can assure you that is not how we built Hillsboro into what it is. That process will not work either. Hillsboro at this point is simply the jobs center for the State to gain tax revenues from. That is why who we heard from last not were not local, have lived here, and they all forgot to ask our peolpe if this was all OK.
Hi Dirk – thanks so much for taking the time to reply. I’ve mainly been following this issue from your articles and others on OPB and OregonLive .
I agree with your point that transparency is always best in government dealings at all levels – I’m sure these conversations might be different had that been the case from the beginning! If this does actually move forward, I am hopeful that the project really is as much of a win as it looks on paper. But, it seems like there aren’t a lot of concrete details to be had, yet. Plus, as a member of the real-world, I certainly understand the cynicism. I just can’t help but support job-creation in an economic setting with as many changes as the rest of this decade promises to bring, and want to contend that the tract of land under discussion likely offers a far greater net-positive to the area through a project like this CHIPS Act funding represents- but maybe that’s just the democrat in me speaking ;) Thanks again for your engagement!
Here is the thing- there is no proposal to build anyuthing here- they are reacting to the “very good chance” we have when the Governor last year said a Cityb would have to have a real offer from a real company for her to do this. Now we are going to do it and then hope if they don’t come they will take it out. I have said it has to be this site – if any. Has to!! Thanks and let’s stay in touch!
Your sense is the same as mine. We have a group of people that simply do not want Hillsboro to grow. They are here, they got theirs, now everyone else go find someplace else to live and work.
You are not in the minority. Most people do want good paying jobs and the lack of turnout last night supports that. It would be generous to say a few hundred people in a city of 110K showed up last night and that was both sides. I was there and there were plenty of empty seats available in the overflow room. Seats in the main room were first come / first served and the opposition decides to do their rally outside until 5 minutes before the meeting started and then seemed shocked that there were not any seats left in the main room.
When you say that people “got theirs” what does that mean? Almost no one from inside Hillsboro testified last night. So what exactly are the “got theirs” people in possession of? You do know that Hillsboro sits at 52% Renters and 48% owners – not a whole lot of “Got” in that statistic. And your right, it was not a Q and A Session – those do not exist in Hillsboro, not on this matter and not on any matter. That is one of the most contentious points. This entire deal has been done in private and records requests are being denied.
You have perhaps only been in Oregon only 10 years or so? That would mean you have no idea about why Oregon is so nice and why Oregonians appreciate how we got here. This isn’t Michigan, or Alabama, or Tennessee. This is Oregon. And the people of Hillsboro have given up their countryside, billions in tax breaks, and more in the name of Progress. We want other communities to succeed, too.
When discussing the “good white collar jobs” created by land use in North Hillsboro, it would serve us to look east of Jackson to the vast tracts of data centers that, if we’re lucky, are manned by a couple of dozen people apiece.
The largest job creator within that bloc is Amazon, and that facility like could’ve been built on Majestic property across Brookwood if developers had planned ahead and not dove at Topgolf, big-lot retail and go-kart light industrial.
The people who are “railing against the destruction of this bucolic fantasy of farmers tilling the soil” are doing so because they’re, largely, farmers tilling the soil. They realize the importance of what that soil produces, and what’s lost once it’s paved over. The Ponzis were part of the “economic growth” here before a chip was ever produced. They helped make this valley a wine-producing region and partnered with Oregon State to produce the hops that built BridgePort Brewing and much of Oregon’s beer industry.
“Now the homeowners and residents who already “got theirs”, so to speak, are seemingly rushing to pull the ladder up behind them, ignoring others who would like a chance at the same economic growth.” Who “got theirs” and is still here? Those who “got theirs” moved on and left data centers in their wake long ago. If they’re lucky, the family name’s on an Intel campus. The companies that came after them spurred “economic growth”—the land owners just sold out, which doesn’t require much more than a good hand for signing.
