Public Comment, Was No Comment: The Benton County Board of Commissioners on opening the floor at their June 20 meeting for community members to provide public comment, particularly following the failure of Measure 2-140, received none.
During the public comment period the county gave an update on its intent to amp up community outreach and determine concerns and questions that community members may have.
In the month of July, the county will be compiling all public comments about 2-140, and then in August will schedule focus group outreach. In September the county will compile a summary report with all the collected public feedback.
This all goes to what the county said they would do directly after the defeat of their $110 million justice facilities proposal.
In a May release from the county, “Despite the unsuccessful outcome, we are fortunate to have funds in place to proceed with the construction of our new courthouse and District Attorney’s offices. These new facilities will not only ensure the safety of our staff in the face of seismic events but also provide much-needed additional space.”
“While this marks the fourth time over a thirty-year period that a bond measure for new facilities has not passed, this setback will not deter us from continuing to advocate for essential projects that benefit our community as a whole,” continued the release.
Chapel Drive: Benton County residents will notice a reduced speed limit on Chapel Drive amid the ongoing construction in the area.
At their June 20 meeting, Benton County’s commissioners approved a temporary speed limit of 25 miles per hour on Chapel Drive to increase safety for the construction workers and traveling public.
In documents provided by the State of Oregon to the county, they advocated for a temporary speed restriction pursuant to Oregon Revised Statute 810.180.
In addition, the county approved a temporary right-of-way and easement for the area as well. Notably, they will be adding bike lanes.
“By adding bike lanes to Chapel Drive, it will help encourage active transportation options making the community more vibrant and livable and provide alternative healthy transportation options,” said a memo to the county.
Government Comment Corner: Corvallis City Councilor Tracey Yee will be next to host a Government Comment Corner.
Set for June 1, the event will take place from 10 am to noon, at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library – it’s open to the public for anyone wanting to ask questions about local government.
For more details, https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/mc/page/government-comment-corner-councilor-yee-0
https://www.co.benton.or.us/boc/page/bond-measure-2-140-result
By Jennifer Warner
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