New plan for Orenco development is denied

by Elizabeth Suh,

Thursday November 13, 2008, 1:50 PM

HILLSBORO -- The Hillsboro planning commission has unanimously denied a proposal to add commercial buildings to the plan for the Orenco Woods Crossing neighborhood.

An appeal hearing already has been scheduled.

The five planning commissioners present voted Wednesday to deny Venture Properties' new plan, saying they felt they had made a commitment to cap traffic volume. Two planning commissioners were absent Wednesday.

The original approval was for 252 homes and townhomes on the Orenco Woods Golf Course at Northwest Cornelius Pass Road and Quatama Road. Venture wants to convert some housing to condos and add commercial buildings.

Venture introduced the development plan in 2004 but has been delayed by appeals.

The City Council is scheduled to hear the appeal on the new plan at its meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 at the Hillsboro Civic Center, 150 E. Main St.

-- Elizabeth Suh; elizabethsuh@news.oregonian.com