It’s Time for Signs and Other Revitalization Efforts
On Thursday, September 25, the Commercial Community Involvement Organization (CCIO) hosted a Zoom meeting with local businesses and city officials. During the meeting, we highlighted several simple and essential changes the city should make to support the existing businesses near the Lake on the Commons. We presented results from our CCIO survey, which could immediately boost current businesses’ economic viability. The entire presentation is available on our website at www.tualatincio.org/commercial-cio.
On October 29, the initial city consultant’s report is due. This report is part of a long-term, three-year, three-phase study that began this year and is being carried out by city staff and its consultants. The consultant’s report is based on the city’s survey of residents and businesses. Note that the current budget shows no projects planned by the city for three to five years.
Existing businesses can’t wait that long to solve these very apparent problems. We expect that many of the immediate issues and recommendations listed below will be consistent with the consultant’s report and will improve economic viability immediately.
- The Lake, Commons, and businesses are not visible. Solution – Add the Lake to the Commons directional signs on SW Martinazzi and SW Boones Ferry.
- The lake is often dirty and has a foul smell. Solution – A city-hired consultant will suggest repairs and review maintenance procedures.
- The Core Area Parking signs, which were designed decades ago, are not visible to drivers. Solution – Use standard public parking blue signs and directional signs (see photo).
- Businesses and the Lake are not visible from the parking lots. Solution – Install wayfinding signs to guide customers to those businesses and sites.
- The Lake on the Commons entry sign at SW Nyberg is unreadable. Solution – Install an archway sign at a height that frames the Lake and can be seen by drivers.
- No listing of the Lake on the Commons on ODOT signs. Solution – Apply to ODOT to add it to exit signs and on I-5.
- The enforcement of the A-Frame sign ban is inconsistent, which hurts small businesses. Solution – Amend the Municipal code to allow these signs.
- Local retailers need support with shoplifting training. Solution – The CCIO will contact the Washington County and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, as well as the DA’s Office.
- Tualatin businesses with Lake Grove addresses want to allow food carts to operate on their existing parking lots. Solution – Conduct a survey of companies and measure traffic volume. If supported, amend the Municipal Code to permit the use in that area.
Why does the city need to act? The Lake on the Commons and the surrounding business area involve a complex partnership of park management, multiple property owners, existing structures, multiple public parking lots managed by the Core Area Parking Board, and interior businesses that aren’t visible from the main roads. Signs are often the responsibility of the developer. In this case, the city must act as the developer.
What are our next steps? After reviewing the consultant’s report, the CCIO will compare the business’s recommendations to the long-term recommendations. We plan to present our findings to the Tualatin City Council and ask for their support.
If you have ideas, questions, or concerns you would like to share with us, email tualatincommercialcio@gmail.com.
Riverpark CIO President, Janine Wilson:
RiverparkCIO@gmail.com
East CIO President, Doug Ulmer:
CIO.east.west@gmail.com
Midwest CIO President, Tammy Palumbo:
TualatinMidwestCIO@gmail.com
Martinazzi Woods CIO President, Sallie Olson:
MartinazziWoodsCIO@gmail.com
Ibach CIO President, Patricia Parsons:
TualatiniBachCIO@gmail.com
Byrom CIO President, Tim Neary:
ByromCIO@gmail.com
Commercial CIO President, Catherine Holland:
TualatinCommercialCIO@gmail.com
