The Confluence at Troutdale is a former brownfield, due to over a hundred years of heavy industrial uses, that The City of Troutdale has spent millions of dollars working with the Department of Environmental Quality to clean up to residential standards. Residential standards are the highest, and most difficult, clean-up standards and allow the site to be ready for any use.
This has been an ongoing effort since 2005, when work on the Troutdale Riverfront Renewal Plan to create an Urban Renewal Area began. An Urban Renewal Area creates a zone in which the increase in property tax revenue generated during a limited period of time can be used towards public improvements. Measure 26-77 was included on the ballot for the May 16, 2006, Primary Election to establish an Urban Renewal Area at the site. Troutdale voters approved it by a 63% to 37% margin, and the City Council subsequently adopted the plan.
The Troutdale Riverfront Renewal Plan created the following goals, which remain true today: Redevelop the area for a mix of uses, expand local goods and services, raise awareness among developers, create local employment opportunities, improve transportation connectivity, enhance access to the Sandy Riverfront, provide public spaces for community use, and preserve and enhance natural, cultural, and historic resources.
After its adoption, clean-up efforts began, which included the demolition of buildings onsite, excavation of rotting sheep remains, soil remediation, and much more. This work took over a decade and was completed in 2021.
The City understands the public's desire for a park at this site, which is why a 4-acre riverfront park and trail is currently under construction adjacent to the site. The disc golf course has been promoted as a pop-up since its creation and has always been intended to be temporary.
This project represents two decades of collaborative planning and work between the government agencies and Troutdale residents. Many public committees and commission have been involved, including the Town Center Advisory Board, Planning Commission, Parks Advisory Committee, Historic Landmarks Commission, Citizens Advisory Committee, and City Council.
We welcome anyone interested in participating and learning more to attend the Town Center Advisory Board meetings, where they will be reviewing proposals and making a recommendation to the URA Board.