“ignoring others who would like a chance at the same economic growth they benefited from to “preserve” land that they don’t have a direct hand in stewarding…they just like the view and idea of living in the country *shrug* Hey, we get it: You want to sell pappy’s farm. Well guess what? We know your doughy, lazy generation had as much experience working the land as the people across Evergreen with pools and a nice view of the range. Let’s not pretend you “had a hand” in anything here. You don’t want a chance at “economic growth,” you want to cash in and get out. That’s fine, but those of us who happen to like it here would rather not be stuck with the concrete boxes, vapor stacks, server rows and empty hallways you, for some reason, equate with “jobs.”
“if Intel and the CHIPs act can /actually/ bring them.” Clearly, you haven’t read Word 1 of what’s going on with Intel lately. And the only part of your statement that rings true is the “wealth of future generations.” You’re the portion of the North Hillsboro group that stands up at meetings and dances around that point: Just say it. Say “I want money because I don’t know how I’ll retire or provide for children otherwise.” It’s OK! It’s a far more believable reason than “economic growth” or “national security”… especially when you slobs were over at Evergreen Church talking “walkable neighborhoods” a few months ago. Show me where the CHIPS Act provides those.
I’m so curious as to why your responses always include personal insults? Certainly your point could be made without them?
I’m curious why you don’t stay on topic, “Bob.” We’re talking about homes and lives up here—not just theoretical jobs. That’s deeply personal. And when you’re talking about switching rural designation around residences to industrial and expecting people to go along or get out, it’s only going to get more so, friend.
Hi Jason – No need to call me or others a “slob” or members of a “doughy, lazy generation”. I appreciate a keyboard warrior as much as the next person! You’ve got a lot of strong feelings, and that’s commendable :) Thanks for taking the time to write out your thoughts on this topic.
:Hey Jules, I’ll call you what I like. That’s my name up there, unlike the “keyboard warrior” neighbors of mine who do all of their talking anonymously.
But the lazy, slovenly, coattail-riding, latter-day inheritors who spend more time applying bronzer or foundation than they do spreading seed or fertilizer get ever so upset when people call them out for wanting to take the money and run. I’m ever so glad you appreciate these little exchanges and do hope that walkable neighborhood you folks so desperately wanted not so long ago comes to fruition. The goats would love some neighbors.
Hahaha, thanks for the entertaining reads! I genuinely hope that you are able to put that rapier wit to loftier use offline.
“I am Jason’s acerbic rage, watch me craft searing insults for niche communities in Oregon.” I really do appreciate your comments – much headier stuff and literary devices at play than you usually get to see in the comments of the web! Your “lazy, slovenly, coattail-riding, latter-day inheritors” line was a standout. I am being 100% genuine here, whatever disagreements we might otherwise have.
I should have made this clear in my original comment, and truly regret that I didn’t, but I am only a supporter of the smaller 373 acre package that Dirk does a great job of exploring in his latest article. I agree that the additional 1400+ acres is overkill and over reach.
Jason, not only are you a fine upstanding goat guy, you’re alliterative insults, however ill or well founded, make me jealous, and Jules deserves a kudo for equanimity in the face of fire, whew, crabby man, I thought I was fonder of alliteration than fact, you put me to shame .
Jason, the journalistic jewel of Boston, journeyed joyfully to Hillsboro. Leaving the loud, literary life, he longed for lush, leafy landscapes and the gentle, grassy gambols of goats.
This was the definition of a “back room deal,” with the meeting put in a far-too-small space. Shame on Tina Kotek and Janeen Sollman for refusing to look the opposition in the eye as they wheeled and dealed. I am appalled by the anti-democratic process of this land grab.
Were we at the same meeting?
Seats in the main room not assigned. They were open seating first come / first served. Then they allowed standing around the back. Those that arrived after all the seats were taken and first room was filled were directed to a second room that had a live video feed and audio. My wife and I were in that 2nd room along with a bunch of opposition people that decided to rally out front until 5 minutes to 6. We could see and hear just fine. My wife came undecided and left supporting the project.
