The Wizer Block - the puzzle of public-private partnerships

The Lake Oswego Review continues to publish commentary about the proposed Wizer Block development.  This week Gene Wizer, owner of the property, wrote about his decision to develop the block.

The issue is not individual property rights - an owner has the right to develop his or her property as he/she wishes.  Within allowable codes.  However, the Wizer property and all property within Urban Renewal Districts are rarely developed by the property owner themselves.  Once the city becomes involved in property development schemes via redevelopment plans and using urban renewal funds, "ownership" of a development becomes confused.  These "public-private partnerships" blend public money with a private development that must serve multiple masters.

Who decides what happens on the Wizer Block?  If the owner wants maximum control, he/she should be prepared to fund the project on their own.  If the city contributes public funds to the project, then the public has expanded claims on its design and function.

Mr. Wizer is free to choose to develop his property.  But the freedom to do as he pleases disappears when public money is involved.  It's complicated.  Can't we simplify this?  Maybe go back about 30 years and use zoning and codes rather than bribes and detailed plans to direct development?

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From the Lake Oswego Review, Nov. 28 , 2013
"I Choose Development" by Gene Wizer

Excerpts:

"The Wizer block, or Block 137, has been designated by the city for redevelopment since the 1990s because of its location between two already redeveloped blocks, Block 138 (commercial) and Block 136 (commercial and residential). This led to the designation of Block 137 as a mixed-use zone by the city.

Therefore, the city and LORA continue to support redevelopment of Block 137, and I believe the opportunity and time is now to move redevelopment forward. On Aug. 13, 2013, LORA voted to pursue current plans for the property put forth by developer Evergreen Group LLC because they meet the criteria of economic development that provides upscale housing and quality retail in downtown Lake Oswego. 

Currently, the city is faced with two choices for Block 137: 1) Redevelop the property with a tax base 12.5 times greater; or 2) Remodel the present shopping center, essentially keeping the building the same. I choose redevelopment."

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Regarding that last paragraph, it is not the city that has to choose.  The ball is still in Mr. Wizer's court.  And because the property is within an Urban Redevelopment District, the increased tax base will not benefit the city's general fund until the East End URD is finally paid off.