This was not a question and answer session. The first 45 minutes were a presentation by state, metro, county, and city officials on the plans for this 373 acres. Then the rest of the meeting was open to public comment. 3 comments in support, 3 comments against, 3 comments in support, 3 comments against …. until time was up. Each person got 3 minutes. Anyone that didn’t get a chance to speak or could not complete their statement in the allowed 3 minutes per person can submit written comments to: Oregon.CHIPS@oregon.gov I submitted my comment in support and received an email back acknowledging it was received.
“My wife came undecided and left supporting the project.”
Bud, you’ve been in this comments section for months sounding decidedly decided on the issue. Let’s not pretend you were some hapless unswayed voter who suddenly saw the light.
I mean, you use the exact same talking points: “They don’t want Hillsboro to grow.” “They are here, they got theirs.” (Still have no idea what that means). “Good paying jobs” (which the data center buildout provided few of). Also, I love how “a few hundred people in a city of 110K” is too small for a land use issue but just the right average attendance at a Hops game to warrant a new stadium.
“Jason,” you were better off with the desk jockeys on Reddit. Everyone here has seen Hillsboro grow to great extent. Nobody here questions what that growth has brought the city. But the track record of the last 10 years didn’t build on success in Orenco or meet the capacities of Intel’s Ronler Acres, Jones Farm or Aloha facilities. We’ve seen incentives misspent on lightly-employed data centers and opportunities in solar and adtech wasted as jobs walked out of the city.
The farm preservationists have their own fight, and there’s certainly an argument to be made (successfully up Glencoe, mind you) that the area should be selling its ag usage in more innovative fashion. But the minute the plan for Evergreen and Jackson changed from “let’s build homes and connect neighborhoods” to “let’s sell to the highest industrial bidder and waft emissions over Evergreen Middle,” the North Hillsboro Alliance’s arguments about “pulling up ladders” and “having theirs” pointed the finger back in the group’s direction.
You want this place to grow? Give people affordable places to live, amenities they can walk to and public spaces they can use. You want more people up those ladders? Build homes for hundreds of them, not data.centers for dozens? Want more industry on those 373… a plant or campus with real jobs? Give those people a place to live.
As it exists, SB4 and the governor’s powers don’t allow for the acreage the NHA wants in to be used for anything but industry. As long as that’s the case, and as long as there are homes directly across the street, you’ll.face opposition.
Jason–you crack me up–what an astute, insightful comment:
“Also, I love how “a few hundred people in a city of 110K” is too small for a land use issue but just the right average attendance at a Hops game to warrant a new stadium.”
I too was in the overflow room. You left out the 10 minutes when the video to this overflow– much larger room (which is the main missed point–why use the small room as the main room?) wasn’t working–no couldn’t hear well the whole time. Also, in this overflow room, we had concern we would be called for testimony but have NO idea–since we could hear Nothing! AND the biased way testimony was divided up. See my comment below for more details on that–I kept track. And the fact that Dirk–who (we compared notes) likely one of the very first people to sign up to talk, but was BIPASSED–as neutral (I think only about 3 people in this category spoke), supposedly was in order of sign up. I myself was more towards the end to sign up, as I was outside, came in shortly before it began–at first there were no sign-up cards outside the overflow room. Yet I was called to speak near the end.
Few more details (I kept track) on the Blatantly Biased way testimony was structured. In addition to what Dirk shared above. And indeed–his deliberate exclusion: I signed up way after he did (we compared notes-plus I was part of the overflow room, which didn’t even have cards outside there to sign up with until the last minute–possibly I was one of the first in that group)–I was called to speak towards the end of the hearing.
Facts: First 45 minute presentation — pro of course (did include some good info–I always like to understand issues fully). Followed by 7 Governmental Pro Speakers–will say equitably given 3 minutes each also (with apologies they were being limited in time). Metro DID point out terms of SB 4 is that this can ONLY be used IF an interested Company/Industry comes forward. To date there NO Company has been identified.
Second, finally time for “public testimony”–announced would alternate in groups of 3, Pro and Con speakers. Guess who were called first: Yep–Pro speakers. By my count we had already had 7!